Here is your review (sounds outdated):
Overview: The Altima aimed to compete with the four-cylinder Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but never stacked up to them. Handling was less than nimble and the ride was busy. The noisy engine delivered strong acceleration. The front seats were too low and rear seating was fairly cramped. The rear seatback didn't fold down. The Altima was redesigned for 1998, evolving the same basic formula. It was slightly freshened for 2000. It remained a reliable, if not very rewarding, family sedan. A 2002 redesign transformed the Altima into a roomy, quick, and competitive family sedan.
Safety equipment: Dual front air bags standard. Side air bags available from 2000. Head protection air bags available from 2002. ABS available. Safety-belt pretensioners standard from 2000.
Note: This model may have a recall associated with it.
Reliability is good across the board except body integrity and power equipment.
Here is their estimated retail pricing:
1996 $4,000-$6,000
1997 $4,000-$6,000
1998 $6,000-$8,000
1999 $6,000-$8,000
2000 $8,000-$10,000
2001 $10,000-$12,000
2002 $16,000-$18,000
2003 $18,000-$20,000
Crash test: Good on frontal, good on offset, marginal on side.
Here are your recalls:
?02 Nissan Altima and Xterra
Problem: Airbag may not deploy in crash.
Models: 64,562 vehicles, including Altimas made from 6/01 to 10/01 and Xterras made from 6/01 to 11/01.
What to do: Have dealer install retaining clip on clock spring electrical connector in steering wheel.
'02-03 Nissan Altima
Problem:
In extreme cold, engine could suddenly stall, resulting in possible crash.
Models:
377,000 cars made 8/01 to 5/03 and sold or registered in Alaska, Colo., Conn., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kan., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., Mo., Mont., N.D., Neb., N.H., N.Y., Ohio, Pa., R.I., S.D., Utah., Vt., Wisc., and Wyo. Hazard exists because moisture in fuel tank could freeze and form ice crystals. The crystals could obstruct the suction opening of fuel pump, blocking the flow of fuel to engine.
What to do:
Have dealer install screen at suction opening of fuel pump to prevent ice crystals from blocking opening.
January 02 Review:
January 2002
Nissan Altima
Highs: Acceleration, handling, interior space.
Lows: Interior materials, turning circle.
Body style: 4-door
Drive wheels: Front
Trim lines: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SE
Engines & transmissions: 2.5-liter 4 (175 hp), 3.5-liter V6 (240 hp); 5-speed man.,
4-speed auto.
Base price range: $16,349 to $22,349
Tested: 2.5 S, 2.5-liter Four, 4-speed automatic
With its first major redesign, the Altima has been transformed from a reliable but bland and uninteresting also-ran into a car that competes with the best in this class. It now boasts generous accommodations, a punchy and refined powertrain, fairly nimble and secure handling, a pleasant ride, and a quiet cabin. Compared with the others in this group, however, some of the interior plastics look and feel cheap. Overall, the Altima is a good choice that scored very close to the Accord.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Altima rides well but lacks the superb isolation of the Passat and Camry; a full load can improve the ride slightly. The cabin is reasonably quiet, but too much wind and road noise intrudes.
Cornering is fairly nimble with little body lean. Steering feels a bit light and vague when you're going straight, and a wide turning circle hampers parking maneuvers. The Altima handles predictably and securely at its limits, but it managed only a modest speed through our avoidance maneuver.
The new 2.5-liter, 175-hp Four runs smoothly and responsively. Expect 22 mpg in mixed driving--slightly lower than the others. The uplevel engine is a sprightly 240-hp, 3.5-liter V6. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly; a five-speed manual is standard on both engines. Braking was very good overall.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The roomy interior is stylish, but much of the hard-plastic trim feels relatively cheap. A fully powered driver's seat and a steering wheel that telescopes and tilts help nearly anyone find a good driving position. Firm front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear offers plenty of leg room, but the low bench is much better for two passengers than three.
Major controls are logical, and the illuminated gauges are legible in most light conditions. The steering wheel has convenient cruise and trip-odometer controls and auxiliary audio switches, but they are not lit at night. The hazard switch is a long reach. Numerous bins, cubbies, and pockets provide storage. Two sturdy recessed cup holders serve the front, and two fold down from the rear seatback.
The trunk holds four suitcases and one duffel, or a folded wheelchair with room left over. Its lid lacks a liner, however. The split rear seatback folds down.
EXCESS LEVERAGE On the left side of the steering column are two levers for controlling the wheel's tilt and telescopic adjustments. While handy, some cars let you adjust the wheel quicker with only one lever.
SAFETY AND RELIABILITY
A $749 safety package includes antilock brakes, side air bags, and side-curtain bags. The front bags can deploy at different rates, depending on crash severity and whether the safety belt is buckled. The front head restraints are sufficiently tall when lowered. The integral rear restraints are too low to provide adequate whiplash protection. The trunk includes a glow-in-the-dark, inside emergency release.
Driving with kids. Most front-facing child seats can be tightly secured in back, but rear-facing seats may need a locking clip to keep them secure in the rear center. The rear shelf has three top-tether anchors, and the seat has two lower LATCH anchors.
Reliability. Based on previous Altimas, we predict better-than-average reliability. Our car had four sample defects, all minor.
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