Used 2002 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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2002 Black on Black SE 6M
2002 Black on Black , 11/05/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
26 of 28 people found this review helpful
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
An outstanding car
03passatguy, 02/26/2013
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
We've owned our 2002 Maxima GLE since it was new. It's been a bull: smooth, comfortable, reliable. Next to nothing to fix - except the CD player - outside of normal maintenance. We still own it. It still drives beautifully. Congratulations, Nissan.
Can't let it go...
joshua38104, 06/08/2015
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2002 Maxima with, If I remember correctly about 85k miles. I now have 130K 2 yrs later. Ive had to replace a set of tires, the radiator, the battery and now a minor oil leak. Sounds bad, but it's a used car and was more than likely its timing. With that being said I love this car. Ive thought about a new car but when I look around I compare other cars to my Maxima. Mine is a beautiful color (bluish) with leather seats that are in terrific condition, 6-disc CD player (that needs replacing bc the factory one is crappy) and a sunroof. No leaks. Keyless entry. MPG could be better but not too bad. This car runs and runs fast! Powerful engine. Love LOVE this car!
One of the BEST
jmsworth, 07/05/2012
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
This car is great, The oil everyone's 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:(
2002 Nissan Maxima
zawada, 11/27/2013
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle, i would highly recommend it. It was very reliable and had an amazing engine. Perform regular maintenance and this car will not let you down. Only draw back was the poor MPG and recommendation for premium fuel
Fast and good looking but eats oil
lostinfresno, 06/21/2014
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought my Maxima in 2011 with 106000 car runs great and fast when using premium fuel. Mine has needed strus since the day I bought it. I have put 27K on it and i'm putting KYB strus on. My mechanic said the monroe struts are too weak for a cra of this performance level. Hard to believe my car burns 2 qts every 1k miles. With that said this car runs strong will fry the tires in first and second gear. I have replaced the factory stereo (that was junk) The interior is roomy and trunk is cavernous. I love the Zeon headlights most cars from 2002 don not have these in this price range I have replaced the radiator because the plastic tank developed a pin hole Still have original clutch
2002 Maxima GLE
2002maximachic, 02/03/2013
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Love this car (model/year) - bought in Dallas with 84K and it runs great with 171k now. Just recently I found that during heavy traffic it slips a little. It sort of goes with oil but got that fix. I don't know anything about buying transmissions but where do you start to figure the cost?
40K car for 25K
Vineyard, 02/26/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Superb car. Very smooth. Very fast. Very comfortable. A tremendous bang for the buck. I would choose it over my Boston car; a 99 Mitsu Eclipse GSX.
FIve years, never an issue
RustyNC, 09/25/2007
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We love this car. Never a problem. The highway ride comfort and noise are the only improvement it needs. Very good in the snow.
Problems, but it never left me stranded. Car changes its own oil. .
driftisfun, 05/03/2012
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Ok it's been 5 years since we purchased our gunmetal grey 2002 Maxima w/6 speed manual. The car had roughly 78k on it at the time certified pre-owned vehicle from West Covina Nissan. Now has well over 160k fast, hard miles. Maintenance has been: Front brakes three times, goes thru tires a lot. Front right wheel assembly and hub became loose. Replaced clutch as well. Sound system broke. Power steering leak. Uses 2.5 quarts of oil every month or so, which is a lot. This is very common as are the individual coil packs failing (there's 6), and O2 sensors (4 I believe),Catalytic converter failed. These days my Maxima is firing on only two cylinders and we have thrown in the towel. Car still runs!
Great First Car
Anonymous, 12/06/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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
Great car thus far
lexmaxima, 03/20/2011
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
pearly white
stubdew, 01/30/2015
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I love this car i have had 2000 gle 2001 and now the 2002 maxima se love the style of this car and comfort
Love it to the "Max"?
jason, 07/09/2006
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have just purchased a used 02 Maxima SE with about 50k on it. I have been driving a 4x4 Tacoma, keeping it of course, so it is a real rush when I hit the gas in the Maxima. I was originally focused on a Camry or and Altima but after test driving the Maxima I fell in love. I paid a little more than I would have for an Altima but I feel a hell of a lot better in the Maxima, no regrets yet. I have owned a 1990 240 SX which I always thought was a little under powered, this is not the case with this Maxima...WOW! If you have owned a Maxima I would love to her what you have to say about it. Does the novilty wear off? Have you had any problems? I hope I don't have a case of "Maximitus".
Sad It's Time To Let Go
apapple, 10/06/2011
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Motor Wrapped in Crappy Exterior
vq35de1, 09/27/2012
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I didn't 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 I've owned it I've gone through 4 rear calipers, a new radiator, an O2 sensor, trailing arm bushings, and much, much more - I would say I've 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.
2002 nissan maxima se
kvhinton, 06/07/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
excellent car. my 6 speed is a rocket. 50,000 trouble free miles so far.
A Keeper!
bjb, 01/09/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Quality ride with great performance, excellent pick-up, handles great. Decent gas mileage. Reliable and fun to drive. I like my SE, but wish it was a quieter ride--too much road noise even when all windows are up. ALSO...be careful of driver side blind spot and wide turning radius--I adjust side view mirror carefully, and must plan ahead for VERY wide U turns.
I Luv My Maxima
nissanlover, 09/14/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 2.5 years and I am now at 135k and have no major problems. The power in this maxima is awesome and always performs like a champ. I also have a 2004 Maxima but I like the 2002 alot better
Never selling
Colin, 04/03/2023
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This year marks 20 years since I've had my 2002 6-speed maxima, and I still absolutely love driving it. Simple, analog, in touch with the road, roomy, good gas mileage, insanely reliable, and timeless looking. They'll never make a car like this again. I do have other vehicles but I still take this on 1000+ mile road trips and have no worries about doing so even with over 250k miles. There's only been once that it's left me stranded and that was the alternator. Some simple tools and a parking lot replacement, and I was back on the road. I will absolutely keep this car until my dying day unless another driver wrecks into me and totals it. Love love love this car.
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Great first car! 2002 Nissan Maxima
Breana Marciel, 02/28/2017
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Cars have been around for over a hundred years and there are so many models and brands to choose from. A great first car and one that will never let you down, I recommend the 2002 Nissan Maxima, if you are looking for good gas mileage, comfortability, reliability, and a exceptional performance. Nissan focuses on “enriching people’s lives” being environmental, safe, reliable, performance, and life on board. The company’s life term goal is to reduce Co2 which is what I like! When I earned my driver’s license when I was seventeen, I was surprised with a 2002 Nissan Maxima on my driveway from my parents. They told me they have heard positive feedback from other owners with the same car and came to a decision to buy one for me. I have been loving this car ever since. The Maxima was given to me from another couple here in Colorado, they have taken phenomenal care of it and now it is in the hands of me. As far as gas mileage goes in this car, they recommended to me to use the highest-octane gas while fueling my car. It may be more expensive than regular, but you can feel the difference while driving instead of hearing the valve rattle. Also, a plus is that you do not have to take continuous trips to the gas station a full tank for me lasts a little less than 2 weeks commuting to school and work, with a tank capacity of 18.5 gallons. Everyone can agree when buying a car, if it is just for you or your whole family, you want to make sure it is a comfortable car since you may commute to work, school, activities, or traveling. With the 2002 Nissan Maxima what I like is, it provides a back seat big enough for adults, deep cushions, electronic adjustable seats, all seats accommodate most body types well, cargo net for storage on the sides of the doors, A/C as cold as ice when you start the car, cruise control great for traveling, power steering, front reading lights, and very spacious throughout the car. It does only provide a CD player and a tape player which is a little of a downfall for me because I like to listen to music on my phone I worked around that and got a tape with an aux cord which worked out well! but I also wished to have heated seats since I’m always cold and is always great for mornings and nights. These comfort features are very helpful and convenient for me I really liked having all these features since I do a lot of driving to the mountains, to work, and to school. When it comes to looking for a reliable car, you want what is best. That’s what my parents made sure of doing, so they know I am safe and in a reliable car. The Maxima was built with a large windshield and a wide rear window for great visibility all the way around which lowers the chance of getting in an accident. It is very helpful and convenient that this car has large gauges so they are easy to read for me and even for elders. With the finest illumination at night as well. Most newer cars now, have so many buttons and switches they had to include making it hard to see and most people including me wouldn’t know half the buttons or what to press. I also haven’t had any problems with my car since I got it in 2015, I just maintain regular maintenance to the vehicle such as oil changes, transmission tests, car washes, checking brakes, etc. It is also great knowing and sharing with others that this car has been seen in every type of weather and never left me stranded. When buying a car one always looks for performance which does not disappoint in this car. What I liked while driving around in my car was quick acceleration, great brakes not too little tension or not too much, and phenomenal handling. With a great performance in a car I am able to rely on it to my daily commute to work and school. What I found out when I first drove the car that I didn’t like too much was the turning radius is annoyingly broad which results in making tight parking situations a bit challenging, I would do a lot of three point turns. That was just the only disadvantage of the car. But, if I want to update my car’s performance, it is easy to find the parts and not as expensive as if you want car parts for a newer car. Overall I love this car and I am glad they chose this Nissan Maxima as a first car. I would recommend this car to anyone. The 2002 Nissan Maxima is great on gas mileage being a little bit more expensive didn’t set me back, I love all the comfort features the car has to offer it is more than enough, everyone can rely on this car it is great as long as you take care of it, and the performance is good many owners of this same model loves their car and it has lasted them for many years and more to come. I rate this 3 stars out of 5!
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- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2002 Maxima 3.5 GLE
White Cheddar, 09/11/2019
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wow Nissan! After 18 years, we've racked up an unbelievable 240,000 miles on this baby. This car was bought brand new, in AZ, was garage kept for maybe half its life. Had to replace the alternator once, the starter and that's it. The transmission is finally giving out , due to years of stop and go on the 10 and a recent teen driver. Leather interior is still perfect, a/c is cold and the paint is still pretty nice. Great car I'm gonna regret selling
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02Maxima Rocks
PVA, 07/01/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After test driving many of the more expensive 4-door sedans on the market, I knew that the Maxima was definitely my pick. Who wants to spend more money to look like an old man when you're 25? This car is very functional, sporty and fun to drive. Nissan's 3.5L 6cyl engine begs you to give it gas and the suspension does not mind hard cornering. The engine can withstand a serious amount of punishment and so can the transmission! SE suspensions are tuned to provide a busy, sportscar type of ride and you feel just that. It is so fun to embarrass VW's, Audi's, BMW's, Acura's & Mustangs without making one upgrade!
Just great
dfsgfdfsdrgr3er, 06/20/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is a great car. You have to love the VQ35DE. It's smooth, and if you squint, you can hear a V12!
Needs better paint
mmart157, 06/09/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car, overall quality is a 10 easy. Has lots of power and just about every gadget you could need. NissanUsa needs to address the problem with paint chips though. 2 days and I have 20 paint chips down to the primer. My acura has 7 after 4 years in the same driving area. That is pretty ridiculous. Now I have to pay out of pocket to have the hood and bumper re- painted and then add a clear bra. If they could fix that then this would be the perfect car.
Best value for your money
bwinter7, 04/20/2007
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
Camrys and Accords are for suckers.
thor444, 07/11/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It has a Six Speed Manual, 255 Horsepower Yiming Chain Driven motor, LSD front end, HID Lights and never needs anything. People who compare Camrys and Accords to this car are diluting themselves.
dfc review
dfc, 06/05/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good value for someone wanting a sportier ride with some luxury. The V6 is torquey and feels like a small V8. The brakes and steering are also good. If you are a spirited driver, the suspension will leave you disappointed. The body rolls heavily and the springs/struts are are tuned for comfort rather than performance. The 6speed gears are spaced well but the throw seems extra long and the feel is very notchy - like working a big screw driver in bowl full of marbles! Nissan could take some lessons from Honda. Dispite the shortcomings, the V6 does make up for them and is perhaps the best sport sedan available for under $28K.
Cool, smooth, and fun
topper, 03/31/2005
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this little car. It drives like a much more expensive sports sedan, (this one is the SE model), and has given me 3+ years of troublefree service, and I don't take care of it like I should. The only preblem I have ever had is ironically with the much touted Bose sound system, w/the 6 disc changer. It has been replaced twice (at no charge to me, even AFTER it was out of warranty), and it yet again is skipping and stops playing in below 50 degree weather until the interior warms up. Other than that the car and the dealership service department have been great!
So far not to bad but getting nervous
Jake, 05/05/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Great Car
Dan, 01/27/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for a little over 3 years. It has been a great car. I change the oil every 3-4 K and it just keeps on going. I have never had anything major go with this car. You keep up with the regular maintenance and it keeps going strong. I hope to drive this car for many more years. It's traditional looks will always look cool.
All around great car
cardriver, 03/04/2008
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car all around fun to drive, plus a great motor and really good brakes. I like this car and will keep it for years to come.
Maxima fan
Mark3092, 04/04/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car. Bought in November of 2001. I have put 36,000 miles on it since. Not a single problem. Plenty of power, and fun to drive with the 6- speed.
Would buy another
Skeete G, 04/30/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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. It's handling is decent and it's pick up is phenominal. I would recommend this vehicle for anyone on an average middle income budget. Performance, realiabilty and looks.
Pretty happy
pordy, 02/24/2006
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very nice car for the money- lots of kit, room, fast, comfortable, reliable- few competitors with a 6-sp. I bought 2 years old and now 2 years later and 50K miles total it has needed nothing. I'd certainly buy it again. However, early '00s weren't good times for Nissan and there are signs of things done on the cheap- leather has been durable but feels like vinyl, solid rear suspension, chronic wind noise around rear windows (TSB witstanding), non-adjustable rear headrests, intrusive trunk hinges, limited-slip only optional (and the 1 option mine doesn't have save navigation which I wouldn't want- forces cd changer in to trunk), some cheap plastics around e-brake and center storage
2002 maxima gle
max, 04/14/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in 2006 with like 49k now I have only 67k and I have mixed feelings about it is just not the way everybody think it is.Good thing it is loaded with heating steering wheel which is nice heated seats and much more features but it has so many downside things that I would not buy it again. Start with turning radius it is like an old Russian Lada than torque steer terrible than trany is going out at 67k almost gone than my struts in the front bad $1000 at least to fix them and I don't want to forget the wind noise is terrible, worse than my 90 Camry so in the other way don't buy it
Take care of it!
2TH Doc, 05/02/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought brand new and have had NO problems out of routine. Still have original clutch, orig struts (not same ride but is fine), maybe down a quart between changes. OEM stereo died a few years ago, purchased from Crutchfield and upgraded myself. I LOVE this car and am planning on driving it to 300K or more! This is also my 4th Maxima.
Best car I've ever had
Esch, 12/31/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2002. At the end of this week I will have put 250,000 miles on it. No major problems until I hit 225,000 miles, at that point it started burning through the oil and I had to replace the radiator. However, I still love to drive it, when clean it still looks brand new inside and out.
Great All Around Car
Tony, 09/22/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased this '02 GLE from my cousin in '07 with only 50K mi. Well built, reliable, powerful, comfortable...it's simply an excellent all around daily driver.
Decent reliability for the money
yokiro, 09/01/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall it has been a reliable vehicle -- minus the o2 sensors failing over the years and problems playing CDs.
Worlds Best Synthetic Oil/Premium Gas/Air filter, 155K Still runs like the day I bought w/ 56k
loveurcar, 08/25/2012
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 22 people found this review helpful
Bought my Maxima in "06" and switched to Full synthetic oil within the 1st 3k-4k miles and have always ran Marathon/Speedway brand Premium gas almost always except for traveling on vacation. After studying more about syn. oil and air filters. I found that Amsoil syn. 0w-30, Amsoil oil filter, and a nano fiber air filter that they recommend that filters down to the smallest particle size(oil filter also) on the market that last 100k(vacuum every 25k) to keep your oil clean between 10k-12k between oil change intervals or once a year. I only have to add around 1 qt of oil between intervals. Since owning the car the MPG improved after switching to listed above to 30 mpg hwy and 27 average.
A Distinctive Car Worth the Quirks and Shortcomings
thos, 05/13/2011
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 13 people found this review helpful
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
2002 Maxima with Manual Shift=AWESOME
jhkmsu, 05/08/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 11 people found this review helpful
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
2002 Maxima GLE
Briannj, 05/11/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic to Drive. This is my second Maxima. Larger than an accord, better looking than a camry. Can't beat the value!!
Having fun with a six speed
6-speeder, 08/26/2008
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love it. It has been a good car for me. Buying it with 50,000 miles was miraculous. Especially with it being a six-speed. The car looks great and has beautiful horsepower. With it not being driven much I have had to replace the sprockets on the timing chain and little things along the way. But overall it's a wonderful car I would recommend it to anyone.
A smart choice for smart people
Williams Young, 05/13/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pls don't laugh at me but this IS my 3ed Maxima. The car is like many reviews mentioned, reliable, powerful, roomy and all that. What's better is it also costs thousands less than any entry-level luxury cars out there. So if you are the kind of guy who always relentlessly pursue the perfect cost/effect ratio, this is the car for you.
Nissan Maxima
Gunjan Amin, 04/13/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just love my new Nissan Maxima. It's awesome. I love that damn powerful engine. The exterior is not bad. But if you want the exterior look more appealing, then buy body or aerodynamic kits for Maxima. It will looks great!
One test drive will have you convinced..
tamast, 04/25/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2002 Maxima is just so loaded with features that its hard to ignore. Compared to the Acura TL-S, or a used 2000 Audi A6, I was considering, it wins hands down. I am very impressed with standard HIDs, the very responsive 255HP legendary VQ engine, and the tight suspension of the SE. For '02 you can even get a 6 speed manual (unfortunately I passed it up, not much fun in the crowded DC area). I spent a long time searching for the perfect vehicle, and almost never even test drove one; if it wasn't for my mother buying an '02 I'd be stuck in something I payed too much for with much less performance!
Completely Satisfied
maxowner, 05/15/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do a fair amount of driving in relation to my work, so I wanted a car more powerful and roomier (I am 6'3") than my Mazda 626. Completely satisfied with that choice. Lots of leg and head room, even with a sunroof, which is a power sunroof. Plenty of get- up-and-go, accelerating quickly and smoothly, and handles very well, even on curving mountain roads. Interior is leather with faux wood trim. A bonus is a built in dash 6 CD changer, with a great Bose sound system. I am convinced that a comparable Toyota Avalon or Acura or Honda,etc. would have cost 3- 4000 dollars more. Mileage so far appears to be 22-24 in town, and 26-28 on the highway (using regular unleaded gas).
Keeps on going (FAST) w/140K!
jdub, 12/20/2007
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 I've 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.