2002 Nissan Altima: Road Test
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2002 Nissan Altima ▼
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- MSRP: $16,649 -$23,149
- Invoice: $16,007 -$21,046
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Our road test for the 2002 Nissan Altima includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Nissan Altima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Nissan Altima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Nissan Altima help you decide if a 2002 Nissan Altima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
Nissan forecasts 4 cyls at 80 percent of Altima sales, and our test 2.5 S with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec. That's competitive with rival 4-cyl Honda Accords and Volkswagen Passats, slightly quicker than Toyota Camrys we've tested. But Altima's 4 cyl is noisier and somewhat coarser than its rivals. The robust V6 is as smooth and responsive as any. Test automatic-transmission 3.5 SE did 6.9 sec 0-60 (Nissan estimates 6.3 with manual), putting the 3.5 SE among quickest midsize sedans.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Extended-use-test 2.5 S averaging 22.9 mpg over its first 8717 mi. Test 3.5 SE/automatics averaged 17.6 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests, and 24.9 mpg in driving inflated by much highway travel. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the V6. Altima's 20-gal fuel tank is largest in midsize-car class.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Comfortable and controlled; 4-cyl models particularly absorbent over ruts and crests. More-aggressive tires firm 3.5 SE's ride, but it's not jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Good overall, despite two flaws: overly sensitive steering feel in straight-line cruising, and torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in rapid acceleration. Torque steer particularly prevalent with V6. In corners, wider tires improve 3.5 SE's roadholding vs. other Altimas. And all have a broad turning circle that annoys around town and in parking lots. ABS-equipped models have good brake performance, but sudden stops from high speeds upset stability on non-ABS test cars.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Good suppression of road and wind noise, though some test models suffered a metallic drumming resonance on coarse pavement. Growling 4-cyl engine intrudes in rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Deep-set instruments brightly backlit for great readability even in daylight. Dashboard contemporary, user-friendly, though not all testers like wiggle-worm automatic-transmission gate. Crude shift action on early test manual-transmission models. Obvious cost cutting has cabin rife with low-budget plastic, and tinny clang of trunk lid and exterior panels disappoints. Altima frustrates here, where Accord, Passat, Camry shine.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Generous head room. Good leg room, seat comfort, and bolstering. Driver seat height-adjustable in all but base model. All have height-adjustable center armrest. Separate levers for steering-wheel tilt and telescope. Outward visibility hampered slightly by tall rear deck and occasional reflections from light-colored dashboard tops.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Large, wide door openings. Comfortable, well-contoured seating. Plenty of knee and toe space. Head room for those over 5-ft-8 constrained, and 3-across adult-seating a squeeze. Two cupholders in folding center armrest.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Wide trunk, low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area. Standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback adds versatility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
Altima isn't as refined or well-built as a Camry, Accord or Passat, but it is strong on features for the money and has a spunky personality--though torque steer makes the 3.5 SE a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs and are the best values. The $799 option that includes ABS and side and curtain airbags is money well spent on any Altima you choose.
Total Score
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 59 | 60 | 59 | 54.6 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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