2002 Nissan Altima

Redesigned for 2002, Nissans second-rung front-drive sedan turned out to be slightly larger than the flagship Maxima, swelling from compact to midsize dimensions. Wheelbase grew by 7 inches, and the new Altima measured 5.7 inches longer overall.For the first time, a V6 engine was available. Exclusive to the top-of-the-line 3.5 SE, the new 3.5-liter V6 produced 240 horsepower. Base, 2.5 S and 2.5 SL sedans used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 175 horsepower (20 more than the prior models four-cylinder). All models were offered with either a manual or automatic transmission. When equipped with automatic, the 3.5 SE qualified for optional traction control.Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. All except the base model could have optional antilock braking, which came bundled with front torso side-impact airbags and curtain-style airbags. Sixteen-Inch wheels were standard, but the 3.5 SE rode on 17-inch rubber.