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2002 Nissan Altima Road Test

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Khatir Soltani

The same must be said for its exterior design that incorporates clean, sharp European influenced lines. Two triangular projector headlamps flank its menacing blacked-out grille. A long, elegant hood sweeps into its steeply raked windscreen that reaches back to an aggressively stubby rear trunk via a gracefully arced roofline. Its waistline lifts gently from the top edge of the front wheel cut-outs to the apex of the trunk where it meets with racy clear plastic taillights. Clearly it doesn't have a bad angle.

Actually, there doesn't seem to be a single bad angle when balancing its vices and virtues either. The virtues win hands down. With class leading performance, a feature-laden interior and great looks all for an extremely competitive price, the Altima should effectively shake up the mid-size market, winning new customers over to Nissan in the process.

Specifications:

  • Price Range (MSRP):$23,498 - $33,098
  • Body Type: 4-door sedan
  • Layout: Front engine, FWD
  • Base Engine: 175 hp, 180 lb-ft, 2.5-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
  • Opt Engine: 240 hp, 246 lb-ft, 3.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
  • Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
  • Brakes: disc/disc (opt ABS with EBD)
  • Curb Weight: 1,371 kg (3,022 lbs)
  • Cargo Cap (trunk): 442 L (15.6 cu ft)
  • Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.1 / 7.3 L/100 km
  • Warranty (mo/km):36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
  • Direct Competitors:Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler Sebring, Daewoo Leganza, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda 626, Pontiac Grand Am, Saturn L Series, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta/Passat
  • Web Site: www.nissan.ca
2002 Nissan Altima
nissan altima 2002
2002 Nissan Altima
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Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada