Used 2002 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Best Mid-Size Sedan for under $25K
mirth review, 04/28/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Compared to the other competitors in the mid-size sedans under $25K category, Maxima provides the best combination of performance, reliability, luxury, and convenience. I researched this against all it's competitors: 1. Camry/Accord/Taurus - way too boring 2. Passat - nice, but the engine is anemic. 3. Impala - questionable styling 4. Intrepid/Concorde - too boaty, reliability questions 5. Grand Prix - don't care for Pontiac's styling inside or out
Poor man sport sedan
GimmeTorq, 03/04/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Nissan Maxima is a well built and solid family sedan. The "VQ" family of engines is considered one of the best V6 engines in the world.
Most car for the money
mclarenM5, 07/27/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best cars you can buy for under 30K. The GLE comes with everything you would ever need. Add cold weather package and traction control and you have the ultimate car. There is nothing more you could want. Traction control works great on ice. Torque steer is noticeable when you step hard on the gas. The brakes stop on a dime. Much smoother than an Acura TL Type S(which costs more) Nissan has re inveneted itself. You cant get into a comparable BMW,Audi,Acura,Lexus for this amount of luxury and performance. Infiniti G35 is great...but RWD in the NE isnt the best.
Waste of money
murjose, 10/12/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car looks great and runs great for the first couple thousand miles. However, I have always had a loud clunking noise from the front suspension. Nissan is unable to fix it and keeps replacing parts, but at my cost. The car is cheap and cost a lot. Buy Honda. I will next time. I am hoping that someone steals this car and I never get it back. Thats how much I hate it. I bought it brand new.
My Baby
harmony, 09/16/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for anyone single or with a family. It is sporty enough for the single folks but yet roomy enough for a family. I would recommend this car to anyone wanting something powerful.
Ok until around 90k miles
maximus02, 07/24/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle for the last few years. However, around 90k miles the transmission broke. Replacement rebuilt transmission $4200, beware of higher mileage vehicles.
PURE ADDICTION
cranesrule, 07/20/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought the 2002 SE to replace my wife's Olds Intrigue... Now I want to steal it from her. This car has a combination of brute power and silky smooth refinement that is truly addictive. The acceleration is spectacular and it has the handling to make it feel locked down at all times. Complaints about torque steer? Buy a less powerful car or learn to drive - this car is worth the effort. Interior design is gorgeous yet simple and understated. Even the cloth interior is simply stunning. This car is such a perfect compromise between sports car and sedan that it feels like you you haven't given up ANYTHING. Nissan hit the sweet spot.
Nissan is Good
TaxMan, 05/21/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only car I drove that outperformed the Maxima was a 540 6-spd, but it was two years old, had over 30k miles, and was priced about $10k more than the Max I purchased. No other car priced under $35k can match the Maxima's blend of performance, quality, and content. My only major complaint is the paint quality - the car is five months old and has almost a dozen paint chips on the front bumper. Great car - loads of passenger space, good looking, fantastic engine and transmission.
I love my maxima
A Nissan Fan, 08/13/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, fun to drive and great engine! I have 38500k on my 02 SE and am very happy with it. Bridgestone tires are not good in wet weather, but it doesnt rain in socal! Handles great! SE sticks to the road like glue during cornering. The car is quick and nimble for its size and weight. Bose stereo is overrated (it has a tape player in it, who owns tapes?)This car is a blast to drive on hills and curves, especially when you are passing bmrs and acuras!
3rd Maxima--this one is the best
yobrooks, 06/28/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2002 GLE loaded---can't beat the value compared with the competition. Great engine, steering and brakes. Have fun!!!!
Great Car
Boppa, 07/01/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just passed 3500 miles on odometer. Car performs flawlessly. Plenty of room for 6'4" driver. Averaged 27.9 mpg on 1200 mile trip thru the desert in 100+ heat. More than happy with this car.
Lovin it!
Migman, 07/28/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted to own a Nissan Maxima. My dream came true the day I sold my "yuck" Ford sedan. The minute I got in to test drive the car I knew that this car was for me. With 255 horse powers this car has great acceleration. No longer do I struggle to merge onto the highway. Not with this baby! When you start out there can be a slight spinning of the front tires when the roads are wet, so care is needed here. With the stiff sports tuned suspension, the SE model feels well grounded, and hugs the road nicely on the curves. Overall I'd have to say that this car rules!
Beautiful car!
jdavis, 05/22/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely LOVE this car! We got the SE with cloth interior and a sunroof. It is a fun car to drive and I'm the idiot driving around smiling all the time! The powerful engine is magnificent and it handles really well. This is my first NEW car and first time Maxima owner. I don't think I will ever get another type of vehicle again!
Great Car - Could have been better;
Newsha Makooi, 11/12/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the car, but the fog light design is very poor. Also, after 32000 miles, the interior has developed a lot of road-noise. Sounds like little parts have come loose and rattle too much. I hate that. However, the BOSE system will cover any noise/road-noise that you might otherwise hear. Also, the OEM tires are useless. I had to replace all 4 at 22,500 miles.
its a great car
jeffery, 04/29/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its has a very powerfull v6 and verry comfortable its fuel economy is great. nissans build quality cars that last forever
Amazing
IgS, 11/29/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great. if you need a car with a lot of room and a lot of speed and oomph, the maxima takes the cake for the money. i have a 6 speed and its o so fast. got a 0-60 in 5.97 seconds. and it has lots of room and comfort, you dont see many cars with those two things together.
Luxury-level sports sedan
One_Hand_Sound, 07/03/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The build quality, smoothness, quietness and sheer power are on a luxury car level. I have two new Maximas, 7 months old now and with a total of 13000 miles between the two. Absolutely not one single problem with either car the whole time. How can they make such a complex machine so perfect?
Die Hard Nissan Lover
SkyRockerr, 07/22/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 1994 Nissan Maxima , After owning that maxima, i waited 2 years to save up and buy my 2002 nissan maxima se , need less to say, overall performance is good, but i was not impressed. Its going to cost me more money to address the car to my standing, by lowering it, adding aftermarket suspension, already bought aftermarket falken ze 512 tires, installed a strut bar front, rear and upgrading music, all that money spent, i should of considered a 2002/2003 Acura TL / BMW , after having honda for 1 year and driving it like hell i am impressed with honda .. i use to love nissan, but with the HID Theft issues and this hunk of junk.
Only A Nissan
FIG, 10/09/2005
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
everything any body would want in a car, style, power, dependability, reliability. very well put together package. i havent wanted nothing but a maxima since 1992, the dream is know my reality. kudos to NISSAN.
Get the '02 now!
docdoowop, 07/07/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just pulled the trigger on a new SE 6- speed in Super Black. With Bose system, sunroof and various other minor options we paid $950 UNDER invoice ($24,300). Nail down a year-ender now. The redesigned 2004 Maxima debuts next Spring, and Nissan is going to move the car upscale to more clearly separate it from the Altima. That means you'll be crossing the $30k threshold easily. Best performance sedan I've driven since my '89 Taurus SHO. Both thumbs way up!
Nissan Maxima 02
Ignacio Mejia, 01/21/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 02 Maxima is very sporty, powerfull as well as atractive. It looks like a luxury car, and drives like a sports car. I have been very pleased with everything my Maxima has to offer. It is not that good with gas mielage, but then again, I used to drive a celica.
2002 Maxima SE 6-speed
2k2maxMD, 05/23/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car for two months now (2000 miles). Replaced a 1998 Honda Accord EX- V6 Coupe with this car. I am very satisfied with the ride even though is is not as smooth as the Accord Coupe was at high speeds (+70MPH). The clutch motion and engine are extremely smooth. The 6-disc sound system is par at best. The rear deck subwoofer sounds muddy and can only handle half the power without distorting. Wind noise at moderate speeds is noticable but bearable. In short, the Maxima has the ergonomics and all of the comforts that an average commuter is looking for; not exactly a Lexus, but the performance and lower price make this car a great buy.
Once you go Japanese you never go back
jjln, 02/10/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This one has get up and go. Interior and exterior styling excellent. Ride is good, front hood shakes a bit on hwy. I like the ride and the look of the vehicle. The v 6 is great however it does det 21 mpg, which relly isnt that bad considering the size and power of vehicle. I will buy again. Plus dealer service is great. Never will I buy an american car again.
Don't buy this car
jfriar52, 07/08/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Seats are uncomfortable to sit in for over ten minutes, poor paint quality cause more chips than I can count, poor quality glass scratches and chips easy, interior materials scratch easily, two recalls already and only had the car 6 months, service is terrible (takes twice as long to perform service as they say, no dealer will schedule recall service on weekend because they don't want to lose money (inconvenience for those who have jobs), engine is strong but at times the engine and transmission tend to buck, terrible aerodynamics(at highway speeds any wind gusts make the car lift and make it difficult to control) Save your money and buy something else.
Shivers Down My Backbone
ny2la, 05/30/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
archie85375, 05/30/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Fourth and last new Nissan
PKB, 04/07/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Engine pings most of the time, and sometimes feels sluggish. Dealers have been NO help in resolving these issues. All Nissan Corp is willing to do is say that they "understand my frustration." Early on, "drive by wire" throttle would abruptly shut off under full acceleration, dropping engine to idle at the worst time. Dealer was familiar with this problem and installed a new throttle stop. 6 months later, I got a recall notice for a "potentially dangerous" defect with the throttle. It took them 6 mo to notify owners of a dangerous fault! Cheap rear beam axle thumps loudly when crossing speedbumps. Windshield creaks in its frame. Bose stereo sounds muddy. Disappointing!
good,fun to drive
NicholPallot, 03/11/2006
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hard rideing car. But, car handles great & is fast. I love my Maxima, I had Three Maxima's 96,99, &02 Would like to get another, but fear lights will be stolen Thank you Nicholas Pallotto
2002 Maxima vs. 2002 Altima
Vincent Lursen Jr, 07/12/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned a 2002 Nissan Altima, there not as close as critics say they are !
If it were not for the paint.........
T R, 03/14/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been wonderful so far. The performance and looks combined with the price make it a tough car to match. The torque steer is always there, but it is a small price to pay for being able to have the engine. No mechanical problems so far-20,000 miles.
WORTH IT - BUY IT
K&B, 05/23/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked at several full size cars, such as the Chevy Impala. While they were priced under the Maxima they did not come close to the craftmanship, design and performance of the Maxima. The car handles very well. It has a smooth ride and yet it drives like a performance car. The 3.5L engine can really accelerate the car well. It is pure fun to drive.
WOW
MaximA+, 07/13/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving this car is a pleasure. Lots of vehicle for the money. Test drove the Avalon which did have a better ride, but cost lots more and had less gadgets. Very happy with this purchase.
Family sedan/ Sports car
Jet, 05/23/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Simply Awesome for the price
johcha, 05/09/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Jacksota, 05/31/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Keithkoz, 10/27/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2002 Maxima SE
kycol4u, 04/09/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great overall car. Good performance and fun to drive....lots of room
Love it
krkal, 04/13/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like my car. It gets good gas mileage, especially on the highway (I have gotten up to 31 average mpg). It feels sporty and really has some get up and go, but doesn't feel as stiff adn roady as a lot of sporty cars. I prefer the not stiff feeling, but I wanted the look and pick up of a sportier car. I've had no problems yet!
Not a TL, but good
G. Charles, 05/25/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Comfortable, fast, handles well; whar more ciould I want?
Stay Away Headlights a Liability
laureljoe, 04/27/2004
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car to drive but the Xenon Headlights have been stolen twice. $3000 dollar repair each time. Headlights come out in seconds. Restraint kit only causes more damage to car when they do steal the lights. Nissan has done almost nothing to address this problem. Looking to sell ASAP.
A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing
MarZai, 07/19/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
For the family man who is not DEAD yet!
Shawn , 03/04/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a '92 maxima then an Acura Legend, now I have a 2002 Maxima! I am loving every second of it. This car is perfect for someone with a small family who stills needs to feel alive. When my wife asks me to go get something from the store i jump at the opportunity. This car is a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.
Updated review
adrian pineda, 11/13/2008
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
You may not be able to drive other cars
che, 03/20/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!!!
sergei91, 06/11/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Happy, 02/26/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Good Car, Good Price
Nerf, 07/02/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When i was shopping around, i was looking at the acura TL (maybe Type S), maybe a low end lexus, mercedes or BMW, but for the money, i found the maxima to be the best buy. the only issue i have is with the sunroof wind deflector wich keeps gettin small cracks, but nissan keeps fixing it for me. by the way to sergei91 you can program your car to NOT make the beep when you lock it with the remote. read your manual, thats what it is for.
Great Second Car
Adrian Pineda, 07/22/2008
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last week. It is going to relieve me from driving my 2007 IS350 out of leased miles. It gives me amazing mpg (28+ mpg @70 mph). 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 @ 108,000 miles. It shows that prior owner took good care of it. I bought the SE trim so the ride is a little stiff thus noisy but not unlivable. 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 high 20s per gallon.
My second in as many years
Jersey Jeff, 05/09/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2000 GLE for the 2002 and I couldn't be happier. Driving 30-40k per year doesn't allow owning any car too long. For the 1st time, I bought the same car twice. My 2000 was (prior to this) the best car I've owned. The increase in HP for 2002, in addition to the new features made buying it a "no brainer". I loaded it with all but the GPS and walked out for a little over $26K. Tell me any other car with this kind of comfort and performance for the price, and I'll take a look... but until then, I love my car!
Mistake-imus Maximas
David, 08/02/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was a happy owner of this vehicle for just under a year. Then I took it in for its 80,000 mile check up. First they found some oil leaks. Then a few days later my radiator had a leak. Then a week later I found that my head gasket was leaking. Over $3000 in repairs later, I'm selling this money pit and going for something that with better quality parts that will last me longer. All in all, a very disappointing Nissan. BEFORE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE...open up the hood and check out the design of the radiator: a plastic frame crimped together with the metal. You can expect to drop over $300 replacing that part in the very near future. It's a wonder the part hasn't been recalled.