Used 2002 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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best car <$30K
maximaguy, 03/07/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a '96 with almost 100K miles on it--no problems whatsoever. Sprung for the 2002 since they had the rebate and is worth it for the amount paid.
Nice car
Stazer, 05/18/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice car, except for 3 things that I dont like about it. Back seats are not good for tall people, suspension is Rough on the SE (you feel every bump), making a U-Turn is hard, same with parking spots. Also if you hit the gas and there is bumps on the road you better hold onto the wheel cause it locks up and and jerks really hard.
A true 4-door sports car
Soopermax02, 11/13/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
well put together car
Manoj, 02/27/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd maxima. I have also a 93 and 96 maximas. I love the engine, interior, and exteriors of the car. Only thing I am little disappointed about is the suspension system. I feel that they could have improved upon it. Other than that, I love the car. I have so far about 8000 miles on it. For the money, this is a great car.
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!!
Very happy, love it
acere, 04/17/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car to have, especially if you drive in the hwy. Engine very powerful, lots of room, sound system the best, lots of space in the trunk, love the idea of having Xenon light.
Fun to Drive
K Turner, 11/19/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
dyer's review
Jim Dyer, 05/09/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My '02 Maxima is the best car I've owned. The 255 hp engine's performance is superb and runs great on regular. The heated seats and steering wheel make early morning winter drives bearable. I plan to keep it until 200,000 miles.
Great car, few gripes
LA Max, 03/30/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Nice Car!
pdonath, 01/13/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 7 months and I drive it about 30 hours plus a week for work. I have had no trouble and love it.
Oil Consumption
Maxima -Minimus, 08/05/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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...
perdajz, 05/30/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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...
Jamez, 02/17/2007
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!
New Maxima SE
nddst, 03/10/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving every import in the 20-30k price range (BMW, Volvo, Passat), I decided on a Nissan Maxima SE. Since I wanted a manual transmission, I was limited somewhat (No Accord, Acura or Camary). I fell in love with the Maxima's looks and it drove like a dream. I am moving from an Acura Integra and what a difference! The Acura is a fun car to drive, but the Maxima blows it away. It has much less road noise and a lot more power. No other cars I drove gave me the value I got with the Maxima.
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.
WORTH EVERY PENNY!
dawson, 12/03/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
WHAT A ROCKET SHIP!!!!
gsxrter1994, 10/05/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS IS MY SECOND MAXIMA great car 255 hp rocks plus it looks great
Carl's review
pcnbpt, 03/05/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love it so far...navigation system has some dead areas geographically
Loves to run
RAM, 05/01/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Ergonomic Nightmare
GWindsong, 05/10/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
02 Black on Black 6m, 09/02/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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....
Big Disappointment
buyer, 04/22/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I waited for three years before buying this car. I should've saved my money for something more worthwhile. I loved the car at first but things just keep cropping up. The drive by wire throttle sucks, creaks and rattles are starting to develop, the exterior fit and finish leaves something to be desired and the paint job is of very low quality. The resale value on this car is also way below what you'd think. Yes, I'm already trying to sell it. Do yourself a favor and save your money for an Acura TL or Lexus I30 or a BMW 3 series.
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!
myMaxima
nada, 04/17/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love my Maxima. I use it as a commute car, and it is fun, fun, fun to drive. Main criteria were reliability and performance for a reasonable amount of money, and I got both with my 2000 Maxima. What I like the least about the car is the fuel economy, or the lack of - my driving style contributes to that :-) I highly recommand the car.
Maxima SE
05/08/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although I wanted a GLE with the navigation sytem, the dealer was only able to find a SE with the navigation system. I was somewhat disappointed until I realized that the SE had an upgraded suspension. The car goes like greased owl----, although you have to watch quick get aways because of the torque. Its fast, stable in turns and the build quality is excellent. The seats are confortable and mold to the body. A very nice car. Get about 26 mpg combined city/highway driving. Have gotten as high as 31 mpg highway.
2002 Maxima SE vibration problem.
bvf10376, 03/06/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm noticing a vibration in the steering and seat but only at highway speeds ( not noticed in the demo ride because it was just around town ). Service people recognized problem. All 4 rims and tires replaced. Slight improvement but still not right. Nissan says this is normal???? I'm wondering if there's a flaw in the SE because I've heard rumors that other new SE's owners have complained and that all SE's on the dealer's lot were shown to have the problem.
Can't afford a BMW M3?
Paclark01, 03/14/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am new to the Nissan experience. In all respect to the autombile, it is definitely a four door sports car. Fun to drive and crisp in handling. The six speed manual is notchy prior to it's 1,000 to 2,000 mile break in period, but after a smooth and gentle break in the car shifts smooth and precise. I will definitely recommend this vehicle to an individual who is considering an Acura TL-S. Nissan has given the Tl-S a run for it's money. Besides, who can beat a savings of up to $7,000?
Exactly What I Expected
Eric D, 03/01/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The TV commercials are not the only good thing about the Nissan Maxima. This car is fast and fun to drive. The GLE model is loaded. The heated steering wheel with the Meridan package is a neat feature. The Xenon headlights are drastically better than convetional lights. With Nissan offering a $1000 cash back I got a great deal. I actually paid less than the TMV.
WOW
jmaxima, 03/14/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked and looked and Maxima was finally my choice. You can't beat the rebate and you can't beat what you get. Mine is a fully loaded SE. The ride is a little harsher than the GLE....but it's a sports car! The closest in price ans features would have to be the Acura TL Type S which to me feels like a much bigger car. When you compare you see you can't go wrong with MAX!
More then you expect
About2000, 04/02/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just picked up a Maxima SE with sunroof for $1,000 under invoice. Love the majestic blue color. Interior is great. It is hard to imagine any car that is drasticaly better. Feels like a $40,000 car. One of the best sport sedans out there.
powerful!
maxima02, 01/25/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the xenon lights are a hot item, stolen off my car 3 times!
Hard to beat at this price
Chaz, 09/04/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2002 Max SE for $29K drive- out, completely loaded. The interior is great, complete w/ very useful Nav system. The build quality seems impeccable and rock-solid. Love the xenon headlights. The engine is the smoothest engine I have ever driven, with loads of torque. The car is very fast for an automatic. The seats are a little hard though.
Best Bang for the Buck
GLG, 03/07/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I simply love this car. It clearly has the most options of any car in its class and in some instances in the luxury class. Of course, once you jump up to the luxury class (BMW, Audi, Lexus, etc.), you are paying for the name. Best value for a car given all the options and the performance
Better than the others
szutavern, 02/07/2010
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
buy of the year
florida fred, 03/21/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, very fast and you will have to spend 20k more to beat it.
One Fast Car
dt, 03/02/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Maxima SE has all features except the navigation system. I was one of the first around witht he 6 speed manual. Incredibly fast car that still somehow gets above average fuel economy.
You kidding me!!!
Mike G., 04/11/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great! This car has more hp then most V8's. For the price there is not a better car. I drove the TL and the ES300 and this car performs better then both. Alot of bang for your buck!
New 2k2 GLE
pasquale/pscarponi, 03/02/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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).
Stabbin''
Governor, 04/25/2003
2002 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. The horsepower is great. It gets to 100 in no time at all.
A JAPANESE M-5
CarGuy, 03/25/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
EVEN THE LOCAL STATE POLICE LOVE THIS CAR. I ACTUALLY SAW ONE BEING PUT TO USE TO CATCH SPEEDERS. IT'S A CAR THAT GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR MONEY AND THAT'S ALWAYS A WINNING FORMAULA. THANKS NISSAN FOR BUILDING THE CAR I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT.
Best Maxima Ever!
Maxima #3, 02/22/2009
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought as certified used with 22K miles, now have 122K miles and this car is still awesome!I haven't had any major problems at all with this car. I plan to drive it well past 200K miles.
Maxima!
tkesde1, 11/10/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is very impressive thus far - feels solid - you can really feel the horsepower while also being incredibly comfortable in ALL the seats. Tons of leg room and it seems as if they thought of everything. Definitely the best car I've ever driven.
Solid car, great performance
theargosy, 05/27/2007
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had this car a matter of days, but my wife has one so I have a better idea of what it is and what it can do. It's a sporty family car with lots of power and conservative styling and functionality. It's got very good overall performance with acceleration a prominent feature. My wife's 2000 has been very reliable through 109,000 miles.
Very quick stylish and every still tries to buy it
Michael , 06/05/2019
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car still looks good today that's good super fast impressive 6-speed is crazy
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
sporty family car
tothemaxima, 03/28/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the money and ability to negotiate, nothing comes close. Great blend of performance with ride, comfortable for a sport-tuned car. It get a lot for the money.
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.
awesome car
widikerb, 04/22/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for the money. I have had honda and toyota but this is my first nissan. I shopped around considerably and found this to be the best deal for the money. I am very impressed with everything so far and have not had any problems. I am averaging 20 mpg city and 30 hwy. Great pick up really loves to go with the pedal to the floor.
Satisfied Customer
scdiva, 05/11/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Nissan Maxima SE. I bought the same color, same interior, same everything except I had a 99 SEL and bought a 2002. I like the improvments in the styling. Although I like the styling of the Infiniti G35 much better. This one sits more comfortably than my 99. I am a loyal Nissan owner.
Rock solid thus far!
T Maynard, 08/04/2007
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased used in August '07 with 98K miles. Firstly, the exterior of the car is simply beautiful, extremely classy looking yet with a sporty edge. The interior cabin feels overall roomy enough. The leather seats are quite adequate and all the controls are nicely laid out and easily accessible by either the driver or passenger unlike in some vehicles where you feel the dash is a mile away. The sound system is decent but not exceptional. The steering is crisp and precise and the power is exactly what you would expect 255 ponies to feel like from a big sedan, very exciting. Gas mileage is blah, but this car so far has been a very worthy investment. It leaves me wanting nothing.
6 Speed
art327, 11/10/2002
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great value for the money. Looked at a 325 BMW but it was 10K more than the Max. Glad that I stayed with the cloth interior but wish that I got the Boise package. Lots of power, received my first speeding ticket in over 30 years.