2002 Nissan Altima SE review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Mass Air Flow Sensor failed at 38,000 miles. The dealer wanted an incredible $480 for the part. O'Reilly Auto Parts was the only parts house that offered a replacement part and their cost was $250.
General comments?
This car is a sleeper. It is amazingly quick and responsive for a Sedan.
Ordinarily I would wonder why there aren't more of the 3.5 liter versions on the roads. However, when I tried to purchase a new 3.5 Liter Altima SE or LE fully loaded, none of the 6 dealers within a 70 mile radius of me had one in stock. Only one dealer had a stripped down version for me to test drive. I was told nobody wants the 3.5 liter version and was directed to the dozens of 2.5 Liter models on the lot!
Fortunately I was able to find a well kept used model and now I laugh as I pass the many four cylinder Altimas on the road.
If I drive conservatively, on the highway I can average 28 MPG! I understand the 2.5 liter gets only around 30 to 32 MPG. However 90% of my driving is done in a far less conservative mode and I still average around 24 MPG!
This car is just plain fun to drive and I can't imagine any reason to settle for the four cylinder model.
Recommended reviews
| Pretty car, but it's a lemon |
|
| A few problems, but very reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.5 Liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 28000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 39000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 10th July, 2005 |