2002 Altima

Article taken from FreshAlloy, written by Noel Saw:

http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_newyork/altima/altima2.jpg
Many would say the original 1993 Altima was the car that saved Nissan in the United States. Some might even say it was a breakthrough car. Well fast forward to 2002, and the new Altima will be a rebirth of the original Altima. Class leading power, size, features, and more importantly pricing will be the factors that decide the outcome of Nissan's efforts.

Spearheading Nissan's efforts in North America, the new 2002 Altima is being shown at the New York Auto Show.


http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_newyork/altima/altima3.jpg
The first thing you'll notice is the hyper aggressive stance of the nose, wheel/fender wells, and c-pillar. Some FreshAlloy.com editors have noticed the front's resemblance to current Honda products (Accord and Civic). The rear c-pillar is very European with a stretched rear door. Some of us say the car looks like a Lexus GS300. Those dual exhaust pipes sticking out in the back contribute to that look.

Another first for this class segment, the new Altima will have optional Xenon high intensity discharge headlights with four individual lenses.
http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_newyork/altima/altima4.jpg


The car is quite larger than the previous Altimas and actually larger than the current flagship Maxima. According to Nissan, the wheelbase has been increased 7.1 inches to 110.2 inches, overall length is up 5.7 inches to 191.5 inches and is 1.3 inches wider for a total of 70.4 inches. Height has also increased by 2.0 inches to 57.9 inches. Track has been increased by 1.8 inches in front and 2.4 inches in the rear. For comparison, the 2001 Maxima's wheelbase is 108.3 inches and the length is 190.5 inches.


The c-pillar is one of the most daring areas of the cars with rear doors that have an almost limo like length with exaggerated coupe like profile roof. And check out those IS300 rear lights! A first for a North American Nissan car, the new Altima will feature aluminum panels for the hood and trunk. Nissan claims a weight savings of 55 percent off traditional steel panels.
http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_newyork/altima/altima5.jpg


In a move predicted by many, the new car will come with an optional VQ series V-6 engine also seen in the Maxima. The biggest blockbuster news is the car will have the VQ35DE engine. Wait, isn't that a 3.5 liter engine? Why yes it is. Why such a large displacement engine considering the current 2001 Maxima has only a 3.0 liter? Obviously Nissan wants to claim the horsepower throne in the class segment. And we're speculating that Nissan is planning to slowly phase out the 3.0 liter engine. (Consider the new Infiniti I35, the Maxima's twin, also debuting will have a 3.5 liter engine next year.) The VQ35DE in the Altima application is good for 240 bhp with 246 lb-ft of torque.

The standard engine will be the new inline-4 QR25DE engine (also found in the spunky Sentra SE-R) delivering 180-horsepower. Again this beats out the current Accord and Camry. You'll have your choice of a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. The automatic appears to have a gated shifter for semi-manual operation. All Altima models will come with a very large 20 gallon fuel tank for long range trips.

Even a car with a great engine can't survive by just that merit. The new Altima continues it's tradition of excellent handling. The previous generations fared well with four wheel independent strut suspension with passive rear steering. The 2002 Altima ups the ante with a high tech multilink rear adapted from the Skyline GT-R and Infiniti Q45. The front suspension continues to be a strut design but hasn't been ignored with an all new design featuring extensive use of aluminum parts.
http://www.competitionpress.com/specials/2001_newyork/altima/altima6.jpg
Standard four wheel disc brakes lend a high level of braking stability. Unfortunately anti-lock braking is not a standard feature unlike the Maxima model. The new Altima does benefit from electronic brake force distribution when ABS is ordered as an option. Also coming with ABS is "Brake Assist" which applies more brake pedal pressure when a panic braking situation is sensed by the braking system. Finally, automatic transmission V-6 vehicles can be ordered with an optional throttle controlled traction control system.



The interior is much sportier and driver oriented than the previous generations. Three cluster backlit guages (again similar to the GS models) prominently sit atop the dash. The ignition key has been moved from the steering column to the dash for a more high end flair. The steering column gains a telescoping feature in addition the ubiqitous tilt adjustment. The rest of the interior will be available in three designer "atmospheres" (very Audi-like) or themes. Certain luxury trim models will be available with the obligatory wood around the cabin.

Even though Rockford Fosgate has joined the party in other Nissan models, Bose retains its flagship status. In the new Altima, expect an optional 8 speaker Bose 150 watt stereo system with 6 disc in-dash changer.

Nissan hasn't released any pricing information for the Altima in this competitive segment but a Nissan source said "pricing will be competitive and aggressive for the value the car represents." The car is scheduled to arrive at dealer lots sometime in mid September.


The Altima project was codenamed "Total Knockout" by the product planners at Nissan. We couldn't agree more that this vehicle sets the climax after a string of vastly improved vehicles in the Nissan (and Infiniti) lineup. We've been waiting to say this but we think this truly is the time to say...


:)

I really love the new Altima!
I think it could be the next best seller, cause it's WAY better than the Camry :p

i saw an article in CAR and Driver. i never really cared for Nissans, and i would rather have several other cars than that in that class, but it isn't bad -- for a Nissan

Whaddda yah mean, the altima isn't any good. IT IS TOTALLY BITCHIN!!!
With 240 hp in a car like this, it will give BMW seekers something at a cheaper price! It is bigger than a maxima, so expect an update soon. But it is awesome! Car and Driver's artcile wasn't as long as Igor's, which makes me salivate. Does anyone know about pricing?? The big 6 even has a manual, a rariety these days. It should sell awesome, cuz' of the power, looks and the fact that it should have excellent reliability, fit and finsih, etc.
I could gush on forever (I mean that, I am forcing myself to stop right now, I just want EVERYONE to be as excited as I am), but you can draw your own ideas.

THIS IS THE NEXT BIG NISSAN, THEM AND Z-CARS WILL SELL AWESOME!!!!:D

PS, isn't that the Pathfiner engine?? If so, shouldn't the manual have 250 hp, and the Auto way more torque?

I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT ALL!!!:flash:

I have to agree with Igor on the fact that it is better than the Camry as it currently stands. I wonder what Toyota will do to make the Camry more competitive:D Maybe the Accord Tupe R will become the norm:cool:

The only thing that I may not like on the new design would have to be those tail-lights. Nope don't like em:mad: Then again I may change my mind when I see one in person, but from the picture they look more like the Impala lights gone clear and the trunk in general reminds me of a Mazda.

I do like Nissan's idea of leading the class in horse-power. Maybe now they will get their heads out of their collective arse and bring over the Skyline.:frog:

BTW: Anyone else think the Altima looks closer to the XVL concept that I was talking aobut?

Well Honda is coming out with a new Accord to compete with the new Altima. I don't have the specs right now but rumors are that it will be over 200hp stock. And the best news, V6 with a stick!!:eek:

Isn't the current Accord V6 200HP?

Just curios since I have a 2K Odyssey and it has the same V6 as the Accord, just tuned to put out 210HP. Of course mine does a bit more with the few tweeks that I have done:D

Here's one article.
http://www.vtec.net/news/items/671.html

These are the specs for a Accord LX
Type V6
Displacement 2997 cc.
Horsepower 200 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 195 ft-lb. @ 4700 rpm
Transmission 4-spd Auto
Layout Front Engine/FWD


The new accords are looking at maybe more than that.

The Odyssey makes more power with premium fuel (booo!).
An accord with a stick makes it much more appealing to me, But I still take the new Altima with 240 hp and a stick. I can't believe it is actuallly coming out!! A mini-M3 (remember, last M3 had 240 hp too), for a mini-mini-M3 price. Quite possibly the new family car of enthuasists everywhere!! I know it appeals to me.

Well even with low grade fuel (89) I have seen an Oddy do 207HP, so Honda is just trying to cover their butts.

I agree that the new Altima with 240HP will lead it's class no doubt about it. If the price is right as they say it will most likely do well.

However if Honda comes out (or even Toyota) with a new model with say 230HP, chances are most people will go for name brand recognition and not care as much about the HP difference. i.e. "I'm looking for a new car to replace my old Accord/Camry, wonder what the new model is like?"

I just like the fact that the auto makers (at least the Japanese ones) are looking at bringing out some REAL competetive cars and not just a bunch of gass guzziling SUV's.

Thank you Nissan and keep up the work. Thank you Subaru for bringing the WRX state side and hope you started a trend.

Yah, people are loyal asses. ALthough according to studies, that is changing, which is good for nissan. I was raised a GM, anit-ford kid. I have broken away from that, and rate cars on their merit, not brand name.
Although everyone who likes driving and has kids, you can bet what car I will say first (coughed out) ALTIMA!!:frog:

Alright, most of us seem to be giving the '02 Altima the thumbs up. It's built ground up as a fresh new product, including an all new corporate platform.

Have any of you Nissan enthusiasts out there recently heard about current new platform developments? The only one I've come across was the XVL concept, whose parts were to be put to use in the market, chassis inclusive. Many are also stating that the new Altima shares resemblance with the XVL, no doubt due to design/parts sharing.

What makes me scratch my head is that the XVL was created and intended to be the next generation REAR-wheel drive platform, for both Nissan coupes and sedans alike. Yet, the 2002 Altima is still a practical FRONT-wheel drive mid-sized sedan. Is the XVL platform versatile enough to maintain both front and rear-wheel drive drivetrains? Or does the new Altima sit on a completely different skeletal structure? Someone please clarify...

hmmm... good point. I know the Z car is based on the XVL, which was an infinity concept. Maybe it had provision for all wheel drive, so then it would be easy for front, rear, or all-wheel drive.

FWD + RWD = AWD! Wow, I never thought of it that way; sure sounds mighty tasty.

Even newer info on this car. 2002 Nissan Altima (http://www.motortrend.com/july01/altima/altima_f.html)

Well that didn't explain much. The press jabbers on about the new Altima, but they sound like broken records. The same specs, over and over again.

i agree, the press is only told so much, and until they drive the car, they cant tell us any more. My family is aquite intrigued, and if my uncle collects his 150 grand worth of share money, he finds the 2002 Altima quite attractive.

I think because of all the hype Nissan has been putting out about the new Altima being a TOTAL KNOCKOUT and supposedly being "best in class" for interior quality, etc. when I finally saw the car in person, I was disappointed.

For a supposedly sporty car, it is way too big. I like small sporty cars and the Altima isn't small. The tail lights look terrible on dark colored cars, while the lights look pretty good on silver cars.

But it's the interior that bothers me most. The cost cutting is very evident. The hard plastic of many different textures just doesn't cut it in a world of VWs and Toyotas.

This is not the knockout I was expecting. It's just another average car.

I hear you on this one, but perhaps we shouldn't go just by appearance. Nissan intended to have the Altima fill the role of the Maxima, and compete with cars like Camry and Accord. This is why it's so big. The Maxima will eventually move on up to another class, to keep it from conflicting with the new Altima's sales (perhaps Avalon size), and this action will be parallel with the course of the Pathfinder, which will soon find its way higher and away from the Xterra. Cheap plastics are always painful, but many automakers are doing the same. Even almighty Toyota put the same hard paneling in the new Celica, but check it out: the price dropped between models a LOT (compare the older GT and the new GT).

Every company wants to make their own noise, and I don't blame Nissan, especially with changes happening within the structure of the company itself. But the real focus should be aimed towards Nissan's "lead class by power" statement. They really are living up to their expectations in this aspect, and it's quite amazing. They finally broke the mold of the 3.0 liter average V6 size for a japanese mid-sized sedan with the 3.5 liter VQ. And that 2.5 liter QR is no weakling either. I would much rather have the new 4-cylinder Altima engine rather than the 4-cylinder Accord engines (which are pretty potent, themselves).

But the body design is still a bit iffy...

Best in class power is great when you are talking about sports sedans. But from stories in the Wall Street Journal and Business Week, Altima is Nissan's make or break car. If this is actually the case, Nissan will find out that best in class power really isn't a concern of a family with small children or even less to single mothers who will be shopping for this size of car.

Right. Perhaps they are taking it a bit too far with the power deal; not all cars need that sort of power. Maybe they are simply trying to get the consumers attention through a different approach, but it could fall through. But lucky for me, I fit in the category of persons appealing towards sportier models. Maybe Nissan will work out the kinks with the interior when they perform the next facelift in a few years, so that other folks will find it more appealing. Too bad they didn't get it all right from the start.

The cost-cutting in the interior, is inexcusable. It is its worst trait.

However, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds is WAYYYYYY better than the competition. It is family car, but it can haul ass. It should appeal to drivers with families, a large, neglected group.

It needs some work on the interior, and I'll bet that it will be fixed somewhat next year.:licker:

Good call. It's like the media: Sex sells. So does speed.

Originally posted by Adam
i saw an article in CAR and Driver. i never really cared for Nissans, and i would rather have several other cars than that in that class, but it isn't bad -- for a Nissan

Just wondering..... what do you drive?

For a car this good I was suprise Honda LX Accord V6 and Camry V6 was able to edge it in the december issue of C/D.

Many months ago when I test drove the Accord, Altima and Camry, I posted on FreshAlloy.com that I thought the Accord was best overall, followed by Camry and then Altima. It's nice someone agreed!

I havent gotten the december issue yet, I will have to check it out ASAP. But can you get a Camry or Accord with a 5 speed and 240hp??

Sometimes having the most hp doesn't mean you have the best product. Accord doesn't lead everything but does everything well enough to take top.

You can't get Accord or Camry with 240hp and 5 speed. New Camry have 40hp deficit and was still able to edge Altima.

I'll have to wait until I see the article.

PS: I think the Altima needs to be lowered, or at least a lower front fender, its kinda high-up.

I think Altima looks wonderful.

Generally people who are looking for something to buy in this segment are the common herds who need realiable, functional, high-quality unassuming automobiles. The Camry has reigned in this spot for quite some time now with the 'best selling car of the year' title year after year, with recent models of the Accord close on its flanks.

The Maxima has always sold well but seemed a bit askew on this 'common car' scale, not being available in 4-cylinders and having one lower, and two upper parallel trimlines (GLE and SE), as opposed to the Camry and Accord's very linear model range. An Altima available in I-4 and V-6 with the larger XVL chassis platform would be an obvious choice to replace the Maxima's role on battling the Camry and Accord (what happens to the Max, who knows). But no automaker can easily jump into this area and expect to monopolize against names like these, so Nissan has taken a different appeal, using performance to get people's attention. Both the 4-cyl QR25DE and 6-cyl VQ35DE motors are pretty vicious, and that's the angle going for Nissan's mid-size segment at the moment (actually, nearly all their cars are getting a major kick in the ass). Of course, without the high quality control, the V-6 Altimas get clunky shifting, noticeable torque steer, cheaper interior plastics and other flaws not usually associated with a Camry-like car. But that's the trade-off, and at this point it's up to the buyer to decide. Just check out their ad theme for the Altimas: "cure for the common car".

As for me, I openly accept brute power any day.

I was looking to trade up my 98 for a 02 3.5 V6. I went down to the dealer last week, took one for a test drive(manual tranny of course) and I was blown away. That thing has balls! I dont think the interior is that bad. And some of the color schemes dont match the clear tails. But I must say it's a great car. I still have to go look into the new Camry's and Accord's but I'm thinking the 02 Altima is where it's at.

Yeah seriously, the V-6 pushes the Altima just as fast as many sports cars out there today. How does it take the curves?

0-60 in 6.3 seconds is pretty good. Apparently the steering is kinda bad, very little feedback. And I love feedback. What do you think?

I didnt think the steering is that bad. and it handled a lil better than my 98. But the Nissan dealer in town just got in 3 SE-R Specs so I'm gonna check them out too. I'm not liking the Camry and I'm not real high on Hondas so the Accord is out.

:confused:

Originally posted by MaxRX7
:confused:

:confused: ?