2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL review from North America
"Beautiful, but you are rolling the dice"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Intermittent starting problem, crank position sensor, oil burning problem, turn signals occasionally stop making the 'click' noise, poor heater performance.
General comments?
First of all start out with the positives - the car is absolutely gorgeous. It is ruby with tan leather, a very nice combo.
Then engine is strong for a 4 cylinder, but mileage is only marginally better than the 3.5.
The stereo is very good (bose with 6 CD changer).
The seats are average - the lower cushion is a little short.
Interior materials are low grade hard plastics.
Stock Continental tires are garbage in the snow/ice - replaced with winter tires.
Maybe I received a lemon, but I've had more than my share of problems with this thing - poor heater performance, intermittent flooding when cold (especially when humid), the car burns a litre between oil changes (6000KM), and now the car sits at the stealership waiting replacement of a crank position sensor which went south.
Overall I would say that this car is a rather large disappointment, especially considering I took a chance and bought it instead of a comparably priced accord or camry. I will try my luck with an American car next (considering the Altima is built in America anyway).
Recommended reviews
  | Pretty car, but it's a lemon |
| I feel it is a lemon; it should not have had such major problems just after the warranty expired |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 24 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 66000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 17th December, 2003 |