Altima's new 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine delivers 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, while the 24-valve V6 offeres 240 horsepower.
Interior volume on the 2002 Altima is actually larger than that of the more expensive Nissan Maxima, registering 2922 litres, up 325 litres from the previous Altima. This is not the same as cargo space, by the way, since it includes the room that the driver would normally use.
All major interior dimensions expand from the previous generation, including front head room and leg room, rear leg room and front and rear hip and shoulder room.
Buyers of the S models will probably want to consider the Convenience Package option for $1,500, since it includes 16-inch alloy wheels/tires, 8-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjust, leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio controls, speed sensitive volume control, auto up/down passenger side window, a power key fob and power windows, trip computer and outside temperature gauge, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, sunvisor extensions, cargo net, and an anti-theft system.
ABS is standard on the SL and SE models, but costs $800 on the S models.
A leather package ($2,800) for the SE model includes leather seating surfaces, simulated leather door trim, heated front seats, Bose audio system with 2 extra speakers (for eight in total), an in dash 6-disc CD changer, a Homelink system, auto dimming rear view mirror, front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags.
