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Summary
The 2002 Nissan's Altima is an impressive new midsize car. It's one of those somewhat rare family sedans that actually stands out in the crowd and delivers on the expectations set by its looks. Nissan's Maxima has long been a favorite with people who like a car with some pizzazz, but you'll have to spend well over $24,000 to get a Maxima with its standard V6. The Altima is available with a four-cylinder engine for considerably less money, and it's a roomier car. Ironically, if you want performance, the V6-powered Altima is probably a better bet than a Maxima because it's lighter and more responsive, and it costs less.For those who want something different from the ever-popular Accord and Camry, the 2002 Nissan Altima is an attractive alternative in more ways than one.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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2.5 manual ($16,349); 2.5 automatic ($17,149); 2.5 S manual ($17,999); 2.5 S automatic ($18,849); 2.5 SL manual ($21,899); 2.5 SL automatic ($22,699); 3.5 SE manual ($22,349); 3.5 SE automatic ($23,149) |
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Engines:
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front engine, front-wheel drive |
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Transmissions:
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4-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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side and rear curtain airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist, traction control |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Smyrna, Tennessee |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Altima 2.5 S automatic ($18,849) |
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Standard Equipment:
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air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo, power windows, mirror and locks, cruise control, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry with remote trunk release, 60/40 split rear seat with lock, tilt steering column, power steering |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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ABS and side airbags ($749) |
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Destination Charge:
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540 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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|
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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21990 |
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Layout:
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front engine, front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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180 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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181 @ 4000 |
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Transmission:
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4-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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22/28 |
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Wheelbase:
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110.2 |
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Length/width/height:
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191.5/70.4/57.9 |
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Track, f/r:
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61.0/61.2 |
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Turning circle:
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|
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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40.8/53.0/43.9 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.6/52.7/36.4 |
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Cargo volume:
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15.6 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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1000 |
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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|
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Curb weight:
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3048 |
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Tires:
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P205/65R16 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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20.0 |
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