2002 Nissan Altima 2.5L

Summary:

OK car with some problems

Faults:

Catalytic converter failed inspection twice.

It needs to be replaced and Nissan only covers 80K miles. I also notice other minor problems with parts. The Nissan Dealer in Rockville, MD would like to charge $1600 for replacing the catalytic converter and another $150 for sensors.

In addition, I was told that the car needs engine cleaning, etc. Since it is a 2002 Altima model with a $4,500 - $5,500 book value, putting another $2,500 - $3,000 in repairs (incl. brakes, engine cleaning, etc.) is not a good option. Nissan customer service was polite, but not helpful. I am going to buy a Toyota.

Isaac (Maryland)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th November, 2006

2002 Nissan Altima S 2.5

Summary:

Will not buy any Nissan car again.

Faults:

My Car's AC went away. My Car's Crank Position sensor went away again in 2 years after they replaced it for a recall.

General Comments:

Car is really good, but parts are very cheap. I had to take it to repair several times for broken parts like AC component and CAM shaft sensor, which drivers usually don't have control over.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2006

2nd Nov 2006, 15:08

This is great -- you're mad at your dealer so you're slamming a good car. How helpful is that for buyers? I'll say none at all. The '01 Altima is a good car. My '00 has over 200,000 miles on it and it's been in the shop only twice.

9th Sep 2009, 02:28

Your '00 Altima has almost nothing in common with the '02 Altima. Completely revised body, totally different engine, different transmission, etc. He is slamming the dealer because the dealer is the first line between customers and the manufacturer, and quite often the dealer stonewalls customers from contacting the manufacturer.

I owned an '02 Altima, and I have to say that the first couple of years I owned it I thought it was the greatest thing on the road. Then at 80K miles (like many many others here) the serious problems started. There's no excuse for a well maintained car to need a new engine at under 150K miles. These things are self destructing at half that. Nissan rushed to production with the '02 Altima without proper testing and we are paying the price for their poor judgment.

Nissan is just d*mn lucky they haven't been sued over this car. There are thousands of '02 Altimas out there that have had to have major engine repairs and/or replacements way too early. The problem is so widespread that it is showing up as the dreaded black circle in Consumer Reports Magazine, indicating that it is way more than just a few unlucky drivers.

I would just encourage everyone who reads this forum to never buy another Nissan product. That is the only way that we REALLY make an impression. It's really amazing... this company had a reputation for producing crap back in the 70's when they flew under the "Datsun" nameplate. For many years they tried to restore their reputation and built high quality small cars. People came back... but I think they really blew it... a lot of us are going away again, and never coming back.

2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 2

Summary:

This car could be one of the most popular cars, if it could stand the test of time, but it can't

Faults:

Crank position sensor replaced 2x.

Excessive oil consumption.

Shoddy Interior - Poor plastic component and inferior seat fabric, EVERYTHING sticks to it.

Far too many recalls.

General Comments:

The car is gorgeous, very classy.

I love the power for a 4 cylinder.

Decent gas mileage for the size, I get about 28 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th October, 2006

2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S

Summary:

Best car money can buy!

Faults:

At 90,000 miles my alternator went out.

At 110,000 miles I had to get a new tie rod.

General Comments:

I loved this car! We got it from a good friend for pay off and two years after we got it the car was still worth 3,000 more than we paid. These cars hold their value better than any car I've seen.

All the repairs we have made on this car have been minor and far between. Its all been things that just break over time (brake pads, alternator, tie rod, tires). Nothing major and not to pricey. I must admit I am not a 2,000 mile oil changer either and I have never had any of these oil problems like I've been seeing.

Also I just lost the car in a 7 car pile up. Going about 70 we came over the top of an over pass and ran into what was already a 3 car pile up. The car rear ended a mini van, it was rear ended by a Dodge ram, and then knocked into the lane next to us and it side swiped another Altima.

I was so impressed I will be getting another one. The entire cab of the car did not move, all 4 doors opened, the dash did not move, and the air bags were soft. We walked out of that reck with only a few minor burns from the seat belts.

The car is totaled, but we are all safe, I recommend it to anyone with kids, my two year old was in the car and didn't have a scratch.

I have to add that people enjoy to complain it seems no one likes to even listen to the good. Of course you will see a lot of negative things on a site like this, but keep in mind, if you were happy with your car would you be getting on line?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2006