The 2002 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the VQ35DE, delivering about 265 horsepower.
In detail, this engine sits under the hood of the Maxima from the early 2000s as part of Nissan’s VQ V6 family. It combines a single front-engine layout with front-wheel drive, and it uses modern features for its era to balance performance with efficiency.
Engine type and specifications
Below is a concise rundown of the core specifications and design features that defined the 2002 Maxima’s powerplant.
- Displacement: 3.5 liters (3471 cc)
- Configuration: V6
- Engine code: VQ35DE
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24 valves
- Block material: Aluminum block with aluminum heads
- Fuel system: Electronic sequential multi-point fuel injection (SFI)
- Variable valve timing: Intake-side variable valve timing for improved efficiency and power
- Power output: Approximately 265 horsepower (about 198 kW) at around 6,000 rpm
- Torque: About 255 lb-ft (345 Nm) at around 3,600 rpm
- Drivetrain compatibility: Front-wheel drive layout; used with various automatic and manual transmissions available for the model year
In context, the VQ35DE engine represented Nissan’s push for a larger, more capable V6 to lift the Maxima into entry-luxury territory, offering strong mid-range torque and smooth high-end performance for daily driving and highway cruising.
Additional context
The 2002 Maxima’s 3.5-liter V6 was part of a broader shift in Nissan’s lineup toward larger, more refined V6 powerplants in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This engine configuration helped the Maxima court buyers looking for both comfort and capable acceleration, positioning it against competitors in the mid-size sedan segment.
Summary
The 2002 Nissan Maxima runs on a 3.5-liter V6 engine known as the VQ35DE, delivering roughly 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Built on the VQ engine family with DOHC 24-valve architecture and aluminum construction, it paired with available transmissions to offer strong performance and refined daily usability for the era.