2002 NISSAN Altima

Best first car

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 4

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.

A solid car with its own Achilles' heel(s)

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

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

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

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.

I like the car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

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

consider yourself forewarned

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

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

Cool Ride!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

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.

Awesome car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

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

Great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

ITS A PIECE OF JUNK!!!

Performance: 1 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

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.

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! Looks good but repairs are needed every couple of months

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

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!

With proper maintenance, a good car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

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.

All good at first

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

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...

Edmonds pays off again

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 3

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.

A gift and a curse

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

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..

Motors are junk

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

I will never buy another nissan altima or nothing in nissan the motors are junk and will not hold up i have spent a fortune on this junk pile and i am going to buy another car as soon as possible shame on you nissan for selling junk!

Buyer Beware

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

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.

Stay Away!

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

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!

Defective Altima

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

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.

Wonderful car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

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!

Stalls out check engine comes on

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

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

Money Pit

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

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.

Excellent car, 144,000 miles

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

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.

Complaint

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

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 .

Buyer Beware

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Ever since i bought the car the clutch would stick down in the bottom but it never happened frequently enough for the problem to get resolved and they always claimed that there was nothing wrong with. At 114000 miles my engine started to knock and i later found out coolant was leaking into my engine through a bad head gasket. $3000 later a used engine was installed and now I'm looking to repair a head gasket issue on this newly installed engine at 160000 miles. Never again will i purchase and Altima!!

Great Style, Great Performance. Reliable

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Better than average vehicle

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

While this car has had many recalls since first purchased it has been a very reliable vehicle. It was my parents before they gave it to me, and as a student, I find it great to own. It's fun to drive, looks nice, and gets average fuel economy. Other than the recalls, I have only had minor issues with the vehicle. I have no complaints. Love it!

A fine, reliable car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

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!

Would not reccomment another Nissan

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

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?

Stay Away!!!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

I bought my Altima 7 months ago, and I finally got rid of it. I feel sorry for the person who bought it. I am a college student and cannot afford huge maintenance cost on this lemon. I have noticed most of the complaints are with S, and SL trims. The only major flaw with this car is the excessive oil consumption, and this model burns oil like crazy it does not even leak. It surely is a lemon, I didn't spend a lot on it except had keep up with oil replacement twice a month, which sounds really awful for a car that was rewarded as car of the year back in 2002. Nissan got bad reputation because of this car. Now I am looking forward to buy MAXIMA 6th GEN. They are a lot powerful and reliable.

200k and very pleased

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Purchased from a friend with approx 175000 in '06. She did a lot of interstate driving so the miles where high but the car was in great shape. The only major issue has been leaking valve cover gaskets, but nothing else of importance for the past 6 years (time we've owned it and previous owner) the car has an amazing amount of cabin space is very comfortable for me even in the back seats (I'm 6'2") we average 27 to 29 mpg depending on how much in- town or highway driver.

Aging quickly

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

I loved the new car. My first car ever. Had a lot of fun with it but getting pretty tired of it. I had a recall issue with the engine crankshaft when it was 2 yrs old .. spoiled my vacation. The car has failed to start on half a dozen occasions. Lately I've been getting a cylinder misfire. The car also started knocking about 3 months ago so I went back to 87 octane fuel. I've also noticed a lack of power recently. Or maybe its because I am hesitant to push it now because of all the reliability issues. I have 85k on it and hope to get it to 6 digits before letting it go.

Beware when you go over 100K miles

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

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.

Nice car but engine problems

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

I've owned this car since 2002. Only owner and I took it back the dealership each time for a decent oil change service. For some reason unknown to us, our engine had to be replaced after about 50k miles. At first the dealership wanted to make us pay for it, but arguing with Corporate Nissan helped us get it for free (after warranty ran out.) Some other minor repairs but overall not a bad car except for the engine issue.

Manufactuing defect.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

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.

Nissan Delivers Again

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is great,I bought it the same year it got the new body in 2002.I always trusted nissan,my first was a 1985 maxima,then a 1990 maxima,a 2001 quest and of course the 2002 altima.This car only has 49000 miles on it to this day it is always in mint condition.

Worst Engine by Nissans Ever

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

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

love my new car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We just bought this use car and I have fallen in love with it! It has so much get up and go. It is sharp looking. I drive a lot for work and am so glad I bought this car!

Loved it, but time to move on?

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car used from a rental company about 5 years ago. It had 37,000 miles and I am very near 110,000 now. Most expensive repair was window switch which was less than $100.00. Just had to replace the sending unit to the transmission yesterday and my mechanic said not to expect more than 25,000 - 30,000 more miles before needing a new transmission. Now trying to decide if I should sell it or spend the $2500 - $3000 on the transmission and hope it lasts me a few more years. Overall this car has been very reliable and I love it. Hope I can find a reliable newer one as my next car!

unreliable and annoying

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

First car I ever bought new. Had fun driving for a few years, but had 1 serious engine problem (a screw came loose and fell into the piston chamber, would have destroyed the engine if not caught. Had many many many problems with body interior and exterior. Gas cover bent so badly I couldn't open to fill my tank anymore. Replaced, and a year later it happened again. Gave up replacing and now I just drive without the cover... Looks ridiculous. Inside everything is falling apart: standard shifter cover broke within months, doors and glove comp. Rattle, moldings fall off and break... Body not only 'looks and feels' cheap in/out, it really is cheap. I will never buy Nissan again.

Excellent Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Takes a hit well

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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.

Great looking car... that's all

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

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.

Do not buy this car!

Performance: 1 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

I had my engine and cat converter replaced in Aug of 07 free of charge due to only having 78,000 miles on my car. But they charged me for replacing my O2 sensors which was $450.00. Just last month in April one of my ignition coils went bad. Dealership wanted to replace all four. I declined and just got the bad one replaced. Two weeks ago my car stalled out on me when I was getting off the freeway, and I was barely able to drive it to the nearest dealer. Intake manifold and gaskets were damaged; they also recommended changing my spark plugs. Bottom line is these cars are pieces of crap, no matter how much money you invest in these cars to fix them something else is bound to go wrong.

Generally a good car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought it new in April of 2002. It had it's share of recalls but no more any other car. I did experience the hard starting and the dealer did fix the problem with chip re-programming. The paint on the front of the car will chip very easily and I noticed other Altimas with the same problem. The balancer shaft in the engine went bad at 61250 miles and wiped out the engine. That's right, 1250 miles out of warranty. Nissan told me, "Out of warranty, tough". The car sat at the dealer for over 2 months and the dealer finally agreed to pay for half of the repair costs. It has run flawlessly since then. I love the car, I am taller than most people and this car fits me.

Engine Failed at 95k miles

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

Pre-catalyst came apart at 95k miles after a recall supposedly fixed the problem. The pre-cat came apart and is close enough to the cylinders that it ruined the engine (the 2005+ models have the pre-cat moved farther away to permanently solve this problem). Nissan has rejected all warranty claims on any cars outside of 60k miles. $4600 to fix it. The only permanent fix is an aftermarket header that puts car out of emissions compliance.

2002 Nissan Altima 2.5

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

When the car works it's great, when it doesn't, it's such a hassle. Had problems from the beginning, bought it the first year they came out with the new body style. In winter, back doors wouldn't shut until the car warmed up. Had TONS of recalls! Very inconvenient. Car still has problems starting, something about the gas flooding into something, and I have to sit there with my foot on the gas holding it down until it does start. And supposedly there's no way to fix this problem. Such a headache. The car isn't worth all this trouble.

Safety issues

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

This car was bought new in 2002. I loved the styling, room, and power. It seemed to be a a great value compared to Toyota and Honda. Then the recall notices started. One involved the crankshaft sensor. It seemed the car could lose power while driving at any speed. It shut down while on the interstate at 65 mph. Sheer panic!! I was lucky to make it off to the shoulder. The crankshaft sensor was replaced (2005). Just two weeks ago it went out again while pulling out across traffic. I was almost broadsided. We paid for this new sensor. Forget customer service, five unreturned calls and no help. This could have been a really good car, but it is dangerous. I am trading.

So reliable

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought my 3.5 on the internet, sight unseen. Best deal and was lucky to come across it. 2002 w/12000 miles on it, one owner, traded in to same dealer for newer vehicle. Responsive handling, nicely thought out interior features, got 31 mpg driving from Cincinnati to Ft Myers. Never a moment of trouble. I love the sporty look with the spoiler. Bose 6 CD had superb sound. I researched cars for about a year before purchasing. Altima had the biggest trunk in its class, and the most knee room in the backseat. Its fuel efficiency couldn't be beat. It pretty much created its own class. The only reason I got rid of it was to trade it for a 2006 with warranty, but selected same colors! Loved it.

Had it for 5 years, still love it.

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I'm this car's first owner, and all I've ever had to do was change a battery. Incredible reliability, a fun drive with great cornering, a sharp look (this was the first model year with the redesign), value. This was the first car I bought on my own and it was a solid purchase. I didn't get many fancy options (cloth interior, vinyl) but it still looks quite nice inside.