Faults:

Was just made aware of a recall for the rear sub-frame (being fixed today).

General Comments:

Nice roomy car, huge upgrade in comfort from my 1995 Toyota Corolla.

Corners well up to about 45 mph. Starts to squeal and lose traction above that. Would probably handle better with better performance tires.

Lots of low-end torque. Acceleration from a dead stop is very quick and responsive.

Very sporty looking car for a mid-size sedan.

Expansive trunk space, which is made even better by the 60/40 split of the back seats.

Faults:

I also have recently had the Service Engine Light go on at 89,000. The dealer said I needed the Head Gasket replaced. I am still looking into my options, rather than spend $1,400. There really is no symptom other than the light. I would like a second opinion, but am trying to not throw good money after bad.

General Comments:

A car which has not seen extreme conditions and has had regular maintenance, should not have to have the cylinder head gasket replaced at 4 yrs old and 89K miles. What's up with this?

Faults:

I bought my 2002 Altima in late 2001. I started having problems from the beginning. First the car would not start so I'd have to have it towed to the dealer (at least 5 times). Next I would hear a rattling noise that usually indicated low or dirty oil. I informed the dealer of this and that the AC would not alternate from cool to warm (mostly warm).

I complained while my car was under warranty and then after my car was out of warranty they say that I have a blown head gasket and need to have a new engine. I can't afford $5,000 for a car that I depended on lasting at least 7 years. My girlfriend got one the right after me and is now experiencing the same problems.

Faults:

13,000 miles needed 2 new tires.

20,000 miles needed 2 more new tires.

22,000 miles major brake squeal; had to replace all pads and front rotors.

Cheap cupholder has broken 6 times since owning the car.

33,000 miles back seats wearing dramatically due to the sun.

45,000 miles on a trip back from Texas, A/C went out completely. Apparently due to a major crack somewhere.

Around 55,000 miles the front passenger window has broken loose of it's frame work and rattles incredibly when the door is opened and closed, but the window motor still works.

General Comments:

This car is amazing when it comes to taking long trips; if you don't pay close enough attention to your gauges, you'll be doing around 100mph and think you're cruising at about 80.

Awesome pickup speed on the interstate when passing as well as intercity driving.

Very roomy on the inside and is perfect for carrying 4 passengers and a trunk load of belongings, at a high rate of speed.

Since 2002 was the debut of the 3.5 V6 engine, I guess it's to be expected that the interior would be comparable to the quality of older altimas.

The driver seat is not comfortable at all on long or short trips. I constantly find myself having to adjust the seat 4 or 5 times and the steering wheel about 3 times to get everything in the right position.

This car has a lot of understeer, especially in wet weather, and if you let the tires go beyond the usual treadwear, even just a little bit, you'll find your car making friends with every crack and bump in the road, as the car will actually lose some control everytime you hit a bad section of road.

Mechanically, the car is flawless, but the interior is incredibly cheap, and would recommend getting the windows tinted immediately after purchasing to prevent the leather from cracking so soon.