Xenon headlights! love them.
Horsepower- very sufficient @ 255HP.
Fun to drive.
Reliability.
Great service at both dealers I have dealt with.

Turning radius.
Interior noise.

I am picky when it comes to cars, and the Maxima was one of the ONLY vehicles in '02 that appealed to me. I previously had a Trans Am, and loved it, and although my Max is not the T/A, it is a pretty nice "mommy" car.
I bought my '03 max new late in '02, right before they changed the body style. Right off the go it had a pretty major brake problem, and I took it back to the dealer. I was never told the theory of what happened, but I think it happened in transfer- it had a really bad shake when I braked, like someone had slammed on the brakes from a high speed. (It was a dealer transfer). They turned the rotors and that was the end of that issue. Since then, I have only had a few really small issues with the car, including;
1. Paint was chipped on the trim. Not a big issue.
2. Interior noise- the car is not exactly quiet, especially when the sunroof shade is open.
3. Must use premium gas! If not, you get major engine rattle, even with the better brands.
4. Last, but not least- the turning radius is horrible!!! That would have to be my #1 complaint about the car. My husband's Tundra has a much better turning radius. Forget flipping a u turn in a tight spot- Not gonna happen!

I have not had really any other problems with Max, and it has about 64K miles. I have a 6-speed, and it will keep up with the "ponies" that have a higher HP rating. I have driven it hard and it is still running perfectly. I do recommend going to the Nissan dealer to have the brakes replaced though- I made the mistake of going to a tire shop and they do not have brakes that fit perfectly, so they threw away the shims. The car stops, but I can tell the performance of the brakes were seriously reduced. I also found out that the dealer does not charge much more than the shop I took it to. Bummer, considering the difference.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Camry (ugh), Pontiac Trans Am, Subaru Impreza, Honda Civic
(ok, so maybe not too similar, but they all had 4 wheels!)

Engine, equipment list, roomy interior

Rattles, squeaks, thumps, bangs...you get the picture; sub-par paint job (at least on mine); questionable reliability; body panel fit and finish

When I first purchased my dark blue 2004 Maxima SL, I was very happy with it. As time went by, however, the honeymoon was over and I realized that, at least mine, was simply an average car at best. The power, roominess, and equipment list is what first caught my attention and I still enjoy both of those aspects even today. It is the other, less noticable things that have now caught the majority of my attention (and ire).

After only about 4000 miles, the car developed a very loud rattle/thump in the right rear of the vehicle. After 19 (yes, nineteen) trips to the shop, the noise is still there at 50,000 miles and is worse than ever. All of the suspension was replaced..some pieces were replaced twice. The rear subframe was replaced, the back window was removed and resealed, the seatbelt mechanism was replaced. The list goes on and on. The dealer heard the noise every time and, everytime, they said they fixed it. We went for a test drive and, guess what, they were wrong. The noise is so loud at times it literally sounds like the ass-end of the car is going to fall off. Nissan Customer Service has refused to do anything about it citing the problem is not serious enough to warrant trading me out of the car.

In addition to the noise mentioned above, noise from potholes, uneven pavement, and other road abnormalities intrude far too much into the cabin of the car. Instead of a nice low rumble that you hear in other cars, there is a thump and whack as if the suspension has bottomed out (which it has not). It is very harsh and jarring and mine is even the SL version with the "luxury", smoother riding suspension.

The paint is peeling in several locations on the car...up by the right mirror and on the right front door moulding are the two worst areas. An area approximately 10 inches long has peeled completely off the moulding. Again, Nissan North America really came through...they claim it to be NORMAL wear and tear and won't cover it even though the car is only 2 years old.

These are annoyance items to be sure and really don't effect the safety or drivability (although it has also been in for several recalls, idling problems, stalling problems, emmision problems, brake problems, and steering problems), a person should not have to deal with them on a $33,000+ vehicle.

For me, my one experience with the Maxima is enough. I still use it as a daily driver and for my business and will continue to do so for a while. I was considering buying a vehicle from Nissan's Infiniti lineup, but Nissan North America's unwillingness to step up and remedy the problems after the dealership couldn't was the final straw. Instead, I bought a new BMW as my "weekend" car.

The bottom line for me is this- after owning an Altima (which was absolutely trouble free) I expected the Maxima to be even better. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Overall, the Altima is a better car and I could have saved about $10,000 by buying another one instead of the Maxima.

Similar Products Used:

2006 BMW 330xi Sedan, 2002 Nissan Altima, 2005 Toyota Camry, 2004 Mazda 6

Quick
Good MPG
Reliable
Comfort

Haven't found any yet

I bought the SE about 2 years ago. My wife was pregant and she had a two door Toyota Solara. Whe sold that and with the money we made off it, bought the Maxima for $5,000. The Maxima has tons more power and more room than the Solara. Not a good comparison because the Solara had a 4cyl and the Maxima has a 6cyl but for 5 grand you can't beat it. I have driven a Toyota with the 3.0 V6 in it and it is a dog compared to the Maxima. The car had 150,000 miles on it when I bought it and it now has about 190,000. No major problems!! Had to replace the front axles, boots, starter, and the CD player on the radio quite working. Along with a new set of tires this only cost about $1500. So a total of $6,500 for a car that has now lasted me two years and 40,000 and should last another 50,000. I have had no auto trans problems, no engine problems. Even with the high mileage the car is still the fastest car I have owned. All power options still work including the power antenna, windows, sunroof, and seats. The car gets between 24 and 28mpg running on 91 or higher octane. Some people may really complain about the high octane but the extra $0.20 isn't that bad for a fill up. Only about an extra $4 a fill up to go from Regular to Premium. Paint Job still looks great other than a few nicks and scratches.

Similar Products Used:

2001 Toyota Solara

Pure thrust, courtesy of one of the best engines in the business. Good gas mileage. Comfy interior with excellent headroom and sightlines. Excellent seats with good side bolstering and high quality apholstery. Good trunk space. Xenon headlights. Unique styling.

Handles like a fwd car. Some interior rattles. Skimpy storage space. Headlights fogging up. Xenons expensive to replace. Unrefined transmission with only 4 speeds. Styling is somewhat dated in a few places, particularly in the front (though imho the '04 went to far with the "futuristic" bit).

This is my second Maxima. I had an 01 5-speed that I got tired of shifting (Ive read that the 02-03 6-speed isnt much better), so I traded it for an automatic 02 SE even though I was upside down on my loan. I loved the 02 because it addressed nearly every problem I had with the 01, namely some chintzy interior items (the cupholder lid and grab handles, to name two), plus it came with HID headlights and the 3.5 engine. I was hooked; unfortunately, I also got suckered.

With only 61000 miles on the odo, and after owning it for only 2 weeks, I noticed the transmission was "flaring" into 3rd gear (the engine would surge, followed by a rough shift). After taking it to 3 different places, I was told my Maxima would need a new tranny. I managed to get the non-Nissan dealer (probably my first mistake) to put in a new one free of charge, but I still had to drive a rental for over a week. I would consider the tranny problem itself an abberation, given that even the worst American or Korean cars dont need new trannys after only 60k miles. No harm, no foul, and the car has run perfectly ever since (though the shifts still arent all that smooth and having 5 speeds would really help to exploit the engine's generous torque curve.)

Although the Maxima is sporty for a front wheel drive car, it still handles like what it is, and with lots of understeer (of note, my SE has 55-series tires instead of the recommended 50-series, which help the ride but give the car a somewhat jacked-up look). The much derided solid rear axle only makes itself known on bad pavement, and its presumed durabilty trade-off is enough for me to justify its presence. Braking is generally good, though not overwhelming. Say what you will about the styling, but I like it, and since Im paying for it thats really all that matters...if you want a status symbol, pony up for a BMW. The rear three-quarter view is particularly unique, and devoid of the predictablilty that plauges other sedans.

The interior is nicely laid out, though the dash materials dont seem to wear particularly well. The seats, on the other hand, are teriffic. Mine has cloth, but it mimics suede so well that the extra cost for leather seems unjustifiable. I wouldnt mind having a few more options on my relatively "stripped" SE, esp. traction control and the BOSE stereo. Having lighting on the steering wheel controls would certainly be helpful, but theyre helpful all the same. The auto headlights are nice, but its irritating that on the 02, the lights dont automatically turn off with the engine when theyre on the manual setting (they did on my 01); instead, you get an annyoing buzzer sounding at you when you open the door. Seriously, Nissan, this isnt a Kia! Ive read all about the stolen headlight problem, but since I live in a town of 2500 people who wouldnt know a Maxima from a Maserati, i dont worry about it that much. However, I am having problems with the lenses fogging up, and since theyre about $300 apiece to replace (you have to buy the expensive xenon bulbs and power pack with the lenses), I guess ill just have to live with it.

But at the end of the day, what really makes me glad that I own this car is being able to look around a parking lot and know that i can outrut 90% of everything I see. Passing power is teriffic, even in overdrive, and the engine is muted unless you really REALLY want to hear it, in which case the car seems to just read your mind and take you on a magical journey to that 6600 rpm redline. I do this at least once a day, and still easily get 400 miles on a take of gas (somehow, I dont even mind having to pay for premium).

Other thing like interior space (good) and build quality (good, but there are some interior rattles in my now 67k mile car) are worth mentioning, but they seem more relevant to Camry and Accord shoppers. If youre reading this review, youre probably more interested in quarter mile times and general thrills, and a Maxima will certainly oblige, while not raising the hackles of state troopers, significant others, or mothers. Its certainly not a perfect car, but "perfect" cars are rarely driven by car enthusiasts, and car enthusiasts know what the Maxima's got.

Similar Products Used:

2001 Maxima GXE

acceleration, comfort, handling, looks

windows are slows to go up

I love this car! simple,huh? The handling is as great as my lowered integra gsr, the acceleration is incredible and the cruising speeds are phenominal! The comfort is great inside and the leather shows no signs of wear.

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accord, camry, altima, sonata

Quality, engine performance and value for the money. Gas milage is pretty good.

My Maxima just turned five year old. Running as strong and as quiet as it was new. Can't complain.

The usual repair for brakes and tire replacement. The two oxygen sensors had to be replaced at a cost of $400. An expected expenditure.

If one is still happy with the product after five year you know it is a keeper.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Camry.

Reliability Interior Feel Steering wheel controls Auto Climate Control

I will list things that in retrospect would have made this car 100% perfect: Telescopic Steering Wheel - 2004 has it Dual Zone Climate Control - 2004 has it The 2004 however build doesn't feel as nice, front-end looks worse than the 2003, has more plastic, no heated steering wheel option - beautiful in Canadian winters - Seriously - thats it. Its not a BMW with all cool gadgets, but lacks NOTHING. WHAT A CAR!

Update. My 2003 GLE now has over 160,000KM. I continue to love this car. My ONLY problems were a memory seat module which was replaced under warranty, and a sunroof that tilts but does not open - not fixed. Other than that, it runs like new. The heated steering wheel is such a champ!! Seriously, I love this car. I hope to drive it for another 7 years or more. Fully loaded, seats are great, and NO PROBLEMS!!

Similar Products Used:

1998 Maxima - excellent but no 3.5L engine 1995 Mercury Mistake - need I say more 1991 Chev Lumina Z34 - always got looks, power (though the Max has more), handling sucked 1985 Dodge Laser - ran good, good on gas, but no heat

reliablility, quiet ride, quick, cant feel that you are going fast,

none, changed radiator, coils and injectors around 115000 miles

This is the best car i had, quick reliable and has a lot of room. Mine is 5speed and i have some stuff done to it so it can smoke civics and integras typeR raced them beated them. My car has 191000 miles on it and it is still running strong i just hope that the next car i get will be at least half as good as this one. I get approximately 26 mpg so it is not bad, when driven easy i get 28-29 and arround 450 miles from a gas tank.

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Lincoln LS(crap especialy 99) Honda Civic (good car but small) Jetta (not reliable) Mercury Mystique (mistake)

acceleration, interior space, unique exterior design, quiet ride

steering and brakes are too soft

I my dad bought a 2000 Nissan Maxima about a month ago, and from what i've seen so far, I would definitely recommend this car. I've been so impressed that i've decided to make my next car a Nissan Maxima. My family also owns a toyota camry and a honda accord, so i know quite a bit about family sedans. If your looking for a family car with the performance of a sports car and decent gas mileage, then this is the car for you. I can remember th e first time i took the car out for a drive. I pressed the gas pedal in, and the car lunged forward with a real kick. Once I hit the highway, the car impressed me even more. I looked at the speedometer thinking I was going 70, but the speedometer was reading 85. I decided to speed up, waiting for the car to show some sign of slowing down, but it just kept going. At 110 mph, the car felt like it was going 80. The ride was so smooth, and vacuum packed. At this point I was convinced to trade in my '96 Accord. I know my Accord has a top speed of 115 from personal experience, but something tells me the finding the maxima's full potential will require a longer strecth of highway. My only fault with the car is that the steering feels to easy, as do the brakes. Overall, this car has captured my admiration, and I would give it a 98 out of 100. My Accord would get a 92 and the Camry would get an 88, if you were interested.

Similar Products Used:

2001 Toyota Camry 1996 Honda Accord

-The superb VQ 3.0 190 hp. V6 engine has incredible power, is quite efficient, and has won multiple awards from various sources. Its just a blast to drive and its silky smooth! -Features such as ABS and Traction control available for poor weather -Extras such as heated seats, foglights, white faced gauges, a CD player, and sporty 16 inch rims just make it so much nicer to own! -4 wheel disc brakes are decent -Fuel efficiency is decent for the amount of power the engine produces -Roomy and comfortable for long trips -Styling is very nice without being over the top. -Excellent reliability record and recommended by Consumer Reports. -Decent crash tests on 97 to 99 models, but if you want safety, don't consider the 95 to 96 models as they scored much worse. -3 point seatbelts at all locations -Engine immobilizer chip in the key for 99 models increases security -Canadian models have a full sized spare -There is a large community of Maxima owners and enthusiasts at www.maxima.org and there are a wide assortment of products available if you plan on modifying your car -Used Maximas can be bought for low prices -Aren't too common in all areas, so it may be more of a unique choice, depending where you live.

-Requires premium fuel -No headrests for rear seat passengers -Steering could be a little tighter, but its not too bad -Ignition coils tend to be a common problem with 99 models -Automatic transmission isn't really the best when you floor the gas pedal, but otherwise its nice and smooth -Torque steer upon heavy acceleration -No side curtain airbags. Side chest airbags are only available on leather trim packages -Poor quality paint tends to chip easily, especially on the front hood/bumper -Headlights could be brighter

I purchased my 1999 Nissan Maxima as my first car. I made my decision after months of shopping and comparing a wide variety of vehicles and I can say a preowned Maxima is one of the best values out there. My parents had purchased a 1998 Maxima when I first got my licence so I already knew what to expect. So far I've driven 12,000 wonderful miles! It features the legendary VQ 3.0 190 hp V6 engine and provides Nissan's excellent reliability record. The model I purchased is the ES, which is however a Canadian model available only in 1999. It is quite similar to the sporty SE model which has 16 inch rims, foglights, white faced gauges, and body colored door handles and grille. SE's also come with a spoiler and are available with leather seats and a sunroof, however, these are features that my ES lacks. Maxima's also come in the GXE (base) and the GLE (luxury) models which have softer suspensions. The GXE and SE can also be had with a 5 speed standard transmission but I chose the automatic due to the fact I can't drive stick. After hearing wonderful things about the standard tranny, I do wish I would have taken the plunge and learned how to drive one. The Maxima is a very roomy sedan and is quite comfortable on long trips. I had to drive 1000 miles home after purchasing this vehicle and I can tell you I enjoyed the entire ride! The power the VQ engine produces is amazing! Even at highway speeds there is always extra power on hand for passing. The car is very quiet and when flooring the gas pedal you hear a nice purr. You really need to try one of these vehicles to see for yourself! I find that I get decent fuel economy with my Maxima as well. I end up filling up with gas every 10 days or so and I drive nearly 20 miles to work and back plus any other errands I need to run. This is mosly highway and country road driving. The VQ does require 91 octane gas but I notice it runs much better on 91 than our 98 Maxima did on 87 octane (oops!). The small difference in price between the two fuels is worth the increased gas mileage and performance. I live in the country so I drive my Maxima everywhere from dirt roads to highways to city streets. The sporty suspension on my model tends to cause the rear end to bounce about on washboard surfaces (if I'm not watching my speed!). The cornering is great and it handles very sporty on windy roads. With decent winter tires (I highly recommend Nokian Haakapeliita RSI's) this car handles well in the snow. 99 models with ABS also include tracion control and Canadian Maximas have a limited slip differential so I trust this car in many different weather conditions. I have only been stuck in the snow once, but just because I had to drive over a bank created by the snow plow so that I could exit my driveway. My ABS brakes only had to kick in a couple times last winter but I attribute this to my excellent winter tires. I prefer the styling of the 4th generation Maxima's (1995 - 1999) over the newer ones which is why I chose this particular year. It is very sporty with simple lines and curves. It is pleasant to look at without being too square or rounded. The interior is also very nice. Mine is charcoal fabric (a very soft velour) and black. It looks very sporty, I just wish I had a sunroof on mine too! My driver seat is heated and power, so on long trips I can adjust it in several directions if I become uncomfortable. Tall passengers will have decent room to stretch out their legs, but the front passenger seat is a little low to the floor in my opinion so their knees will be high up if they don't stretch out. I find the back seat to have decent room as well. Mine has a CD/Cassette stereo with okay sound, but any audiophile will want to replace it. I haven't yet but I plan on getting some better speakers soon. GLE's and some SE's will have the BOSE system which sounds great in my opinion. I do not like the automatic climate control though. I would prefer to just adjust knobs. Crash tests are also decent. The IIHS rated the frontal offset crash test of the 97 - 99 Maxima's as "Acceptable". This is the second highest out of 4 ratings ranging from "Poor" to "Good". It isn't as high a rating as I would prefer but it still performed adequately and your chances of surviving a serious collision are still very high. The Maxima earned a 4 star rating in NHTSA's frontal crash test for the driver, however the passenger earned a 3 star rating out of 5. I have seen a few pictures of Maxima's that have been involved in roll over collisions and the rigidity of the safety cage seems to hold out quite well in these type of collisions. I have begun a few small modifications to my car, such as changing the headlights, taillights, and front bumper turn signals. I recently ordered a Borla muffler which will make the engine sound much more deep and aggressive. I love my Maxima and plan on keeping it for a very long time! I recomend it to anybody! If you are looking for a used car, consider this one!

Similar Products Used:

-1998 Nissan Maxima GLE -2005 Honda Accord Hybrid -We've mostly owned SUV's otherwise