Used 2002 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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.
Just Shy of Perfect
This car has always been just shy of everything I was looking for. I bought it when it was one year old. I wanted a manual - but settled for an automatic. I wanted a sunroof - but settled for none. I wanted great power and handling. I got both, but they were coupled with a bulky body and a curious modesty that's crept into Maximas since my '94 model. I wanted a good traveling car, and I got it - except for the annoying headrests. I wanted good gas mileage, and it's there - but at premium fuel prices. With all this said, I still love my Maxima. I'd buy it over again. This car is like a relationship - a work in progress.
Luvin' it
Bought the car 18 months ago off a used car lot. The car has worked out very well, mileage is now over 65,000. Powerful engine, good handeling, comfortable to drive even for long periods, and surprisingly good fuel efficiency. The SE's sports suspension is a little bumpy, but it feels good. After 7 years in a Grand Prix GT, it feels great to have a solid and reliable car that can really move. My wife likes the car too.
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.
What a LEMON!
The car is beautiful, fun to drive, and get's exellent gas mileage...when it is running. I should of known it was going to be a lemon when one fuel injector blew up. The A/C has gone out not once, but twice. It has had fuel sensor failures not once, but twice (in addition to the fuel injector issue noted earlier). Oh...did I mention all of the recalls? WHAT A LEMON! I am buying an Accord.
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.
Well worth it
With 255 horsepower (33 more than the '01 model) this "family sedan" is a blast! The SE handles like a fine sports car thanks to the suspension and 17" wheels. I've driven with verve for three years and the engine, suspension, tires, everything is still in great shape. The only problem I ever had was with the 7-spkr Bose 6-CD player that needed a spkr wire fixed the first year --- the dealer replaced the whole system in less than one day with no cost to me because of the warranty. The car flat-out outperforms all its competition and is more comfortable to boot! (I tried Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, Acura, VW, and Mazda.) Did I mention its a great car? . . .
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.
my maxima
luv it smooth . bought it from hertz nice plesant experience . no hassel
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 ride
My 2002 Nissan Maxima has been the best car that I've ever owned. It has been very reliable and had no problems whatsoever so far. The interior is very confortable, roomy and everything is within reach. In my opinion, this is a very solid car all around. It has the best V6 HP (265) engine compared to others in the same category and year. The gated shifter really complements the transmission.
A great car
This is a fabulous sports sedan. It was the last model year before the Maxima came out in the Altima body style. The acceleration was so smooth and effortless due to the 255hp engine. The ABS brakes and traction control system gave the car a 10+ in handling. Steered like a sports car. Because I am a low mileage driver, about 7500 mpy, the dealer offered me a great trade on a 2005 Altima, or I would still be driving it.
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.
Horrible Never again
I will never ever get another Nissan again. From the headlights to the cd player breakin within the first 3 months to the speakers not working correctly. Nissan makes a good engine but I do not like the lil trinkets that are faulty. I will go with toyota or honda or mazda or hyundai next time.
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.
Super sedan!
Sold an 03 Vette to getthis Nissan cause of my growing family size. Fit and finish of Nissan blows chevy away. I got a loaded se 6 speed and it has more bells and whistles than the vette I had. It's not as fast and doesn' handle like a vette but for a 4door it sure does feel sporty. The gearing takes a lil gettin used to as its a close ratio 6 speed but its fun to drive as long as traffic isnt an issue. I love this car and it is far better than the 88,89, and 94 maximas Ive owned.
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.
Great Car
This car has been fantastic. It's fun to drive, very roomy, and decent fuel economy. With the leather & moonroof, it's almost elegant. Aggressive exterior styling along with the 255 horsepower engine make this car fun to drive. My only wish is for the suspension to be a bit tighter - the GLE is a bit softer than the SE. The back seat is very roomy and comfortable. I originally was considering the VW Passat, but I felt the value of this car was much better than the VW. If you're considering this car, I would definitely recommend it.
A Real Disappointment
My wife and I bought the 6-speed Maxima because, while we needed a 4-dr sedan, I still wanted a performance- oriented vehicle. The Maxima fit this description and, aside from the Altima, had the most bang for the buck. In addition, being a Japanese make, we felt this would be a reliable vehicle that would be with us for many years to come. HOWEVER, in the 3.5 years that we have owned the car, we have been to a Nissan dealer no fewer than a dozen times due to problems. At least twice as many visits I have ever had to make to the dealer for problems with ALL of the other cars I have ever owned. Of note, we had to get a new transmission at 32K and finally a new engine at 49K. Time to trade.
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."
It's okay, but I wish I'd gotten a G35
Overall, a nice car - no mechanical issues whatsoever. It's powerful, especially as the horsepower takes over, and would really benefit from rear-wheel drive as torque-steer can be problematic. I find the gearbox and handling a bit squishy, but I'm coming from a Miata. The trunk's hinges extend into what would be usable space, reducing the trunk's capacity. The back seats appear to be reasonably comfortable, but I've never sat back there! Significant wind noise from the sunroof wind deflector. I would be a much bigger fan if the mileage were not so bad, and if the trip computer didn't lie about it, which it consistently does in most/all '02 Maximas (making me believe it's intentional).
STAY AWAY
Great car, has all the bells and whistles but if you live where there are criminals THE HEADLIGHTS GET STOLEN LIKE CANDY. I HAVE MY CAR FOR6 MONTHS AND I AM SELLINGIT ASAP
What's Not to Like?
Bought the car at 17K miles. Have put 27k on it. The car is extremely fast, quiet, and reliable. The Bose stereo rocks! I've replaced the tires and had the brakes done--nothing else. And it is absolutely beautiful. This is a car that you can put 200k miles on and it will still look new if you keep it clean. Nissan is making great cars and this is one of them.
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.
worth it!
I used to drive a chevy cavalier and I loved it but it was not reliable. I knew I had to trade it in and as soon as I saw my maxima and took it out for a spin I knew right away I had to have it. I know it was used but I've heard a lot of good things about Nissan and plus I got a 3 year warranty. I love my Nissian maxima and she's been good to me and I know we got alot of years ahead. Joulia
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.
fun
Great car that is fun and reliable. enough power to get you anywhere, yet smooth enough to sit in traffic
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.
Love it!
I love this car which I bought with 29,000 miles on it. I now have 50,000 on it. Pluses: Handles great, great power. Minuses: Slightly lower gas economy than I expected, Bose system playback skips. I also feel a slight jerk when the driver's window rolls down. I expect that I'll need a repair sooner or later.
The anti-Camry
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 driver's 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.
Good Car, Good Price
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.
The perfect car
This car is extremely nice and fun to drive. It has everything and I love it!!!
Loves to run
I was drawn by Nissan's reputation for reliability and snared by Maxima's sheer driving fun. This is my first Maxima having last owned a Mazda 626. I didn't think I could afford a car that offered enough room for my outsized old body and was fun to drive too. The BMWs, Jag X-types, Audis, Acura TLs and Lexus IS300s were nice and expensive. But this car got me with its combination of features, power, build quality and fun drive train at a bargain price. I love the way this car's eager to run. I get up the mountain to ski MUCH faster than before and I find the trip to be more comfy too.
Best car for the money
Great power, good ride, and lots of features for the money. The sound system is excelent, fuel economy is not bad for a car with 255 hp. It has everything that I could expect for the price.
Great Second Car
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
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
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.
Maximus supreme
Bought my SE in May of 06 with about 48k on it and it rides like a dream. Those 6 cylinders come in handy on the highway. Takes curves pretty well, too.
My Max
The new Maxima is great to look at and drive, however, the third week my check engine soon light came on and it's a brand new car. That's scary, other than that I am in LOVE with the Max.
The new speedy
The loaded GLE is not only a rival to the luxury kings of the road, the car is fast and powerful. With regard to the slight delay on the gas when the pedal is floored, the car is an all around rocket that grips, sticks and hauls!!!
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE Meredian Edition
It is my opinion that the 2002 Nissan Maxima is the best sports sedan for under $30,000. You can't buy a better car for the money if you factor in all the options and excellent reliability of this vehicle. My wife has a 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE with over 100,000 miles and the only thing she replaced was an $18.00 halogen headlight. Now with more power (255hp) and torque, this car is a pleasure to drive.
Great car, few gripes
Car stickered at $28,800 and after shopping around for other cars at the under $30K price, there was no other that offered the Max's performance, reliability, and amenities. The Audi A4 was VERY nice, much nicer interior and exterior, but for $30K you could only get the 1.8T - not fast enough for a $30K car. Ditto the Passat. The Acura 3.2TL Type S was nicer inside, but cost $5 grand more, and frankly didn't feel as powerful, the engine wasn't as smooth or quiet either. And "upgrading" to an Infiniti I35 just didn't seem worth the extra $2,000+ The choice was simply Maxima!
Oil Consumption
Had to replace engine at 61K due to excessive oil consumption. Was adding oil weekly driving less than 30 miles per week but rings still damaged cylinders. Bought car for known reliability. Very sad and painful experience. Wards 10 best VQ35. Yeah,Right!
A lot of car for the money...
Just purchased a 2002 SE. I did some homework and simply could not elsewhere find this much car for the money.
They don't make them like the used to...
I must say I have been a bit disappointed with this generation Maxima. My 97' SE was amazing, but somewhere in the crossing over, Nissan focused too much on power and not enough on the driver. The Bose sound system is a joke, the electronic seats are great but stopped working right after I bought it, the interior feels cheap and allows lots of wind noise. Fan for heater makes horrible grinding noise, so loud in fact it can be heard outside the car; how embarrassing! The styling and everything about this car feels old and worn out...I just want to get rid of it but I'm stuck with loads of negative equity!! Yikes!!
WHAT A ROCKET SHIP!!!!
THIS IS MY SECOND MAXIMA great car 255 hp rocks plus it looks great
Carl's review
love it so far...navigation system has some dead areas geographically
Ergonomic Nightmare
The Maxima SE is GREAT in all respects but one - cockpit layout. Whoever designed it knew NOTHING about human interface design. The seats feel like bench seats, the climate controls use mixed modes (slide AND dial), for those with long legs the steering column does not telescope resulting in arm/shoulder fatigue, and the control console is hard to reach if your seat is all the way back. A month after purchase I had such neck, shoulder, and back pain that I was going to the chiropractor as often as twice a week. It took a while to figure out that the poor seat and layout design in the car were to blame.
2002 Black on Black SE 6M
From my other review. 2002 Black on Black SE 6M 3/17/08. OK! What I stated before still stand, but we need to slam Nissan or the horrible, just horrible OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. This car does consumes oil. It will run normal for the most part and if your not careful and check the the oil level you can and will do damage to the motor. I keep a 5qt bottle of castrol high milage. After 200 mi of driving or so I have to add a qt or two of oil. That's right! Nissan won't admit to this problem. don't bother with synthetic if it consumes oil. The burn off is costly with that oil. I tried just about everything excepting changing the engine. Good luck....