The 2002 Nissan Altima offered two engines with distinct transmission options: a 4-speed automatic was common, a 5-speed manual was available with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and the 3.5-liter V6 came only with a 4-speed automatic. There was no factory CVT in that model year.
Transmission options by engine
Here’s how the transmissions were paired with the Altima’s engines in 2002.
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder: 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT); a five-speed manual transmission (5MT) was available on certain trims.
- 3.5-liter V6: 4-speed automatic transmission only (no manual option).
In short, the 2.5L four-cylinder offered both automatic and manual choices, while the 3.5L V6 was auto-only. No CVT was offered in this model year.
How to identify which transmission your Altima has
Use these quick checks to confirm the transmission type on a 2002 Altima.
Visual cues from the gear selector
Automatic transmissions typically show gear positions such as P, R, N, D on the shifter, while a manual transmission uses a numbered 1–5 (or similar) pattern on the knob or gate.
- Automatic: gear selector labeled P, R, N, D (with any additional drive modes if applicable).
- Manual: gear selector shows a 1–5 (or 1–6) pattern for selecting gears.
These indicators, along with the owner’s manual or window sticker, help confirm the configuration.
Documentation and VIN checks
Check the vehicle’s documentation or have a dealer decode the VIN to confirm the exact transmission specification for your specific car.
These steps will help you verify the transmission installed in your 2002 Altima.
Summary
The 2002 Nissan Altima offered a 4-speed automatic across most configurations, with a 5-speed manual available only on the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The 3.5-liter V6 was paired exclusively with a 4-speed automatic, and there was no factory CVT in that model year.