2002 Nissan Maxima Trims and Specs

The fifth generation of the base model 2002 Nissan Maxima GXE gets more standard features and a new 3.5-liter, 255-hp DOHC V6 engine with 4-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive mid-sized luxury sedan is roomy for a family, but with enough performance to satisfy the weekend driver. The 2002 Maxima GXE gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels and adds an 8-way power driver's seat this year, a trip computer, xenon headlights, keyless entry, a remote garage opener, CD player, wheel-mounted audio controls, leather interior trim, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Already standard were dual front airbags and 4-wheel ABS brakes. Intermittent wipers, power features, cruise control, and a security system are holdovers from last year. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 to extend the 15 cubic foot trunk. A CD changer and rear spoiler are some of the limited options available on the 2002 Maxima GXE. Some highlights for owners include the increased horsepower, which boosts the fun factor, and the quiet and comfortable interior. The rear styling could be better, and cupholder location is still an issue.

Luxury and a sports-oriented performance blend together in the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE, which gets a new 3.5-liter, 24-valve, 255-hp DOHC V6 engine with 241 lb-ft of torque and a new 6-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed auto tran is optional. The 2002 Maxima SE is also a versatile family car, with lots of interior space, good front legroom, and 15 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands when the split-folding rear seats fold down. The front-wheel drive sedan carries similar features to the base model, and gets leather trim, xenon headlights, an 8-way driver's seat, trip computer, garage opener, and wheel-mounted audio controls this year. Differences are its 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and sports suspension. A limited slip differential is optional.

Other standard equipment include dual front airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, auto-dimming rearview mirror, CD player, power features, security system, cruise control, and foglights. Traction control and side impact airbags are optional and help earn the 2002 Maxima SE a 4-star crash rating. A long list of options includes a new navigation system, heated leather seats, heated mirrors, a sunroof, power passenger seat, memory settings, a CD changer, and automatic climate control. Owners praise the easy handling, overall comfort, standard features, and acceleration power of the 2002 Maxima SE. A wide turning radius, inadequate brakes, and peeling paint are some criticisms.

The 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE is the luxury version of the already upscale mid-sized sedan, and this year it gets a lot more bells and whistles, not the least of which is a hefty 255-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, matched to a 4-speed automatic. New standard equipment on the 2002 Maxima GLE includes 8-way power front seats (previously optional) with driver's memory settings, leather upholstery, a trip computer, upgraded audio system with a CD changer, xenon headlights, wood trim, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels.

This is all in addition to the power windows, locks, and mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ABS brakes, dual front airbags, leather accents, remote entry, garage door opener, a security system, and wheel-mounted audio controls. Foglights are also standard, and not available on the base GLE. The 2002 Maxima GLE also comes with more options, and you'll see many with a sunroof, heated mirrors and seats, a rear spoiler, side impact airbags, and traction control. New this year is an optional navigation system. Getting all the standard luxury features at a less than luxury price is a big draw for 2002 Maxima GLE owners, who also say it is powerful and comfortable. Complaints mention a need for restyling and the fact that the Maxima isn't much different from the cheaper Altima.