Overview & Reviews

The Maxima receives updates this year that make it less of a family sedan and more of an entry-level luxury sport sedan. Headlining this year's upgrades is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces a stunning 255 horsepower. For maximum performance, sport-tuned SE models now combine this engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Other changes include revised exterior styling, additional feature content and an optional GPS navigation system.

• Impressively powerful V6 engine, sports car moves, plenty of room for five adults.

• Odd styling details, high price, rough ride quality with SE suspension.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 311.00

• 

  Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Although I wanted a GLE with the navigation sytem, the dealer was only able to find a SE with the navigation system. I was somewhat disappointed until I realized that the SE had an upgraded suspension. The car goes like greased owl----, although you have to watch quick get aways because of the torque. Its fast, stable in turns and the build quality is excellent. The seats are confortable and mold to the body. A very nice car. Get about 26 mpg combined city/highway driving. Have gotten as high as 31 mpg highway.

• 

  Best value for your money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bwinter7 - March 2 - 4:23 pm

  I have owned a 93, a 97 and an 01. I had the 01 for about three months before somebody in an SUV sandwiched me between a snow plow and himself. I am convinced the design quality save our lives. I then bought my 02, and I have never been happier. The six speed, and all the little changes new to that year are that much better. In terms of power, luxury, performance and desirability, try to find something better. That Nissan 6 cylinder is one of the top 10 best motors ever made. All of my Maximas had well over 200k on them (except the 01) and never a motor problem. Everything else starts to go, but the engine will still purr like a kitten. Take care of it, regular oil changes etc., it will last

• 

  Floats over the road - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By empress007 - March 1 - 12:03 pm

  I bought the 2002 Maxima SE as a second choice to the Toyota Camry because the Camry seats were too short. To me, the styling of the Maxima is ugly but it is far superior to the Camry in terms of that old "driving excitement," not to mention the imperceptible transmission shifts, and a suspension that just floats down the road. Even the Maximas seats cant compare to the Chryslers.

• 

  Great Sports Sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian - January 19 - 9:06 pm

  I bought my 6 Speed Maxima two months ago, and i love it! When its working right that is. Ive had to have the VHT gears replaced, wheel bearing twice, hub once, both front struts once, and lower control arms. All work was done for free or under warranty. I dont blame these problems on the car but, the dealership who didnt fully check over it before they delivered it to me. The car is fast (pulled a 15.1 in the 1/4 mile at the track) but the limited slip diff is a must, other wise the torque steer is too much to control. Over all a Fast, fun, Sporty ride. But the Eagle RSAs need to go needs some Pirelli PZeros

• 

  STAY AWAY - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By LouR - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car, has all the bells and whistles but if you live where there are criminals THE HEADLIGHTS GET STOLEN LIKE CANDY. I HAVE MY CAR FOR6 MONTHS AND I AM SELLINGIT ASAP

• 

  WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jmaxima - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  I looked and looked and Maxima was finally my choice. You cant beat the rebate and you cant beat what you get. Mine is a fully loaded SE. The ride is a little harsher than the GLE....but its a sports car! The closest in price ans features would have to be the Acura TL Type S which to me feels like a much bigger car. When you compare you see you cant go wrong with MAX!

• 

  The anti-Camry - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By David - November 12 - 3:43 pm

  Bought this car 6 mos. ago with 61k on the odo and in that time I have had no probs with it except i had to force the dealer to replace the trans b/c the car had been previously wrecked on the drivers side and they didnt tell me. Now it has 71k and though im a little weary of the interior rattles I couldnt be more thrilled with the way it gets around town and on the interstate. Everything is done smoothly and competently and the VQ35 is well deserving of its reputation, tho Nissan let it down by not installing a 5sp automatic. Build quality is spotty in some areas, particularly around the hood and headlights, but this is still a solid car that Im planning on keeping for a long time.

• 

  One of the BEST - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jmsworth - November 9 - 7:41 am

  This car is great, The oil everyones reporting being lost is due to a tiny rubber hose coming from the block to the oil filter, they used a cheap hose and EVERYONE has this issue. I replace it with a premium hose for about $2.99 at an auto parts store and viola, no more oil loss. My car had several performance modifications and was in the 400 hp range, 0-60 in under 4.3 sec. THE MOST SOLID CAR I EVER OWNED, I adore Japanese cars and American muscle as both are just full of potential. This maxima never went through tires, never overheated, never had ANY issues that were not product of my own doing. Most issues are due to lack of maintenance and car knowledge. Lost my Max in a car accident:(

• 

  A JAPANESE M-5 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By CarGuy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  EVEN THE LOCAL STATE POLICE LOVE THIS CAR. I ACTUALLY SAW ONE BEING PUT TO USE TO CATCH SPEEDERS. ITS A CAR THAT GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR MONEY AND THATS ALWAYS A WINNING FORMAULA. THANKS NISSAN FOR BUILDING THE CAR I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT.

• 

  Great Motor Wrapped in Crappy Exterior - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By vq35de1 - October 24 - 7:04 pm

  I didnt buy this car out of love for Nissan or the Maxma, I just wanted a big sedan with creature comforts for not much money. This fulfilled that need. Granted, the car IS ten years old now but in the two years that Ive owned it Ive gone through 4 rear calipers, a new radiator, an O2 sensor, trailing arm bushings, and much, much more - I would say Ive spent over $4,000 in repairs thus far. The other thing is this fantastic motor (not sarcasm)0 uses oil and gets piss poor MPG in any kind of mixed driving.