The Nissan Maxima powers into the 2002 model year with numerous exterior, interior and powertrain enhancements, including an all-new 255-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 and available 6-speed close ratio manual transmission, transforming this "cut above" sedan to a "bigger cut above sedan," worthy of Nissan flagship status. Outside, Maxima receives a new grille, redesigned front fascia, High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, new clear taillights and standard side-sill spoilers. 16-inch alloy wheels are now standard on GXE, and 17-inch wheels are standard on SE and GLE. Inside, standard feature content has increased dramatically, with many standard comfort and convenience features. Highlights of the 2002 Maxima performance luxury sedan include:
Body
- Redesigned front grille and front fascia
- Exciting, aggressive styling with fluid forms sweeping front to rear, unique rear end design
- New standard side-sill spoilers
- New 4-bulb headlight design with High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights and new rear taillights with clear reflectors
- New UV reducing solar glass
- Two new exterior colours - Tungsten Blue and Glacier Pearl
Engine and Driveline
- A new 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 producing 255 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque, increases of 33 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque over the 2001 Maxima's 3.0-litre engine
- Electronic throttle, silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum coated pistons, resin intake collector, digital knock control system, cross flow coolant pattern and variable capacity muffler
- Platinum-tipped spark plugs with 160,000km maintenance intervals
- All new 6-speed close ratio manual transmission standard on SE models
- Strengthened 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (std on GXE and GLE, opt SE)
- Traction Control System (TCS) (GLE and SE with automatic only)
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Rear Multi-Link BeamÔ suspension with stabilizer bar
- Independent strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar
- Improved 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with 16mm larger front discs, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels - 7-spoke on GLE with P215/55R17 tires, 6-spoke on SE with P225/50R17 tires
- Standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R16 tires replace 15-inch steel wheels on GXE
Interior Features
- Five-passenger seating with luxury cloth or leather-appointed seats, new front seat design and 60/40 split fold-down rear bench with lock
- Standard 8-way power driver's seat, new optional memory seat with entry/exit feature
- Redesigned audio faceplates, titanium-colour inside door handles
- Standard automatic climate control air conditioning
- Improved premium AM/FM/cassette audio system with CD and 6 speakers; steering wheel audio controls
- New BoseÒ 200-watt audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, speed sensitive audio volume and RDS radio function
- Standard heated front seats, outside mirrors and steering wheel
- HVAC microfilter ventilation with reusable, washable filter
- Trip computer integrated into meter cluster with steering wheel control switch
Safety and Security
- Dual-stage supplemental air bags and available front seat side-impact supplemental air bags
- Front-seat active head restraints, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver's seat ELR only) including rear centre position with front seat-belt adjustable upper anchors with pretensioners and load limiters
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children) child seat anchorage system
- Emergency inside trunk-release
Models and Manufacturing
- Offered in three well-equipped V6 models: GXE, SE and GLE
- Exterior and interior designed at Nissan Design America (NDA), in La Jolla, Calif.
- Assembled by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. at Oppama, Japan