2002 Nissan Maxima SE from North America - Comments

I think you got a lemon, which can happen with any car manufacturer. I might keep complaining to Nissan; hopefully they will honor their quality satisfaction guarentees. My car, which is a 2002 model, but identical to the '03s, is as solid as anything I've ever owned. No rattles, no loose parts and certainly no engine noises. This 3.5L V6 powerplant is SILKY SMOOTH.

This car is a gem for those who want good performance, commute-to-work comfort and a sound system (the 7-speaker BOSE) that makes your home system sound like a transistor radio.

Nissan had me (a 40-something, not willing to buy an expensive sports car male) in mind when they built this car.

My 2002 Nissan Maxima has been nothing, but trouble form the beginning. First, Nissan had to replace the transverse links (control Arms in front suspension). Then, they had to replace the CD player. It kept skipping tracks. Now I have had it in the shop for air leaks around the rear door windows, the hood was rippling at highway speeds and the worst of it all is a bad rattle in the rear window area. This rattle is driving me crazy. Overall, I am totally displeased with the quality of this car from the carpeting to the lack of covers to hide the seat bolt down tabs. My feeling is that Nissan paid very little attention to this car as they were concentrating on the 2003 and a half. By the way, this is my second Maxima and my last.

I have to disagree about the Bose stereo system. This is the one thing in my Maxima that I am very disappointed with. I'm not a head banger playing acid rock, more towards jazz and world music, but there is simply not enough volume in the system. It's about adequate in the winter when I have the windows up, but in the summer with the roof open and the windows down I just can't get enough volume out of the system. It doesn't distort or anything at fully volume, it's just that I'm at 10 (Or 31 as this system shows full volume) and there should be more.

I also find FM reception is a little less than desired. I suspect that this is because it doesn't have a "real" fender mounted antenna, but one embedded in the glass.

Was surprised because in my '92 Maxima, the stereo system was one of the best things (among many) about the car.

If you did not think the Bose system in you're vehicle was good check out the 04 Maxima. Very Loud, and very clear... Just an annoying rattling third brake light at intense bass levels. Something the dealership dosent seem to think is a big deal, just enough to drive you up the wall when you hear it!

I completely agree with your assessment of the Bose sound system in the 2002 Maxima. I cannot get any feeling when I listen to the basic sound that comes out of my System. I have contacted Nissan about this and have had no response. The only thing worse than the stereo is the service. I have yet to find anyone interested in taking care of my concerns with this problem. I am open to any suggestions.

I dumped my 2002 Maxima SE 6 Speed after three clutch failures and the dealers refusal to fix the third one under warranty when they admitted to me the first time that there was a defect in the transmission but it hadn't been advertised as a recall. I also had the front end recall parts replaced and the front end came apart a week after the work was done. Then they refused to give me any assistance in getting out of the vehicle and the car was worth nothing after two short years to trade-in. On top of that the check engine light came on and I was told it was a $400 sensor that was not under any warranty. This was awhile ago now, but I keep hearing bad things about Nissan's service so I thought I'd share my experience. Believe me, I miss the power and performance (when it wasn't chattering into gear) but the hassles with service and the level of quality wasn't worth the headaches. I see now why Honda and Toyota lead Nissan in sales and resale value. I would rather sacrifice a little performance for a car that runs good and is worth something when I am ready to buy a new one.