2002 Nissan Altima SE Sedan

In our last Altima update, we had the front cupholder door and the shift boot replaced. As luck would have it, after leaving our dealership, we noticed a few new squeaks and rattles in our tester, primarily the rear window that creaks when entering or exiting driveways. The interior may be a bit on the cheap side, but Nissan clearly spent its development dollars under the hood and in the chassis.

The Altima still receives raves when our editors take it through canyons or over twisty local roads. Crossing the 12,000-mile threshold, the 3.5-liter V-6 delivers the punch needed for passing slower vehicles, and the sporty suspension provides the right amount of communication, without transmitting any harshness to the cabin, something we didn't find in the '03 version tested elsewhere in this issue. In traffic, the SE feels light on its feet, which is a good thing during So-Cal rush hour.

From the logbook
"The Altima is a convincing near-sport sedan that makes a great --and powerful--everyday driver. Way to go, Nissan."--Matt Stone