2002 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2002 Nissan Maxima express a strong appreciation for its performance and comfort. Many drivers loved the powerful engine, acceleration, and spacious interior, making it fun and comfortable for both everyday use and longer trips. However, some noted issues with traction and the turning radius, which can be a challenge in tight parking situations. There were also a few concerns about gas mileage not meeting expectations."
My first car, most powerful car in the family, love to drive, no work needed so far, brakes great, accelerates like no other, great mileage and $3.59 for a gallon of gas is great. I get around 21-25 miles a gallon and i can't believe that i have such a great car!
August 21, 2008I owned a 2002 Maxima SE 6 speed manual and drove it about 90,000 miles in less than 3 years. I bought the base model and had the dealer install leather. I had owned a 1999 Maxima SE 5 speed manual prior to this and loved that one too. The 2002 has a much smoother transmission. The suspension is set up a bit softer than the 1999, which wasn't my personal taste, but my passengers seemed to like it. The interior is also very large. At the time, I had two young children in car seats and could fit three car seats across in the backseat. Not many cars that compete with the Maxima can manage that. Fuel mileage was good throughout my ownership. I see these on the road now and think they are probably the best Maxima that Nissan made.
March 26, 2007In Auatralia this is the Top of the range Model which is the Ti, fitted out with leather trim, power and heated seats, heaps of fake wood trim, sun roof, climate control and the coolest sound systeml. It's very comfortable to drive, stacks of room inside and a decent size boot (trunk for you Yanks), the 3 litre V6 has plenty of poke and can keep up with the big Aussie cars.
May 6, 2013What owners say
My first car, most powerful car in the family, love to drive, no work needed so far, brakes great, accelerates like no other, great mileage and $3.59 for a gallon of gas is great. I get around 21-25 miles a gallon and i can't believe that i have such a great car!
August 21, 2008I owned a 2002 Maxima SE 6 speed manual and drove it about 90,000 miles in less than 3 years. I bought the base model and had the dealer install leather. I had owned a 1999 Maxima SE 5 speed manual prior to this and loved that one too. The 2002 has a much smoother transmission. The suspension is set up a bit softer than the 1999, which wasn't my personal taste, but my passengers seemed to like it. The interior is also very large. At the time, I had two young children in car seats and could fit three car seats across in the backseat. Not many cars that compete with the Maxima can manage that. Fuel mileage was good throughout my ownership. I see these on the road now and think they are probably the best Maxima that Nissan made.
March 26, 2007In Auatralia this is the Top of the range Model which is the Ti, fitted out with leather trim, power and heated seats, heaps of fake wood trim, sun roof, climate control and the coolest sound systeml. It's very comfortable to drive, stacks of room inside and a decent size boot (trunk for you Yanks), the 3 litre V6 has plenty of poke and can keep up with the big Aussie cars.
May 6, 2013I love this car. It's probably one of the best cars I've ever driven for the money. I highly recommend it. This one is special because it's the last year that the Maxima was made in Japan.
April 8, 2008stillen intake, greddy evo exhaust, 20" Helo Black wheels, 245/40zr20 with Nitto NT-555 ZR's tires, all LED lights, ceramic brakes with cross drilled rotors.Stillen strut tower bar, sirius satelite radio. very fun to drive when the cops aren't around.
June 9, 2010Great car with excellent features, good performance in terms of acceleration, 255 hp, good brakes and handles well. No issues with build quality, power window motor and blower motor have been replaced. Looks great, kinda timeless, xenon headlights look great. Low cost to own, change the oil every 5K and drive. It's still fun to drive every time I push the gas. ***Update Got to 186K on the odometer and needed a new cat, so I traded it in, still miss it though, great car.
July 9, 2009The 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE has a great blend of upscale comfort and raw horsepower. It is completely fun to drive, comfortable and reliable. I believe it was the last good-looking Maxima - the current body style is blah in my opinion. The 2009 looks great though. I would definitely buy another Maxima.
May 6, 2008Christ, this thing is a beast! Nissan's 3.5l VQ engine and the 6spd manual transmission really get this car going. Its a sleeper for sure. Never have seen a car that looked good, had lots of room, was comfortable, and performed 0-60mph times in 5.5 seconds. Nothing like the 5th Generation Nissan Maxima.
November 5, 2011Persormance: Dont make alot of parts for this car but when you find them they are costly. Build: Car is sound. Appearance: Car has some nice lines to it. Very sharp. Cost: Gas isent bad its a V6. Maintenance: Mobil 1 all the way. Fun: Its not a car to take in the woods but on the streets it handles
March 26, 2010Gotta have 6M, but lottsa torque-steer. Needs stiffer springs and independent rear suspension... its way too soft. Great on the interstate and amazing mileage...I've actually averaged nearly 40mpg with cruise on long trips. Spacious and quiet, but can put you in jail faster than you think.
August 3, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $25,239 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,989 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,639 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
