2002 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews

Sad It's Time To Let Go

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased my Maxima off a 2 yr lease with 35k miles on it. This week, after 7 years of ownership, it rolled past 190k and I can honestly say, hands down, this is the best car I have EVER HAD. Aside from normal maintenace wear and tear, I can't make any complaints. The most major thing ever replaced on this was the alternator, about 3 years ago. I am hard on cars and this Maxima has defintely been through the ringer. The two 'issues' I can note would be the check engine light coming on for a bad oxygen sensor and the 6-disc player jamming up. Other than that, no complaints here. It has been reliable in all weather and the only reason it is time to go is because we need a larger vehicle.
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A Distinctive Car Worth the Quirks and Shortcomings

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have an 02 Maxima automatic with 70,000 miles bought almost 3 years ago with 45,000 miles. Mine burns oil, one to two quarts between changes every 4,000 miles. I also bought an 03 Altima V6 and it does the same thing, leading me to believe that this is a very common problem. However, the cars are cheap to buy used and a quart or two of oil between changes is less than $10, so why bother putting in new rings? I ran regular gas for the first 2 1/2 years--a mistake. The drivetrain, including the transmission, works better with premium. The solid rear axle in this car makes for inferior handling compared to the Altima, but the latter lacks the "elan" of the older Maxima in my view
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Great car thus far

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my used 2002 SE in 11/10. It had 60K on it when I bought it. It now has 70K on it and has been a great car thus far. It has 255 HP which is really good for a 4 door sedan. The auto dimming rearview mirror is nice as well as the homelink system. I am 6' 3'' and the legroom as well as headroom is quite adequate. The basckseat however is a bit cramped for taller passengers. The body side molding and the rear spoiler are nice touches I believe. The xenon headlamps that were upgraded for this model year are great, as well as the fog lights. This car really has great acceleration. the gas mileage is fair in the high teens around town. great car thus far.
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Great First Car

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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
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2002 Black on Black SE 6M

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

OK, I am back. OIL CONSUMPTION caused me to lose the engine. Even after caring for the car like a baby. Always made sure it had the correct oil level. Replaced the engine, car runs great with quirks. Should have kept my '94 Maxima. Nissan blew it with this model year. Just an fyi not all have this problem. If you're interested buying this car, look at the tail pipe. If the pipe is heavy dark black color. Great chance it's burning oil. At that point (NEXT!!!) keep it moving. Also I suggest premium gas. It makes a difference
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Speakers

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

The left speaker on the 2002 maximas is defective from the factory. It works intermittently and is very annoying, don't replace with another Nissan speaker. It doesn't solve the problem replace with and after market speaker only, the system will work like new. Also rear suspension very giggly on high speed sharp turns causing wheel hop which might cause a crash.
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Ok until around 90k miles

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

First, the motor runs great at 140K. The trans has started making noise. Undrivable right now. When I replaced one of the xenon headlamps, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor, we're not talking about the whole assembly, just the bulb itself. At the Nissan dealership in Victorville, CA $258.00 for the bulb!! Can you believe it? I went on line and found the cheapest to be $159.00 My suggestion for someone who may not want to pay that much is when the xenon goes out, run your brights instead of replace. Bright bulbs cost $8. Oh, the spark plugs are internal. Tune up costs $418.00 to replace 6 spark plugs.
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2002 Maxima with Manual Shift=AWESOME

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is a great car. Mechanically, it is unbeatable by any other car. The only re-occurring issue with these cars is that one side of the Bose 6 CD in- dash CD Stereo stops working at some point. It is only does this when using the CD player; the other modes still produce great sound. Some cars have the heater/AC blower motor go out around 100,000 miles, but it is easy to fix. The car maneuvers great and has great power for its time. The gas mileage is good, but since I have a 6- speed manual, I drive a little faster and quicker (Ok maybe that was an understatement) my gas mileage is a little less that average. I get about 18-19 mpg in the city
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So far not to bad but getting nervous

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

142k and aside from the usual brakes, tires, etc I only had some stupid bracket underneath break and needed a new muffler. But now I need the timing chain replaced and might as well do the water pump. The mechanic is trying to warn me about spending $1500 on the timing chain when these are notorious for oil pressure problems. I have no current oil problems but I need this car to last up to 200k miles. I haven't had a payment in four years so $1500 seems like nothing, way better than a car payment!
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