This was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. When I got out of college, I wanted to buy a car. I first went to Honda and even with excellent credit, the Honda finance cooperation thought someone my age should drive a Civic, so they would only finance me for a Civic. Okay, I went to Nissan and they gave me a rebate and I bought an Altima (1999) below cost. I really got a good deal. Anyway, since Nissan had great customer service, I felt that I would always stay with them. Therefore, when my lease was up, I got another Altima (2002). I thought this was one of the best mid-level priced cars ever designed. I fell in love - I did not even test drive it and took that day.

Problem: The first month I heard a rattle noise that no one could figure out.

I got a flat tire-and I never had one before. No one had the tires in stock. I found out there is really only one type of tire that fits the Altima. Since then, I have had three sets of tire. They are made funny, so they wear and they can make a big bad sound if you do not know all the problems with putting them on the car.

So many recalls, my car would not start when it was cold.

I have had to take my car to the dealers five times because my headlights went out once every two weeks-finally I recall on the lights.

My car would stop while driving-recall.

No heat-$160.00 to flush it.

My engine light kept coming on-$360 oxygen sensor.

Engine light on again (within in week)-don’t know why… to be continued.

Cups holders broke.

Electric windows will not roll up-had to get the problem fixed twice… guess what it is happening again.

In my opinion, Nissan should recall all of the 2002 models and just fix the common problems because everyone who owns a 2002 is upset.

This seems to be giving Nissan a bad rep, when it was a great idea gone wrong. They are probably going to loose customers because of this car. Therefore, in the end, either way they will loose money. To me, if you pride yourself on customer service and retention, they should admit the common flaws and allow people to get them fixed free or a 50% discount. I know some of you may think I have gone mad, but if you had to deal with this car, you would feel the same.

Nissan used to have a good rep for making quality cars that would last forever, but this Altima seems like it has been made with the quality of a KIA with the look of a Lexus.

Do not buy the 2002 Altima-if it is used-it may be mine-and I traded it in because of numerous problems. Any person who would trade such a good-looking car such as the Altima-can tell you don’t judge a book by its cover because this car is crap. Just don’t do it. Nissan really should do something to alleviate the burdens caused by the Altima 2002 disaster.