Used 2002 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
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Reliable
crotch666, 02/17/2016
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car in 2009 for $6,000 and it has and probably will be one of the best cars I will ever have. The only time it ever broke down once on me was in 2015 when the alternator went out. That was a quick and easy fix, and it was back on the road in no-time. I maintenanced this car regularly and it definitely gave back to me. I was in 2 wrecks in it, I would considered mild to bad. Someone rear-ended me extremely hard and the damage to the car was minimal. The other one someone pulled out in front of me and I t-boned them. The bumper was destroyed, but that was it. The other car was totaled. Extremely safe car and very reliable. The gas mileage could be better, but I love this car regardless.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Awesome car
roushfan5, 04/14/2012
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
A lot of people are complaining about their cam shaft sensors. Well my check engine light came on for the exact same problem. Turned out I was just using the wrong type of oil. Make sure you are using 5-30W oil to avoid this problem. After a couple hundred miles with the correct oil in the car the problem went away. Our car is the V6 with a 152,400 miles on it and to date the only problem we've had to fix is replace the seals in the engine, oil cooler and the rear value gasket. The interior is a little cheap I'll admit. But the car def. makes up for it with that fantastic engine. A great car but it has to be maintained
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A solid car with its own Achilles' heel(s)
kismet1113, 05/16/2014
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
29 of 30 people found this review helpful
My '02 Altima has over 200,000 miles on it with little more than normal repairs. Like most Altimas my crankshaft sensor failed around 150k miles. The frame of the car is 100% rust free, except for the floor panels right under the drivers side and passenger side front seats. This again is a common failure with these cars. My radiator started leaking around 150k miles and having to jack the front end of the car up 20" or so off the ground to work the air out of the lines is very annoying, but manageable. At the end of the day I have over 200k miles on the car and have yet to run into repairs I couldn't do myself...and for a woman I can't complain about that.
An excellent trooper
qwerty01, 02/07/2014
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
Purchased my Altima with 75K miles, it now has 191K miles. Nothing really major that I can complain about, it's taken my abuse very well. My CONS would be: Cam Shaft sensor failed around 150K miles. Both rear calipers seized around 100K miles. #4 cylinder ignition coil failed around 175K miles. BOSE CD changer is completely unreliable. Pop out gasoline door is horrendous, I need to use a prybar to get it open. Around 150K miles the car started having intermittent difficulties with engine starts...takes 10-15 seconds to start. Mechanic doesn't have a good solution to the problem. Door actuators seize when it's cold out.
Great car
waynerb66, 02/09/2012
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 59,000 kms on it in 2004. I now have 255,000 kms on it. I have never had anything major go wrong with it. I have replaced the rad, the alternator, the usual stuff, like ball joints and battery. Last year I did have to change some suspension parts. It was a lot of money, but it has a lot of mileage on it. So far it still has the same exhaust on it. It also has the original struts on the front. It doesn't burn oil. I change it regularly between 5000 and 7000 kms. It is starting to show signs of age though. I am having problems starting it. It still starts, it just takes a couple of cranks. Living in Canada, the salt is starting to take its toll also.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! Looks good but repairs are needed every couple of months
chelsey_payne, 10/19/2011
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car my sophomore year of college with 109K on it. As soon as I brought it back to school I started seeing problems immediately. It made this rattling noise when the AC was on at idle and so I took it to the dealership and they said it was the belt. Got that fixed for close to $400 and it still to this day rattles when the AC is on at idle. Had to get the crankshaft pos sensor fixed a few months ago. Every time I get it fixed the check engine light is back on about 2 months later. Now it is losing tons of oil and coolant and I am just being told it needs a cat converter and I don't have the money for it. Only has 123K on it. I am def looking for new car. This car is JUNK!
All good at first
acuralegend95, 07/26/2011
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
The first few years were great, it was fast, clean, and a great car all around. Then around 100k the air bag light turned on and the bose 6 disk changer stopped working and taking cds, took it to the dealer and they checked and said everything was and about to charge me 200+ for a new radio, only fm radio for me. around the same time they said my 02 sensor was bad, it was replaced. No problems for about 20k and then it started to need oil like it was disappearing about a quart every two week. After that started it rattled like crazy. Changed all the spark plugs 3 times and about 5 pairs of brakes. now at 160k i replaced radiator and now sits in the yard in need of a thermostat, and heads...
Money Pit
Valerie, 05/03/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car. Has needed a lot of work biggest complaint: it Burns oil a lot of oil I put oil in it every other day! Oil oil oil! This car should be recalled for the oil problem.
Worst Engine by Nissans Ever
Chris, 06/04/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Only consider purchasing a 3.5L engine do not buy a 2.5L 4 cyl lemon!!! These engines have problems with pre-cat manifold, bolts from intake manifold can potentially enter the cylinders, crank/cam position sensors go bad, heating/AC problems. Other then that the car is great, really liked brakes and suspension, and gas mileage which varied from 21 to 27mpg. I bought the car around 75k-80k miles and it was already loosing oil since I fortunately noticed it right away after I bought it. Car had pre-cat replaced under warranty right before I bought it but the damage to engine from intake bolts or pre-cat was already done. The car mysteriously was losing 1qt of oil every week, after full
Defective Altima
John, 08/17/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The 2002 Altima has defective catalytic converters. The media comes apart and gets sucked into the engine and destroys the rings. That is why so many folks complain about high oil usage. Nissan has abandoned owners and refused to do a recall. Buyer beware when dealing the this car company. My daughter purchased this junker and now can't afford the $4000 to fix it. Google "Altima engine failures" before you buy a Nissan. Who knows what other Nissan's might have wrong with them after 70,000 miles. Owners beware.
Cool Ride!
jrbrad89, 05/26/2012
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Had an 02 Altima 2.5 auto as my first car in 06. Loved it. Found this 3.5 SE with about 95k on it. Great condition. Some minor scratches here and there. Leather interior is sweet. Bose sound system great. Wish it had an MP3 port in the 02. Drove this one from San Diego to upstate NY with no problems. Lowered it 2" for faster handling. Looks cool too. Only thing I dislike is the extensive procedure to change the rear 3 spark plugs. You have to drain the coolant, release the fuel pressure, set the climate control system to a specific settings, remove the intake manifold, replace the spark plugs and replace the intake gaskets. Wheel bearing gone bad now.
Stay Away!
unchainedskydiver, 09/05/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after saving money for two years. As a college student, my commute only involved going to college and back, and work almost everyday. The car started giving me problems from the day I bought it. Cam/crank position sensors, which had already been replaced before because of a recall went bad. Had to pay $400. The head gasket is faulty in these models. Consumes more oil than gas. Ac/heater problems. Suspension has issues. The backlight for radio stopped working. Its a very fragile car. Unless you love wasting your hard earned money, don't buy this car, even if it is handed to you for free. Its a complete piece of junk!
Best first car
Hailey, 09/13/2015
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I got this car the day I turned 16 with 119,000 miles on it. before purchasing the only thing I know was done was the head gasket was fixed. since then we have got new breaks! it sounds like I need new spark plugs due to the car shifting weird and freaking out when going up hills. other than that I wouldn't want another first car! I think as long as you maintain it well and don't go drifting and speed racing then this car is perfect. I have had the car for more than 1 year and it now has 123,000 miles on it and still loving it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great car
joe c, 05/09/2017
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Make sure heat works, besides that amazing car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
consider yourself forewarned
lmth10, 07/28/2012
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought my 02 altima in 2005 with 26k miles. Loved it at first; did all the recommended maintenance; highway mpg 26 but it seemed like I was always spending money on things going wrong that never occurred with my family's hondas and toyotas. My catalytic converter was replaced and less than a year later the engine light came on signaling it needed to be redone. My car also wouldnt start and I got a new crank shaft sensor and that took care of the problem for a few months until it happened again. Got another crank shaft sensor and cam shaft sensor and it still wouldnt start regularly! Finally the mechanic said I needed a new gasket which could cost $2500. I traded it in for $2k with 114k mil
Excellent car, 144,000 miles
Andrew, 03/23/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in Dec 01 when new styling came out. 3.5 engine very powerful. Only had minor issues (light bulb for miles display went out early on) some recalls initially. Again nothing major. At 144K, windshield wipers stopped working and I spent $200 to get fixed. Now it is leaking antifreeze and given I need new tires and new battery I decided to trade it in. Definitely worked out well for me though.
Edmonds pays off again
jerry45205, 04/25/2011
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
My son re3ceived this car as a gift. It was very clean for the age. As soon as he got it he did an Edmonds review and this is what happened: He ordered a direct bolt on stainless steel racing header from optionimports on e bay motors, The main cat had already been removed. We eliminated the orig header/manifold which contains the problem pre-cat and the header went right on. Upon further examination of the car it looked like the engine had been replaced. Tell tale signs were the junkyard yellow marker markings on the side of the engine. Car body has 90,000 miles-after even more inspection could very well be a newer 2.5 engine as it was clean-as in oil and tranny fluid.So looks like a win.
Buyer Beware
S Cantino, 09/26/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car with 56,000. Soon discovered what others have been talking about. Prepared myself for the worse and at 90,000 the catalytic converter self destructed. Caught it in time and replaced with new. Shortly thereafter the head gasket problem surfaced and the transmission needed to be replaced. Far more repairs than one would expect from Nissan. The engine problems should be addressed. There are better cars out there.
With proper maintenance, a good car
tjonston, 10/08/2011
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 02' Altima from the original owner with 112k and it now has about 164k. Overall, it has been a good car with reliability that is comparable to Honda cars I've had. Apparently, there was a problem with the catalytic converter for the first couple of years of this version of the Altima but the first owner's mechanic had the foresight to swap it out and there has been no problems at all. The performance is great and so is the fuel mileage- I get close to 30 mpg on the freeway.For me, it has just been regular oil changes so I am pretty happy.
209,4xx Miles and Dying Strong
Joe K., 02/25/2019
updated 03/01/2021
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Honestly, I want to like the car, however there are just too many problems. Sure, it is my fault for buying it used with 171,000 on it and clear signs it was wreaked at least once. In the 2 years of owning this car I have replaced the oil pan (rust), driveshafts, valve cover gasket, PCV, plugs, coil packs, right front hub assembly, exhaust manifold, o2 sensors, battery, alternator, the pipe off the exhaust manifold, trunk seal, front passenger window regulator, and then little plastic bits like the clip that holds the hood prop. Being a full time college student and doing my own repairs hasn't helped I have dumped a lot of money into the shitbox...I understand that a car of that milage and age would have problems but even then this is the worst I have seen. Right now this that need replacement is a long list starting with yet another front passenger window regulator and a the rear breaks. The car is now stalling when warm and is getting worse. The scary part is this is my only car and my daily driver. I have done some research so if I get this stalling issue fixed I will update. My overall advice, based on my own experience and read the reviews here...RUN!!! GTFO!!!...this car is the biggest money pit I have ever seen and I have no choice but to feed it...*sigh* I hope you are doing the right research before buying DO NOT DO WHAT I HAVE DONE! Learn from my mistakes... everything still stands but that damn thing is gone and I got $950 for it. I did fix the breaks and the stalling. It had 213,000 something miles on it when I sold it. I don't own any more!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I like the car
_boone_, 12/15/2013
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
i like the car I haven't had any problems out of it besides the usually up keep of the car I honestly don't see how it has so many bad reviews like really what are some of you looking to get out of the car
Beware when you go over 100K miles
Bill, 08/21/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car was great until 100K miles. Since then replaced cat converter, O2 sensors, fuel door and driver side door handle and now the head gasket blows. Went on other forums and it's a typical problem that was known by Nissan. Won't buy another Nissan. Don't buy a used 2002 Altima.
Wonderful car
02Altima, 08/05/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in November of 2001 and now have 166k miles on it. I've never once had a problem with it, mechanical or otherwise. I've done all the routine maintenance and it's been a dream. Just know that most people writing reviews are only doing so to complain. This is the best car I've ever owned and at least 5 friends of mine have bough Nissans based on what they've seen from my car. When the time comes for something new I'm definitely buying Nissan again!
Stay away from thw 2002 Altima
Gone Driving, 04/18/2004
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is just shy of 2 years old and has had a new catalytic converter, radiator, engine mount, heater core and ABS sensor. It has ongoing problems with vibration and wind noise which have still not been corrected . There is rust on one of the engine brackets which according to Nissan has no metal in it. The car had starting problems. The brakes have no power assist in very cold weather for the first minute or two after starting the car. Unfortunately all the excitement that I had when I bought this car has turned into lack of confidence in Nissan Products.
A fine, reliable car
dinoman, 11/13/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new for its huge interior and exciting acceleration. It won out over the current Accord (much smaller interior, bland) and Camry (boring, slow, awful brake feel). Have had to replace the hood prop rod catch and took it to dealer for drive belt squeal when started cold. That is it. Pretty good for 92,000 miles and eight years!
Manufactuing defect.
Carl Carlson, 07/18/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My wife and I really enjoyed our Altima, we had 92000 on it and planed on another 100000. But to our dismay we found that the passenger floor board had nearly completely rusted out, shades of the 50s. It was so bad that when you put your hand on it it felt like a sponge. The dealer and the company did not care about this and would do noting that had to be a manufacturing defect. We will never buy another car from that dealer or company. We have bought a 2009 Mazda6 and love it.
Best Purchase Ever
Hanz, 12/16/2018
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The only used car I bought that lasted me without needing major repairs past 200k! This thing can handle my road rage. I have a bad habit of speeding up and this engine hits 60 in seconds. Like others mentioned, the camshaft sensor did need replacing, but if that's the only major repair I've done I am happy! Smooth, fast, and spacious. Buy it asap.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Do not Buy !!
Big T, 07/13/2005
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got mine used and already replaced the cataytic converter for $500. Plus the car burns oil. Just a poor job by nissan. Wouldn't advise anyone to buy one.
Takes a hit well
salesman, 11/08/2008
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car a couple of years ago with 70000 mi now has 171000 still show room new with no problems. oil changes syn oil, new tires firehawk gt are the best I found for this car. I even hit a deer and it made sense to fix the car.Was looking at new tdi jetta and couldn't do it, spoiled with this car.
2002 car of the year... NOT!
1969iggy, 03/01/2004
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So many things have gone wrong, and the dealership (Armory Nissan in Albany, NY) is not what you'd call "customer friendly:...
My 2003 Altima
Anthony1975, 10/23/2003
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a hot ride. Even though I have the 4 cyl., it handles great-- nimble and sporty and has enough pep without having to sacrifice premium fuel (as the v6 requires). I really love the car but I just bought it in June, have 3,500 mi. on it and have already had to bring it to the dealership for a recall and a new radiator. There was a small leak in the seal of the radiator. It's kind of early to tell how reliable this car will be, but overall I would buy it all over again. It seems solid and has great precision!
A gift and a curse
autobuffsince5, 01/02/2011
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a gem to look at even at 8 years, however, I will NEVER buy another Nissan product. After very wet weather the car has a hard time starts. The head gaskets wore and have leaked coolant which fouls the plugs and the 02 sensors. This problems has re-occured every since I hit 80k. Any bump dings it up easily and the car feels very unsubstantial. Abslolute must to change the stock tires. (terrible in snow). The AC does not defrost and it struggles to cool the car down. Overall the car has a phenomenal engine, but it seems that Nissan knows the engine craps out. They refuse to be accountable for this. Wonderful engine but go cart fit, finish and quality. Ur lucky to get 6 good years..
Lemon
davidp, 10/20/2003
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Two months into the second year of ownership, the car started to burn oil. Nissan replaced the engine block. Next, the clutch would not disengage. The car went to the shop and Nissan adjusted the clutch. This helped for about one month. Next, the car stranded my wife on the side of the interstate. Dealership towed the vehicle to their shop. They then replaced the Clutch master cylinder and seals. Now you can feel the bearings grinding through the clutch pedal. Today, the dealership will get the car back for more work. This car has been driven more by Nissan than by me or my wife. I intend on asking Nissan to replace the whole car.
My Altima 3.5 SE
findodell, 02/03/2002
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have had my Altima 3.5 SE for 2 weeks. Pros: Performance, Exterior(I've had at least 8 total strangers compliment my car..3 of whom thought it was a Lexus), Interior (huge, luxurious & nice in black). Cons: Large turning radius, slightly noiser & roughier ride than Camry/Accord, Some cheap plastic Overall...great, livable car for the commute/family with awesome power & fun to drive aspects....Now I just have to worry about tickets...
Great looking car... that's all
mcitv08, 09/03/2008
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My "used to have" 2002 Nissan Altima was a great looking car, even up to the end when I traded it in last week. The comfort and ride quality is excellent. Amenities with the vehicle are to a minimum but overall the car is very nice. However this car does have many issues. The car at 97k miles had been burning oil (a qt a week) thus flooding the motor to where it can't start. 02 sensors were bad, fuel pump went out twice, recalled gas tank, very cheap interior materials. However when the car did run, of which it did very well 90% of the times, it drove smoothly and quietly.
Very Unhappy
Mark_ace7, 04/02/2002
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If it drove as good as it looks, I would be very happy. My stick grinds into 2nd and 3rd and the dealer says its normal. The car also vibrates a great deal from external noise (other cars, trucks, etc..) The vibration is strong in the stering wheel, pedals, and stick. I want my old car back.
Wow, this is fun to drive
j7469, 03/07/2004
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I decided to try a Nissan. I went and test drove a 3.5 SE Altima. Just 30 seconds into the test drive and I knew this was the car for me. I immediately appreciated the drive by wire accelerator, I also couldnt help but noticed on my first turn how well the Altima handled and the lack of body roll was impressive. The car is sharp, looks like an expensive sports car. The comfort of the vehicle is good however I have yet to take a road trip of more than 2 hours. The leg room is impressive. If youre looking at a mid- size V6 car then do yourself a favor and at least test drive the Altima, you won't be sorry.
Wow!
colebob, 05/15/2002
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my last choice of car to check on my list of Honda, Passat, Toyota, Mazda, even BMW. I took a test drive & bought it! Incredible power in the engine! Drove a Suburban 7 yrs & was scared of a small car & no power. I got this car black & loaded with all the bells. Have 480 miles on it & people stop me all the time to say how cool the car looks. I'm very happy & would recommend to anyone.
Complaint
Cadet, 03/10/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is better to buy car in the 90s now. Nissan Altima 2002 is a piece of trash. After only 61000 miles, I have to replace the head gasket which is cost a lot of money.The car consumed more oil than gas. Please stay away from Nissan Altima. I used to be in love with Nissan for so many years but know,many I will buy the older one .
Great Style, Great Performance. Reliable
deftech, 02/02/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 10000 miles on it. I now have 80000 miles on it and have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. The big 2.5L cylinder has lots of power and is fun to drive. The cabin has more room than other cars in its class. The good fuel economy is just another plus.
Don't let them fix it!
brandon11111111, 12/23/2003
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Yeah, it sounds strange, but don't take your car in forthe "cold weather shutdown" recall. They will install a screen that is capable of blocking ice crystals from getting to the fuel pump. Since that was done to our car, the car has shut down 3 times in any weather! Basically the accelerator stops working. It's as if you put your car in neutral, but if you try to use your accelerator, nothing happens. Doesn't even rev. I know this has happened to several Altimas because the dealership couldn't figure out what was wrong and called Nissan who said they have no idea, but that these complaints are coming in heavy.
Altima is a nightmare!!!
Don't buy this car!!, 05/06/2006
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Don't buy a 2002+ Altima! I bought one and even the Nissan mechanics always tell me how unreliable it is. At just 1 1/2 years old, they replaced the engine! 6 months later my car was overheating and they put in a new radiator. Then it was under warranty, but I still got charged $800 because, when it was stalling and the dealer didn't realize it was the faulty engine (not unusual for these cars) they said I must pay the money to get it "fixed" and it wouldn't stall anymore. I never was refunded the money, even though it was under warranty, it kept stalling even with the $800 worth of "repairs", and the engine was replaced three weeks later.
Buying 2002 Altima - BIG MISTAKE!
Jewels83617, 09/28/2004
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car towed 3x and in the shop 6x all for failure to start but told that it was a different cause each time. I've had the throttle body replaced, parking sensor replaced, 3 recalls fixed, and the alarm system taken out all because they were blamed for failure to start (this all happened in the first 7 mos of ownership, bought brand new). I have since taken it in 2x for failure to start and they blame us by saying that we flooded it, as far as I know these kind of cars can't flood. I knew after my Sentra not to buy Nissan again but this time I really learned my lesson, what a waste of my money and time!
new engine
87000, 07/11/2006
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
my car is not over 100,000 miles and already had to get a new engine and other expensive parts
Stalls out check engine comes on
2.5s, 05/16/2010
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
When driving the car would cut out, lose power but still be running, tach would jump up and down press on gas no response, had car in Nissan dealer many times they were playing the guessing game, replaced throttle body, computer, complete wiring harness, car is doing same as before started last night, I just put a new fuel pump, plugs 126.000 mi. Have not checked check engine code yet. Thanks
Would not reccomment another Nissan
Prof, 10/25/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the Nissan altima 02 new and had planned o drive for at least 10 yrs. In the beginning it had recalls every other 3 mths. Every thing was ok since I made sure I took it in for every service the manufacturer recommended. This was until it go to 95,000 miles. It could not start in the mornings and the dealer said I had to replace the head gasket ($1500). This is after they replaced the body throttle 2 weeks before ($600). 3 mths later it just loses power while driving on the highway. I took it to the Nissan dealer 3 times ad they could not figure the problem out. I drove it to 3 mechanics who could not fix the problem. I had to buy another car. I do not recommend Nissan car to anyone. That engine?
WHAT A LEMON !!
Ty01453, 06/30/2005
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
bought this car 6 months ago (used) and it already needs a new motor. What a waste of my $$. For your own sake stay away from 2002 used altimas.
ITS A PIECE OF JUNK!!!
machelas, 10/28/2011
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 15 people found this review helpful
When i got it it drove perfectly but now it needs oil evry other day, it rattles like crazy. all i can say about this car is; Dont buy it!! Its a piece of junk. will never buy a Nissan again even if its offered for free. Shame on you Nissan for taking advantage of hard working Americans.! Forget Nissan. Would appreciate if they come pick up their junk in my back yard.
What a BLAST to own !
Psyched Out !, 04/29/2002
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This being my first car was not on my list because I didn't think I could afford it. Not only could I afford it,I would never have known what I was missing out on. Performance,luxury,style,class,etc. Nissan is good,this cart is great. It is the Lexus of Nissan. Who needs a Maxima! Hurry,go buy one,so you too can write your review.
Excellent Car
oc344, 03/09/2009
2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great. No mechanical issues over the three years I have owned the car. I bought it used with 31K miles and have put over 60K miles. Oil change and brakes and tires over the three years. Excellent design inside and out. Very fast with great pick up from dead stop. Takes corners like its on rails. Going to buy a 2007 Altima in a couple of days.