2002 Nissan Maxima Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
20 City / 26 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
255
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Edgar H
It is in working conditions and gets me to one place to the other perfectly fine.
I like my vehicle because it has good space for my children. What I don't like about my vehicle is that it waste lots of gas. I do however like that my car goes really fast.
accountCircle Jason J
These type of cars run really fast they seem to be the sport cars of 2002
Pretty good car for a 17 year car maximas are known as luxury cars so You do get the leather interiors. Car won't run into much issues as long as u maintenance it well and give it regular oil changes. These type of cars come with sunroofs leather interior seat heaters.
accountCircle Pat K
Comfortable ride and easy handling make it perfect for seniors.
It is a safe four door sedan. I like all them extras it has..
accountCircle Darcy G
Best used cars to look into.
It drives really good. I would recommend to anyone. I've never experienced any problems with the motor or the extras. Air conditioner works well. The heater and radio are both good too. If I have was going to buy another vehicle I would consider a maxima first.
accountCircle Tim C
Spoiler alert. With this in the trunk it spices up the car
Nice interior. The car runs great. Only problem had was a radiator replace which every old car needs at some point. Handles great on the road and it's very agile. The speed is also not so bad. Has the interior of a luxury vehicle. The power sunroof adds to the beauty and comfort ride
accountCircle Marcel P
I love the sunroof feature for them long boardwalk drives at the beach.
The only problems that my vehicle has had since I bought it brand new in 2001. I have changed the struts, spark plugs, starter. Of course all 4 tires. Exhaust leak used to be an issue as well. I changed all my headlights. Transmission and Engine have ran strong and well. And I had to change my tire valve covers due to them dry rotting out.
accountCircle Madison R
Nissan Maxima SE -- A great car that lasts forever!
My vehicle has had minimal issues, all able to be solved in under $200. It is comfortable to drive and ride in, and it is reliable. The check engine light has appeared a few times, but each time it has been a simple fix. It is a bit rough regarding gas mileage, but I make do because it is such a respectable car otherwise. I have heard that Nissan is reputed to make long-lasting vehicles, and I have not been disappointed. The only thing I wish my car had was a rear windshield wiper for heavy storms. It causes issues when I cannot see out the rear mirror. For a college student like myself, I could not have asked for a better car for the price at which I bought it. I am hoping to have this car for at least another 5 years, and it seems it may last that long.
accountCircle Angelica M
My vehicle is reliable, working, and in good condition.
Extremely reliable by getting me to and from work everyday. Not very much upkeep needed. Runs relatively smooth for its age and has good speed range.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Andre J
When I first brought the car it was fine
The things above the tire are rusted. The engine has a leak and idk where it's coming from. There is a leak in the break line. The struts are bad. The trunk sensor is broken. It says the truck is open even when it's not. The alarm goes off randomly even when you stop it a few mins later it will do it again. Usually in the middle of the night
accountCircle Alan C
Good engine but minor issues.
I have a 2002 Nissan maxima that has a lot of problems. The wheel studs in the rotor keep snapping off in half causing the wheel to pop off, missing a timing chain gear, and engine light in on due to too much air intake with the evap. Overall, the engine runs well and will get me to point A to point B.
accountCircle Maribel G
It works. It gets me where I need to go. It tends to falter a lot.
It's very dependable even though it is quite old and some think it is time to be replaced
accountCircle Victoria P
My car is a nice looking car. Took me everywhere I wanted to go.
Right now not driveable. Have to have the motor checked to see what is wrong with it. Hopefully nothing major
accountCircle Heather M
It is a good car to go around town to do errands.
It is a good car, it has its issues like any car but it is pretty reliable for my family to drive around town to run errands etc. I have some issues with leaks and the memory but I think you will always have those issues with a 2002 car. I really enjoy driving it around town.
accountCircle Marco H
I'm going to miss my car cause it had so many memories
Ever since I bought my car its been running ok. Fix somethings here and there but right now I have to replace my ignition coil. Once I replace that I selling it.
accountCircle Joe B
The Air Conditioner works good The radio works good
The belt speaks The gas mileage isn't good The tires ball down very easy There is rust on the rims The breaks speak
accountCircle Jacob V
Maintenance on power steering pump.
Some maintenance services are easy, while others are more difficult compared to other cars. For instance, the power steering pump is nearly impossible to replace by yourself.

Nissan Maxima Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
GXE
255 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
car
SE
255 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
car
GLE
255 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Nissan Maxima Owner Reviews

4.09
45 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 38%
4 stars 40%
3 stars 18%
2 stars 2%
1 star 2%
accountCircle Jacob V on February 28, 2021
Maintenance on power steering pump.
Some maintenance services are easy, while others are more difficult compared to other cars. For instance, the power steering pump is nearly impossible to replace by yourself.
accountCircle Darcy G on February 12, 2021
Best used cars to look into.
It drives really good. I would recommend to anyone. I've never experienced any problems with the motor or the extras. Air conditioner works well. The heater and radio are both good too. If I have was going to buy another vehicle I would consider a maxima first.
View All Reviews (45) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #4 Large Cars by Owners

The 2002 Nissan Maxima has an average owner rating of 4.09 out of 5 which ranks it #4 of 12 other Large Cars.

1
car
2002 Toyota Avalon
4.56
2
car
2002 Buick Park Avenue
4.17
3
car
2002 Buick LeSabre
4.13
4
car
2002 Nissan Maxima
4.09

Ranks #4 Large Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Nissan Maxima has a combined MPG of 29 which ranks it #4 of 12 other Large Cars.

1
Tie
car
2002 Buick LeSabre
29 MPG
1
Tie
car
2002 Toyota Avalon
29 MPG
4
Tie
car
2002 Nissan Maxima
26 MPG

Is The 2002 Nissan Maxima A Good Car?

It runs really good, the only thing I don't like is that its not gas efficient. The motor is great n its speeds up good.
Danielle S.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Nissan Maxima?

I have never had a problem with it. It's reliable, but like I said it's a six cylinder car so it does waste a lot of gas
Enrique L.

Is The 2002 Nissan Maxima A Good Value?

I actually bought it used so it wasn't much I just paid 2000 for it, but I'm pretty sure it's average on price
Courtney S.

Related Articles for 2002 Nissan Maxima

From the Vehicle History blog

car
Best and Worst Years for the Nissan Maxima

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i reset the 2002 Nissan Maxima ecu?

Answer: To reset the ECU on a 2002 Nissan Maxima You will need to disconnect the negative battery terminal. To do this pull the hood release lever inside the passenger compartment then go to the outside the vehicle and...

What's the 2002 nissan maxima bolt pattern?

Answer: The 2002 Nissan Maxima bolt pattern iS5 X4.5''. Making sure Your tires are in the greatest of condition is key to not crashing. You will come into issues with this part at some time or another. Premature tire...

What's the 2002 nissan maxima 3.5 Oil type?

Answer: The oil type for the 2002 Nissan MaxiM3.5L v6 is SAE 5w-30 full synthetic, specified by the manufacturer. The oil volume of the engine of the car iS4.4 quarts or 5 liters and is the prescribed quantity to be...

2002 Nissan Maxima: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2002 Nissan Maxima'S3.5 liter 6-cylinder engine is equipped with 4.4 US quarts of 5W-30 with a filter. Oil and filter changes should be scheduled every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months if using fully...
openInNew See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety