Used 2002 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Family sedan/ Sports car
I am very happy with my Maxima. This car had really high ratings in consumer reports and has a very smooth ride. Exceptionally quiet on the high-way. I know several people that have owned maximas and not one is unhappy.
Check out the 2002 Maxima
I fully researched this car before I bought and found very high reviews from Consumers Reports, Edmund's, and others. I had previously owned a Maxima and a 300Z. This car was everything I expected EXCEPT the rough ride with 4 passengers. It tends to "bottom out" when going over a dip in the road. With two passengers it is not a problem exept it does not take rough railroad crossings very well.
Not a TL, but good
Comfortable, fast, handles well; whar more ciould I want?
Speakers
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.
A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing
A Great Car With Plenty Of Punch Even Into The Triple Digits. Ride Could Be A Bit Smoother. Nothing In Its Price Range Can Even Come Close. I Would Call It The Poor Man's BMW.
Updated review
I bought this car four months ago. It has relieved me from driving my 2007 IS 350 out of leased miles. The real MPG is about 25 mpg hwy and I'm not an agressi. It is roomy and well-built. The engine has lots of power and a reasonable amount of torque. The quality of the leather is above average. It's nice to see that all the electric features still work @ 112k Mi. The ride is stiff thus noisy but not unlivable, I think it needs shocks. The color is a pearl white and it has aged gracefully. The '02 Maxima is a great solution for people who need to commute but don't like to drive smaller cars and still get mid 20's per gallon.
great car
great car with great luxury I love the engine the most and everything about it
2nd MAXIMA...LAST MAXIMA
This car has been problems from the time it was about 3 months old until now. I have had the car in the shop 7 times now in 9 months. Bose radio was replaced, hood shakes when going highway speeds, electrical problems, and it has also died on me 4 times in the last 2 weeks. Dealership can't fix several of the problems.
maxed out maxima
Much better overall car than my 97 Maxima. All of the luxury car features at a family sedan price. All the power of a 2 door sports car hidden behind a 4 door family sedan outfit. Beats the crap out of my wifes BMW 328i in acceleration and comfort, but I would rather take that 40 mph curve doing 70 mph in the Bimmer!!!!! Great car.
Top Score for Maxima '02
The best way to describe this sport/luxury sedan is INCREDIBLE!!! No other vehicle has as many options for the money as the GLE '02 Maxima. Standard Xenon headlights which are aimed perfectly so as not to blind oncoming traffic, heated steering wheel (try getting this on anything but an I- 35), multi-adjustable sunroof... the list goes on and on. And all this can be had for far under 30K!!! The doors close with that emphatic thud, the engine starts with a pleasant snarl, and a 200 watt BOSE stereo w/ 6 speakers and a subwoofer...it truly is a symphony on wheels. Compliments have been..."What a smooth ride!" "Great sound-system!" and "How much didn't it cost?"
Middle-Aged Maxima
Drive mostly city. Gear shifting notchy. Only real gripe is the oil consumption that affected 10% of VQ35 engines. Still a fantastic engine.
Initial thoughts
These are my initial thoughts: - Superior engine performance. Smooth as silk. I am still way under the 2000 mile mark, but the quality of the engine is unmistakable.(10 points) - Comfort. Cabin needs to be quieter still. Nonetheless, I will compromise here. (8 points) - Fuel economy: This is not a Toyota Echo! - Build quality: I strongly believe that the quality of the big 3 Japanese autos (Honda, Toyota and Nissan) is flat out superior if the product were made in Japan. These 2002/2003 Max are the last of that breed. - Interior: Very pleasant. - Exterior: I felt a slight odd styling, clear feeling of a stop-gap between the 2001 and 2004.
First Maxima
Just bougnt my first Maxima (GLE) w/roof and front side air bag. Got a good deal and very friendly service at the dealer. Loved it the first time drove it. Quiet and fast! Everyting is easy to control, even the audio controls are built on the steering wheel. Love the trip computer, too, but not the number on when you see your average gas milage.
maxima gle
so far have had no problems, have 1400 mi, fun to drive, good family car yet sporty, smooth and powerful engine have all options except nav.
Best Car for the $
I purchased my 2002 Maxima GLE 6 weks ago and could not be happier with my choice of this vehicle. Power, handling and comfort are all excellent. The Bose stereo is fantastic.
Still a great value
The Maxima is a great all around car. It has the performance of a sports car in acceleration and handling and the refinement of a luxury sedan with ample room and amenities. The six speed manual is a blast to drive and it is great on gas (close to 28 mpg in mixed driving). What more could you ask for for a price in the mid 20's.
Good buy
First Family car purchase ever. Considered the typical Camery, Accord, Passat and Legacy. The Max was larger in every sense of the word. Bigger wheels, engin, wheel base, F/R headroom, leg room, shoulder room - oh yea and a bigger thirst for fuel. It has a smooth wisper quiet powerful engin, its accelaration really fools you. I have already had to talk my way out of a ticket - and I was not even in a hurry. I do not like the rear headlights, and I am dissapointed in the paint. In all I would recommend the car - just pay close attention to the warrentee as it pertains to the paint - you will use it.
Am in love with my car!
I bought my first Nissan last year after owning a Chevy Barretta for 11 years and over 150,000 miles. I was undecided between Honda (Accord), Subaru (Legacy Sedan), and Toyota (Camry). Many friends encouraged me take a look at Nissan, they all had good experiences with their old and new Nissan's. So, I went in, tested both Altimas and Maximas and settled on a 2001 Altima. I was very pleased with it but kept remembering how comfortable I felt driving the Maxima. I later drove a Maxima rental and was hooked. So went in ang traded my Altima for a 2002 Maxima GLE. WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE. This car has it all, power, looks, luxury, comfort ... I love my Maxima!
great car
Bought it for my wife , now I need to buy her something else.It's mine now.
2 thumbs up!
I was intent to get a 03 alty, but the interior material still fail to par. SOOO Happy with the purchase! more luxury, great performance, classy look. Never thought that I need so much power out of a car, but once you need it, you know it's there! The rear seat is smaller than Alty(Max is higher), but the only thing at the back is the baby car seat. Climite control, 6 CDchager, Bose, leather seat, steering wheel control, trip computer, HID, all standard for less than 30k! CAN'T BEAT IT!! Best bang for the buck in the category!! I had rear window TSB fixed but the wind/road noise still coming from door seal and roof, should have better insulation on this car.
Shame on you!
Motor Trend just called their long term Nissan Maxima basically "the budget BMW 5 Series" and that was with the 222HP 3.0L V-6 engine! Imagine how much better it must feel with the 255 HP 3.5L V-6 engine....Why so many hateful reviews? Why great reviews scoring about 5? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE????? 14.4 1/4 miles can only be achieved by 8 cylinder 5 series BMWs....Besides the V-6 has been rated many times as one of the "Worlds Best".
This car is fun fun fun, but only if...
...only if you have the 6 speed manual transmission. Let me remind you that the Maxima is a sports car with 4 doors, you should not even look at the automatics.
The maxima is the right choice
Great car fun to drive very fast and sporty but also very luxouious
A true 4-door sports car
Nissan hit this one just right. One early 90's sales pitch for the Maxima was that it is a sports car with 4- doors. The 2002+ Maxima comes roaring back to that heritage with a potent 3.5L V6 (of note, the same 3.5L powerplant used in the new 350Z sports coupe) and accurate "German" like road feel. The SE is the pinnacle of sports sedans for the price conscious consumer; others beware, the Audi A4 3.0, the BMW 325i, Acura TL-S, and Lexus LS300 are no match for this mighty Maxima. For those seeking a more refined version the GLE comes with such standard amenities as a leather interior and climate control.
2002 Maxima GLE
Fantastic to Drive. This is my second Maxima. Larger than an accord, better looking than a camry. Can't beat the value!!
Fun to Drive
I enjoy driving this car. Pure and simple. It is just so much fun to drive. I have also never received so may compliments from strangers on how great the car looks. That was definitely unexpected. It responds quickly and smoothly to whatever I ask it to do. The sunglass holder started sticking twice. The entire unit was replaced by dealer after the second time. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.
Sport Sedan
After 40,000 miles, this car remains fun to drive. Except for a O2 sensor, I've had no problems. Highway mileage is 30 MPG. The RE92 tires will go 50K. My major complaint is the fact that the engine holds on to it's revs between shifts.
Having fun with a six speed
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.
WORTH EVERY PENNY!
You will not find any car with this price tag. I looked for 6 months, with the same package that this car comes with, all were asking above 30k. GRADE: A++ NISSAN! Nissan did its homework!
7 years & still going
I purchased my Maxima new in January of 2003. It's the best car I've ever owned. I now have 168,000 miles on it. It's never been in the shop for any repairs except 2 small items that Nissan contacted me about that they did for free. I change the oil regularly with Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 & replace the oil filter & I have no oil leaks. I also change the coolant and transmission fluid every 50K miles. And I replace the air filter every 15K - 20K miles. Replace tires & brakes as needed. It has more than enough power. Great brakes and fantastic balanced ride. Plenty of room for 2 car seats in the back. My wife drives it mostly now & she loves it also. I will update when we reach 200K.
Sexy and sleek, but a little noisy
Overall this is my favorite car out of 12 that I have owned. I was immediately drawn to the power that comes from the amazing 3.5V6 in this car. My car has over 125K miles on it and the engine still purrs. My gripes have been with the build quality of the exhaust system. The flanges between the midpipe and the muffler have rusted and snapped TWICE. I've lowered the car and redone the suspension and although it's a little stiffer, this car is connected to the road better than ever before. Fuel economy is GREATLY improved now, I average about 50/50 highway city and get 25+ mpg most of the time on 87 octane.
Maxima : A blend of family car and fun
My 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE (loaded w/out nav.) is an excellent choice if your want a family/sports car. At invoice (27,054) w/ 0.9 % financing this was the most car for the money. Performance,build quality,value,and reliability are great.Turning radius is large for a car in this class.The paint does chip relatively easy. The carpeting is cheap! Leather quality while not bad could be a lot better. Most controls are arranged well (especially on the steering wheel) The power mirror controls,heated steering wheel control and fuel release could be more convenient.The ride of the Maxima is noticably stiffer than the Toyota's but this is a small tradeoff for the increased performance.
02 Maxima SE
Just bought my wife her third Max. Have owned a 96 and 99 and this one is the best by far. The new 255 hp is just what this car needed, the old 3.0's just didn't seem to hall the mail in an automatic. The new body design is excellent and the road and wind noise has decreased dramatically. ABS is finally standard equipment and the power up/down feature for the front windows is awesome. The Camry and Honda have nothing on this vehicle.
I love my 2002 Maxima
I got my Maxima over a year ago... it was roughed up by some college kid who could not afford payments. Yes it has some dents, dings and rust. It also does not have the best fuel economy but it is a fun to drive car that has a huge engine (3.5) to other comparable cars in its class... It has 255 horsepower with 246 ft-lbs torque... i had w rated tires on there... and my car ran like a new car. the engine is very strong and reliable... everything in my car is running strong... and im glad i bought this car
Fast and Reliable
Great acceleration, good handling, bullet-proof reliability. 18k miles in six months and not hint of a problem. Cruises effortlessly at highway+ speeds. If it wasn't a work office I would have gone with the 6-speed.
One test drive will have you convinced..
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!
2002 Nissan Maxima GXE
Excellent value. One of the best engines I've seen, very powerful, yet quiet and refined. I like the ext. styling and the interior is comfortable. It was between this and the Toyota Camry V6-I felt the Camry was more comfy inside, yet I like the Maxima's performance and ext. styling. I would also consider the 2003 Accord. The only complaints are wind noise at highway speeds (sounds like the rear passenger window is slightly rolled down), having to turn on the cruise control every time the car is started, and the beep of the horn when locking the vehicle. I highly recommend this car.
Maxima SE 6-speed
Great car for someone who would prefer a 2 door sports car but must compromise.
Better than the others
My wife just wrecked our 2002 maxima. Bought it used with less than 30K on it. Radio was a piece but the car ran and drove flawlessly for over 7 years and 155k miles. The dammed low-profile tires you have to run on these is the worst feature. All I did was change the oil regularly. It was in the shop for struts and then again for a steering rack. Total additional cost over regular stuff was like $2,000. Almost made the mistake today buying a an 2001 accord w. 73K on it till I read about all the problems with trannys and abs light garbage on those era of Hondas. I am looking for another nissan
Keeps on going (FAST) w/140K!
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.
New 2k2 GLE
As a previous Nissan owner, 95 Maxima, and 88 Pulsar, I was impressed by the reliability of my Nissans. Having been an owner of Fords, Chevy's and Plymouths I was easy to impress. My new 2k2 GLE appears to be as good as or better than my 95 GLX. I have not had any problems, defects, or quality defects (but I only have 1700 mi on it).
Eating Oil
Purchased the car new in 2002, fun car to drive initially.6 speed gear box and acceleration can get you in trouble with law enforcement.I have owned car for 8 years and had little or no problems.Problems began at 120k, electric cooling fans out,power plug cig lighter quit working,car started making a clacking noise that sounded fatal.Car towed to shop, found low oil on stick , noise from lifters clattering due to electronic timing off and air in system due to low oil. Car maintained meticulously with Mobil 1 syn 5w30 reg change.Repaired and back to normal. Happened again same problem.Car eating oil, no smoke or serious leaking. Mechanic friend chk pcv, stuck on Saturn and ate oil.I have to ck
Shivers Down My Backbone
I have owned this car for six months and I still have goosebumps nearly every time I drive it. In fact, I often find myself taking longer routes to and from destinations just to spend more time driving this car. Simply stated the 2002 SE Maxima was designed and built, as the manufacturer's ads say, to be "Driven."
A good reliable runner
Great performance. Outboard visibility is excellent. Reliability is the best. My third Maxima. Toyed with the Infiniti G35. 5G more and it doesn't yet have a track record.
Simply Awesome for the price
Nothing can compare with the Maxima for the performance quality and price. I shed a tear when my 1999 SE (47,175 miles) was recently totaled in a rear end collision. I walked away with a $19,215 insurance check. I went right back to Nissan and bought a loaded (except Nav)GLE with spoiler added. I only paid $25,752 (after $1,000 rebate) plus $400 for spoiler installed for a total of $26,152. Of course there was also the customary state tax, title and registration fees. I test drove the comperable Honda, Acura, and Lexus and they all have their good and and not so good points. However, when it came to value for the dollar, the Maxima won hands down, no contest at all.
Yeah C'Mon
The vehicle is the best value out there. Sportscar ride with a lot of power. Much more roomy than other cars in its class. Great trunk space as well.
2002 Maxima SE
This is a great car. I've been a Toyota fan for years, but the Maxima advertising campaign coaxed me into trying something new. Engine performance is outstanding, going from 70mph to 90mph without hesitation nor strain, almost instantly. Solid construction is noticibly better than my 2000 Camry.
You may not be able to drive other cars
I test drove the 02 Altima and was disapointed with its cheap interior quality. Then test drove the 02 Max. This baby flies; I knew I had to have it. IMHO it's the best car available for the money. I opted for the auto tranny despite my love for the 6 speed manual because the auto provides more than adequate response with its smooth intelligent shifting. The GLE will end up being cheaper than a similarly configured SE (I don't care for the rear spoiler) With Nissan offering the vehicle for $1000 under invoice, who could say no to such a deal with additional dealer discounts. '02 Max owner since early Feb 02.
Blows V6 Passat, Accord and TL away!!!!
Only options I didn't get were the heated seats and traction control - dealer did not have one in stock with the frost interior - black leather was WAY too hot! Tested Acura TL, V6 Passat and V6 Accord, not as smooth a ride but lot more fun and roomier. Sticker said $29,500, but actual price paid compared to V6 Accord and less than Passat, TL with same options. Love the 17 inch wheels, looks fast and sleek. Awesome interior - nothing cheap in there, gated shifter, locks and handles all look phenomenal. Awesome passing power on interstate. Worried service will not compare to Acura or even Honda and VW.
Awesome Car
I've owned this car since November and I'm still smiling. I was going to buy an 02 Altima but a loaded Altima V6 would have been only $1K-2K less than a GLE Maxima. I test-drove a Maxima and I was SOLD! The car has incredible power. My dad is looking to replace his 99 Avalon with an 02. I told him to take a good look at the Maxima because you get A LOT more for less money. I haven't had one problem with the car (and I drive it hard). The 02 Maxima is a GREAT car.