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 1 through 10 of 311.00

• 

  Great First Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i got the car as of June 1st 2010 to replace my 05 ford focus. I was looking for a car that was larger, safer, and actually had some power,im use to power and i would like something that will move with you put your foot down. Anyhow, for the most part i love the car. I received the car at 109,200 miles, it is now december 2010 and i have already put 8500 on in 6 months. Its not hard to rack up the miles in this car. It travels nicely, comfortable seats, though the ride is a little firm on the SE model,i havent tested one other than the SE so i cant be too nitpicky about the maxima in general. But overall a great car with plenty of passenger and cargo space! cdplayer also having problems

• 

  Ok until around 90k miles - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maximus02 - October 5 - 12:16 pm

  Great vehicle for the last few years. However, around 90k miles the transmission broke. Replacement rebuilt transmission $4200, beware of higher mileage vehicles.

• 

  Sleeper - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By .45 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Just what I wanted/expected. A sleeper sedan with reasonable performance, a "slush-box," GPS NAV and every amenity I was looking for. After spending the 3 previous years in a 3-series coupe with a manual tranny, limited options (stark German engineering "reality") and driving in metro traffic its good to be back in a "loaded" Max. I previously owned a 96 GLE and it was a great car. Returning to a Maxima was a no- brainer. DISCLAIMER: I WILL buy another Bimmer but at the moment its not the best option for my circumstances.

• 

  A lot of car for the money... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By perdajz - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a 2002 SE. I did some homework and simply could not elsewhere find this much car for the money.

• 

  Would buy another - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Skeete G - May 7 - 2:43 am

  The Nissan Maxima is has power beyond power. Unless you are going on a real racing track you are supplied with all the power you need out the gate. Its handling is decent and its pick up is phenominal. I would recommend this vehicle for anyone on an average middle income budget. Performance, realiabilty and looks.

• 

  Keeps on going (FAST) w/140K! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jdub - April 1 - 4:03 am

  When I traded a 2000 Acura TL for the Maxima, it had about 25K miles. I drive about 30K per year and wanted something that had a lot of power with a manual transmission that also got decent gas mileage. Roominess was also important to me since I have a family. I got exactly what I was looking for, and the car now has about 140K miles. The Maxima is the perfect commuter for my needs. The V6 is amazing. I think it may be the best motor in any car Ive ever driven. Torque is plentiful and available everywhere in the rev range. The 6 speed is not the slickest, but it keeps you involved, even though you do not have to work very hard shifting because of all of the torque. This is a great Q-ship.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.