Overview & Reviews
The Maxima receives updates this year that make it less of a family sedan and more of an entry-level luxury sport sedan. Headlining this year's upgrades is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces a stunning 255 horsepower. For maximum performance, sport-tuned SE models now combine this engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Other changes include revised exterior styling, additional feature content and an optional GPS navigation system.
- Impressively powerful V6 engine, sports car moves, plenty of room for five adults.
- Odd styling details, high price, rough ride quality with SE suspension.
User Reviews:
Showing 251 through 260 of 311.00-
My second in as many years - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Jersey Jeff - November 28 - 10:00 amI traded my 2000 GLE for the 2002 and I couldnt be happier. Driving 30-40k per year doesnt 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 Ive 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 Ill take a look... but until then, I love my car!
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Fun to drive, with a few caveats - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Wasim - November 14 - 8:00 pmI had a 6-speed manual version with HLSD. The car looked great and was so much fun to drive, but it had lots of small problems. Individually, none would have been a big deal, but it all adds up. I had to turn the rotors every few thousand miles because they kept warping, replaced the Bose radio three times, and had to replace a wheel bearing all within one year of owning it. The squeaks and rattles get on your nerves after a while, and the big turning radius makes it annoying to park and make U-turns. That said, the manual was pretty nice, the car was FAST, and it handled great - the SE really has a nice suspension. And the interior was nicely appointed in my fully-loaded version.
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Great car, few gripes - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By LA Max - November 4 - 2:00 amCar stickered at $28,800 and after shopping around for other cars at the under $30K price, there was no other that offered the Maxs 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 didnt feel as powerful, the engine wasnt as smooth or quiet either. And "upgrading" to an Infiniti I35 just didnt seem worth the extra $2,000+ The choice was simply Maxima!
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Best Mid-Size Sedan for under $25K - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By mirth review - October 16 - 10:00 amCompared to the other competitors in the mid-size sedans under $25K category, Maxima provides the best combination of performance, reliability, luxury, and convenience. I researched this against all its competitors: 1. Camry/Accord/Taurus - way too boring 2. Passat - nice, but the engine is anemic. 3. Impala - questionable styling 4. Intrepid/Concorde - too boaty, reliability questions 5. Grand Prix - dont care for Pontiacs styling inside or out
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Just LOVE this thing! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Cliff Dude - October 7 - 12:00 amI own a 2002 Maxima SE, I bought the car "stripped", but this cars version of "stripped" means it has everything but leather and a sunroof. The handling is like that of a smaller sports car, the ride is like that of a much more expensive luxo cruiser, and the engine... Oh the engine! This cars motor is a work of muscular art with a huge chunk of precision engineering thrown in for good measure. Just a wonderful car for the price.
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Top Score for Maxima 02 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Lanz - September 3 - 10:00 amThe best way to describe this sport/luxury sedan is INCREDIBLE!!! No other vehicle has as many options for the money as the GLE 02 Maxima. Standard Xenon headlights which are aimed perfectly so as not to blind oncoming traffic, heated steering wheel (try getting this on anything but an I- 35), multi-adjustable sunroof... the list goes on and on. And all this can be had for far under 30K!!! The doors close with that emphatic thud, the engine starts with a pleasant snarl, and a 200 watt BOSE stereo w/ 6 speakers and a subwoofer...it truly is a symphony on wheels. Compliments have been..."What a smooth ride!" "Great sound-system!" and "How much didnt it cost?"
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Worth the wait - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By 2K2_6spd - September 3 - 10:00 amI have wanted a Nissan Maxima since I was 22, and I am now 27 and finally can afford to own one, and all I can say is its worth the wait! I love to drive it, Ive only had it for a week, and already have 500 miles on it. The power s enough to keep me interested, and I have a 12 second Mustang. The tranny is great, and it is ohh sooo smooth on the hi-way.
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ONE BAD MAX - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Dorsey - September 3 - 10:00 amVERY NICE CAR,YOU WILL LOVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR FAST....
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Great combination of all driving factors - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By jkh - August 30 - 2:00 amThis is a great car--styling, performance, reliability, cost to own. It eats up miles without any problem or fuss and runs the canyon roads with aplomb. It is hard to find a comparable car out there that combines all of the attributes of the Maxima at its price point. Leave your ego behind, save $10- 15K, and enjoy driving.
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Best V-6 made. Period. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Bpuppy - August 28 - 10:00 amThis is my second new Maxima. I love the power, styling, interior design, reliability and above all else- the engine. Name another midsize 4 door that has a 6-speed, limited slip differential, 255hp and does 0-60 in 6 seconds for under $27,000! Theres very little I dislike about this vehicle, and with Nissans reputation, an engine thats consistently on the 10 best engines list and a base price of under $25K, I think its a no brainer.
