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 81 through 90 of 311.00

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  Its okay, but I wish Id gotten a G35 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dlc - September 25 - 5:16 am

  Overall, a nice car - no mechanical issues whatsoever. Its powerful, especially as the horsepower takes over, and would really benefit from rear-wheel drive as torque-steer can be problematic. I find the gearbox and handling a bit squishy, but Im coming from a Miata. The trunks hinges extend into what would be usable space, reducing the trunks capacity. The back seats appear to be reasonably comfortable, but Ive never sat back there! Significant wind noise from the sunroof wind deflector. I would be a much bigger fan if the mileage were not so bad, and if the trip computer didnt lie about it, which it consistently does in most/all 02 Maximas (making me believe its intentional).

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  Poor man sport sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By GimmeTorq - August 19 - 4:50 pm

  The Nissan Maxima is a well built and solid family sedan. The "VQ" family of engines is considered one of the best V6 engines in the world.

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  Second Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hunterct - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Anyone looking for a great sports car with a reasonable price should look at the Maxima. This is my second one and I love it. I paid well under 30K for a loaded SE, I cant believe all you get for that price. You would pay almost 40K for a similar equiped BMW or Lexus. My only compliant is the ride is a little harsh, but I can overlook that as the rest of the car more than makes up for it.

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  Horrible Never again - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Gregnice23 - July 26 - 5:36 pm

  I will never ever get another Nissan again. From the headlights to the cd player breakin within the first 3 months to the speakers not working correctly. Nissan makes a good engine but I do not like the lil trinkets that are faulty. I will go with toyota or honda or mazda or hyundai next time.

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  Solid car, great performance - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By theargosy - July 4 - 4:53 pm

  Ive 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. Its a sporty family car with lots of power and conservative styling and functionality. Its got very good overall performance with acceleration a prominent feature. My wifes 2000 has been very reliable through 109,000 miles.

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  Waste of money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By murjose - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great and runs great for the first couple thousand miles. However, I have always had a loud clunking noise from the front suspension. Nissan is unable to fix it and keeps replacing parts, but at my cost. The car is cheap and cost a lot. Buy Honda. I will next time. I am hoping that someone steals this car and I never get it back. Thats how much I hate it. I bought it brand new.

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  2002 Maxima SE 6-speed - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2k2maxMD - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for two months now (2000 miles). Replaced a 1998 Honda Accord EX- V6 Coupe with this car. I am very satisfied with the ride even though is is not as smooth as the Accord Coupe was at high speeds (+70MPH). The clutch motion and engine are extremely smooth. The 6-disc sound system is par at best. The rear deck subwoofer sounds muddy and can only handle half the power without distorting. Wind noise at moderate speeds is noticable but bearable. In short, the Maxima has the ergonomics and all of the comforts that an average commuter is looking for; not exactly a Lexus, but the performance and lower price make this car a great buy.

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  They dont make them like the used to... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jamez - January 4 - 3:43 pm

  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 Im stuck with loads of negative equity!! Yikes!!