Ok here's my review of the 2002 Altima 2.5S Automatic

Pros: Styling, handling/ride, power, comfort/size.

Cons: Interior quality and layout, price.

Before taking a "green" Altima for a ride I had plenty of time to inspect a showroom model. I cannot say enough about the styling of this car. I like it a lot, it is really a looker, I think styling alone will get people into the showrooms. The other thing I noticed is how big the car is inside. The cloth seats are comforatble and there is plenty of head and leg room both in the front and back. The trunk is huge. Now as to my take on the infamous interior. As others have pointed out it really does not fit this car. The plastics are obviously cheap and very thin. I did not like the 3 pod instrusment panel, I found it hard to see anything when it was sunny out. I thought that the plastics used on my 2000 Maxima are of better quality, and I like the "wave" design of the Maxima much better. I think that although the Altima's interior is probably slightly better than a typical American car, the CamCords have nicer interiors. But interior materials alone do not a car make. Turning on the engine and taking it for a ride you can tell that this baby has power. Yes, I drove a 4 banger, but I could have sworn I was driving a V6. The pickup is very good for a 4 cyl car. The engine is noisy, but not annoyingly so, it has a nice sporty growl to it when you push the car. I still think that the Maxima's engine is more refined and smoother, but for that I would have to take an SE for a ride. I thought the handling and ride were execellent. Steering is very precise and the ride is taught and sporty enough that you can truly have fun driving this car. I found body roll was minimal even taking some sharp turns. As for the new suspension, I took the car over some bumpy uneaven pavement and the multi-link soaked up the bumps very well.

Conclusion: The new Altima will certainly appeal to those that want something other than a CamCord. The car has a lot going for it, and it is a definite improvement over the previous model, it has a good engine, lots of space, it is comfortable, and fun to drive. It not as cheap as we all thought, but cheap enough (especially the 4 bangers) to appeal to younger more sport oriented buyers. I would say 8 out of 10.

 

Nice review. I can't wait to test drive the 3.5 Altima. I test drove the 2002 Maxima automatic. I was really impressed.

 

the altima is crap...the only thing i liked was the headlights.

With the maxima 02 headlights on my max i will be happy...
The power is not for me .. i am going all cosmetic from now..

Bad news... DaveB said he is almost sure the i30T sideskirts will not fit on the 2k maxima's..
To further prove this I could buy the i30T sideskirts and see they dont fit and then throw them away.
Oh well i will be happy the 02 sideskirts.
Roger