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2002 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$25,239 to $27,639

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(26 reviews)
2002 Nissan Maxima Preview summaryImage

You need enough room for your family, yet you don't want to sacrifice luxury. And the 20-year old youth in you craves a fun and sporty ride. The 2002 Nissan Maxima tries to fill all those roles by upping its horsepower this year and adding sportier exterior and interior trimmings. Available in base GXE, sports-oriented SE, and upscale GLE models, the 2002 Maxima gets a new 3.5-liter, 255-hp V6 engine this year. While a 4-speed auto tran is standard for the GXE and GLE, the V6 on the SE is matched to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, to enhance driving performance and feel.

Aside from some fiddling with the grille and light design, many of the additions in 2002 have to do with more standard features. All of the Maximas now feature xenon headlights, which improve visibility, but apparently are a target for thieves looking for aftermarket parts for earlier Maximas. All models get 8-way power seats, while the GLE gets dual power front seats with a driver's memory setting. The base GXE is much more loaded than in 2001, with new 16-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted audio, cruise control, a garage opener, CD player, and auto-dimming mirror. For 2002, the GLE gets upgraded audio and an optional navigation system. A trip computer is also new for all models this year, and a sunroof is optional on both the SE and GLE.

A roomy interior seats five, and rear seats split-fold and feature a trunk pass-through. Seat comfort overall is more supportive. The SE remains the choice of driving enthusiasts, with a stiffer suspension, performance tires, a rear spoiler, leather-wrapped wheel, and chrome exhaust pipes. Though drivers love the extra power, more aggressive styling, and family-sized room in the 2002 Maxima, many opt for the cheaper Altima, which is similarly equipped and is actually the Maxima's chief competition. Drawbacks to Maxima ownership include a wide turning radius, poor customer service, low fuel economy, and a so-so sound system.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2002 Nissan Maxima

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User rating:
by Ben B
Mar 31, 2015
2002 Nissan Maxima SE, 4-spd Auto. Bought this little gem brand-new in March 02 and still drive it daily 15 years later. This is my everyday commuter car and has accrued 108,000 miles to date. It has seen every type of weather, crossed the entire country thrice and has never left me stranded. Ive probably spent <$1500 in maintenance and repairs over 15 years. Id say that its pretty darn reliable. //Driving - its a mid-level family car. It does basic commuting and family transpo really well. The low doorsills, large windshield and wide rear window make for excellent visibility all around. Seating in general is well done, with deep seat cushions that yield proper thigh support and accommodate most body types well. Gauges are large, easy to read and have good illumination at night. I have a non-nav setup, so radio and climate controls are easy to use with ergonomically sound button arrays. The interior (black leather) looks nearly brand-new - Im serious. The paint (Dark Blue) has faired very well despite the CA and AZ sun beating down relentlessly. No paint fade or clearcoat peeling is present. //Gas mileage. Not great. Expect about 17 (city) and no more than 24 highway (@75 mph). This particular car is finicky and develops a valve rattle with any fuel less than 91 octane. //Performance. Acceleration, braking and maneuvering are generally quite acceptable, although the turning radius is annoyingly broad. This can make tight parking situations a bit challenging with lots of three-point turns. //Overall. There is a reason I still have this car after 15 years...it just works. Plus,iIf you are at all handy, minor repairs/maintenance are very easy and parts are cheap.Mar 31, 2015
by Mr. KIRAN T
May 09, 2014
Sunroof busted...stuck in the closed position. Other than that, I enjoy(ed) it! Sporty enough without being all Too Fast Too Furious. For a 2002, it still fits in well with all the newer cars on the road these days.May 09, 2014
by Shivon I
Feb 15, 2014
I like this car, it looks and it is very reliable. It can be modified to look better than it looks and the parts can be easily changed if it was needed. I would recommend this car to everyone if I could.Feb 15, 2014

2002 Nissan Maxima Pricing

Original MSRP
$25,239 to $27,639
Price range
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Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Nissan Maxima price trends

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

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