2002 Nissan Maxima SE from North America - Comments

1. While under warranty, the valve timing sensor triggered the "service engine soon" light.

2. Passenger headlight bulb blew.

3.Replaced rear muffler.

I've had my Maxima for 6 years now, and can honestly say that it has been and still is exceptionally reliable and very durable, as I have not "babied" it at all.

What I have found out about the 2002 Maxima are a few things that have allowed me to enjoy this vehicle the way it was intended, and I would like to pass this info on to my fellow maxima owners if I may:

1. Get all recall work performed by the dealer ASAP.

2. Please, please use only 93 octane gas (premium) from a BP or SHELL. (make sure after refueling to twist the gas cap until three clicks are heard). Not doing so will trigger a service engine light.

3. Change oil at or before every 3000 miles. Castrol GTX has served me beautifully.

4. Use the same type of air filter as original equipment. (I have avoided the urge to use K&N types)

5. When changing spark plugs (I changed mine at 70,000), please, please, please use NGK double platinum tipped, these are the same spark plugs as original equipment. These are more expensive but not only will they help maintain proper performance, but they are a 1st line of defense against carbon buildup and fouling.

6. Drive the car - a car's engine and exhaust system is designed to assist in keeping itself clean, however, it must be driven long enough distance to reach the proper temperature. (Every week, I drive my car on the expressway at 55mph for at least 10 miles.)

As I have stated before, these are some things that have served me very well so far.

Nissan Maxima is an unbeatable car as far as comfort, performance and dependability are concerned.

I owned a 1987 Maxima SE, which I still would be driving today had a 16 year old student not totaled it a few months back.

The ONLY problems I had were with the brakes, alignment, leaking sunroof and power steering. I had my car on the road at least 3 days a week on a 120 mile round-trip commute, and it held steady to the road.

In my opinion, there are few cars on the market that outdo a Maxima when it comes to options, performance and reliability.

I am in line for the new Maxima in summer 2010.