Review: 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SE

By Tom Hagin
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $ 22,349
Price As Tested $ 26,363
Engine Type DOHC 24-valve 3.5 Liter V6 w/SMFI*
Engine Size 213 cid/3498 cc
Horsepower 240 @ 5800 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 246 @ 4400 RPM
Wheelbase/Width/Length 110.2"/70.4"/191.5"
Transmission Four-speed automatic
Curb Weight 3274 pounds
Fuel Capacity 20.0 gallons
Tires (F/R) P215/55R17 all season H-rated
Brakes (F/R) Disc (ABS)/disc (ABS)
Drive Train Front-engine/front-wheel-drive
Vehicle Type Five-passenger/four-door
Domestic Content N/A
Coefficient of Drag (Cd.) N/A
PERFORMANCE
EPA Economy, miles per gallon
city/highway/average 21/26/23
0-60 MPH 7.5 seconds
1/4 (E.T.) 16.0 seconds @ 90.5 mph
Top-speed 120 mph
* Sequential multi-port fuel injection
The old Nissan Altima can definitely be compared to a meek, Mister Peepers high school boy. Serious about its work and beautiful at heart, he was somewhat clumsy at sports and ignored by the top social circles.
The 2002 Nissan Altima is that same boy after a summer of pumping
iron, getting the right haircut, acquiring a new, confident social
attitude and an athletic demeanor. The "new kid" forces the whole
school to stand up and take notice. Like that boy, the Altima has changed.
Available in Base, S, SL and SE, the 2002 Altima SE just waltzed
into the prom, and we're still catching our breath.
OUTSIDE - The new look is a dramatic step in an upscale styling
direction. Nissan took that step several years ago when it completely
redesigned the Maxima, and many of those styling cues went into the
design of the new Altima. The shape is both striking and pleasing, and
it stands out in the crowd. This particular segment of the car business
sells best, and most in the class are bland and boring, with emotion
and excitement being left to aftermarket enhancements. But the
shovel-nose look of the Altima is exciting, with its steeply raked
windshield, Euro-styled roof line and flat-plane tail end. Our top-line
V6 model wore six-spoke alloy wheels, 17 inches in size, along with
55-series high performance tires. Jeweled head and tail light lenses,
and twin chrome exhaust tips give it a rich look.
INSIDE - A seven-inch increase in wheelbase, along with more width
and height, have increased interior space 10-percent. The three-pod
dashboard has highly legible orange back-lit dials and protrudes from
the deep dash-top, where a center console houses easy-to-use audio and
climate controls. We'd like to see richer-looking plastics used
throughout the cabin, although it's common practice in cars in this
market niche. For us, the front bucket seats could use a more lateral
support and some extra thigh bolstering, as it's obviously tailored to
fit the masses. The steering column tilts and telescopes, and combined
with the powered driver's seat, should give nearly any size driver a
suitable driving position. Standard Altima SE features include remote
keyless entry, variable speed intermittent wipers, air conditioning,
cruise control, a lockable, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power
windows, outside mirrors and door locks, leather wrapped steering
wheel, and a mid-line AM/FM/CD stereo.
ON THE ROAD - For years, the Altima had been powered only by a
four- cylinder engine. The automotive press demanded more power, even
if it meant being supplied by an optional package. And while the
lower-end Altima models can still be had with four cylinder power,
(it's a 180-horse, 2.5-liter unit) Nissan has quieted critics in a big
way. For the first time, a 3.5-liter, 240 horsepower V6 is available,
which turns Altima into a real street-screamer. It's an all-aluminum
unit, using all the power-enhancing technology found in today's best
engines. Such design science includes dual overhead cams, four valves
per cylinder, variable valve timing and "drive-by wire" throttle
control. It can be ordered with either a five-speed manual or a
four-speed automatic transmission.
BEHIND THE WHEEL - To make a strong platform even stronger, Altima
now benefits from a one-piece body-side structure framing the doors.
This, Nissan says, improves structural rigidity by 70 percent, which is
noticed most in its taut and quiet road-going attitude. Extensive use
of aluminum in the suspension system has reduced unsprung weight, while
a new layout for the rear system has reduced friction and suspension
wind-up as well as providing better damping and less ride harshness.
Altima's rack-and-pinion steering system is well-weighted and gives the
driver a good feel for what the front end is doing. Braking is by
four-wheel discs with an available anti-lock braking system (ABS)
that's bundled together as a safety package that adds front, side and
head curtain airbags. Brake Assist, a system that automatically applies
maximum braking pressure in a panic stop, is standard.
SAFETY - Dual dashboard airbags, brake assist and side-impact door
beams are standard; traction control (only with an automatic
transmission) side-impact and side-curtain airbags are optional.
OPTIONS - ABS and Airbags Package, $749; uplevel stereo, $899;
power glass sunroof, $849; rear spoiler, $399; floor mats, $70; uplevel
headlights, $499.