Driving Impressions

The first thing anyone will notice when driving the 2002 Altima is the amount of power that's available. The standard four-cylinder engine pumps out 180 horsepower. That's considerably more power than what's offered by the Honda and Toyota four-cylinder engines, which is what most Accords and Camrys come with. What's more, the Altima's 181 pounds-feet of torque is better than that of its closest competitors, and torque is the force that gives the driver a sense of power, propelling the car away from intersections and up hills. The majority of buyers will be happy with the smooth performance of the four-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder works well with an automatic transmission, though the standard manual offers quicker acceleration and better fuel economy. The Altima pulls strongly from a start and the transmission shifts promptly between 40 and 60 mph for quick passing maneuvers. The 2.5-liter engine is more economical than the 3.5-liter V6; the federal government estimates 23/29 mpg city/highway for the four-cylinder engine versus 21/26 for the V6 (both with manual transmissions). A 20-gallon fuel tank, considerably larger than most, means the Altima can go a long way between fill ups. The power rack-and-pinion steering gives precise control with just the right amount of feedback. Ride and handling are exemplary thanks partially to a newly designed multi-link rear suspension, which incorporates aluminum parts to keep the weight of the suspension down. Although it might not be a BMW, the Altima should not disappoint those who want a good handling car without sacrificing a nice ride. The SE model's 240-horsepower V6 engine is even more impressive. The V6 turns the Altima into a real sports sedan, especially when paired with the five-speed manual transmission. SE models come with a suspension with specially tuned spring rates, shocks, anti-roll bars, and speed-rated tires for sharper handling response. It's great fun to drive. Don't tell Nissan we said so, but it's more fun to drive than the Maxima. That's not surprising given that the Altima is a newer, more sophisticated design.

Final Word

The 2002 Nissan's Altima is an impressive new midsize car. It's one of those somewhat rare family sedans that actually stands out in the crowd and delivers on the expectations set by its looks. Nissan's Maxima has long been a favorite with people who like a car with some pizzazz, but you'll have to spend well over $24,000 to get a Maxima with its standard V6. The Altima is available with a four-cylinder engine for considerably less money, and it's a roomier car. Ironically, if you want performance, the V6-powered Altima is probably a better bet than a Maxima because it's lighter and more responsive, and it costs less. For those who want something different from the ever-popular Accord and Camry, the 2002 Nissan Altima is an attractive alternative in more ways than one.