2003 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews

2003 Nissan Maxima

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2003 Nissan Maxima

Kelley Blue Book Retail $6,450–$7,650  

Average Rating

4.8 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.6 out of 5
Performance:4.7 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.3 out of 5
Interior Design:4.6 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.8 out of 5
Reliability:4.9 out of 5

18 out of 19 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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Nicest car I've ever owned!

by Tom
from Tucson, AZ | July 8, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I've owned about 12 different vehicles including hondas, toyotas, domestics, and other nissans, and this car is by far the best that I've ever owned! The engine is amazingly smooth and powerful and the car has the perfect balance of sportiness, comfort and practicality. It's a blast to drive on curvy roads and yet can easily fit the family for a weekend trip."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

96 maxima, 03 maxima

by jay
from Houston, TX | February 27, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"the interior is very spacious. its very comfortable and gives a nice smooth ride and at the same time gives u that stable handling when needed. Its like a family sport sedan. very reliable."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

2003 Maxima Gle

by Nissan Maxima Supporter
from Orlando, FL | January 13, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I bought the '03 Maxima GLE in early '07. I've always loved the maxima, but i assure you my review is unbiased. I'll start by saying the model i got was affected by the recall, i had to faulty O2 sensors, NB. they overheated a few months after i got it (i drive very hard). They were replaced under my extended warranty. Now to it, the interior is very comfortable and spacious, my wife owns a 2005 accord, and she doesnt want to drive her car anymore. The handling is ok, but kudos goes to the engine 255 stock, i intend on doing slight modifications to it. the only thing i've done thus far was added a K&R air filter, a small change but noticable difference in response. It doesnt void your warranty either. I've outran SE chargers, Mustangs, Newer Nissans, an Audi A4, G35 sedan, only v8's and better have dominion lol. Also this is the last production maxima from Japan."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Outstanding...

by Phidelt
from Rapid City, SD | October 24, 2007

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I bought my 2003 GLE in 2006. It's a one-owner and has more features than you can imagine. While I have yet to use the heated stearing wheel, I do appreciate the steering wheel (cruise and stereo) controls; they allow you to keep your eyes on the road. The handling is amazing. Sure, the turn radius is big, but that's to prevent damage to the car, and it doesn't affect performance on the road. If you want responsive power with class, this is the sedan for you! I've run into jerks on the interstate who love to nearly clip people as they zip in and out of lanes. Well, I've been able to teach them a lesson while in my GLE; I'm talking Camaros, and even Mustangs! The gas mileage could be better, but hey, you get this car for the driving experience."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Driven To Thrill! Automatic GLE

by Nissan 4 Life
from Warwick, Rhode Island | July 26, 2007

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I Bought My 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE Not Long Ago But I Can see what everyone is talking about, I have a taurus fully loaded top of the line and i test drove the accord, 328i, 2006 Maxima SL...Of Course All were fully loaded... And I knew right off that it was going to be the 03 Maxima GLE. Why The Older One Instead Of The Newer?... Well I Don't Like The Look Of The New One... My Maxima Easily Pushed 100 On The Highway and I didn't even notice, i got the silver on black with navigation & sunroof...whatever The guy told me back then they had this car as the showroom model for a little over 30,000. I had to take it for a test drive, so i did but when i got in it and went to take off and cut out in front of someone she wouldn't stop roasting her tires and I Got a little excited and was told to cool it down and bring it back if I was going to do something like that again... Anyway, The Car Is Sporty But Very luxurious as well with it's v6 pushing over 250hp and heated black leather seats and navigation system to help get where i want to go and and I love the noise it makes when it starts up the on ramp unlike its competitor my taurus which struggled to get up and go without a fight. Overall I think Nissan did a sweet job when they made this car... It's Like No Other!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Cars Like It - ZERO

by HAVAMAX
from MD | November 16, 2006

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Dependable: 90K Miles, and it just seems to beg for more. Safe: 90K Miles with Peace of Mind. Fun: 90K Miles of Smiles. Durablility: 90K Miles, and counting..."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: N/A


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0 out of 0 found this review helpful

A Great Car

by 03Max
from Phoenix, AZ | July 22, 2006

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I upgraded from a '97 Maxima - what a difference. Test drove Accord v6, Camry v6, Taurus, Impala and for the heck of it a 330i (just to see the difference)before buying the Maxima. Maxima was fastest of the group, even faster than the 330i. The only feature that bested the nissan was the handling of the 330i. Honda, Toyota, Ford & Chevy don't have anything even close to this car as far as performace goes - you Accord v6 ownwers that have tried to keep up with me know what I am speaking of (yes, even a manual Accord v6 can't keep up). Mileage is at 23.3 (mix of hwy & city), have 62K on it and have only had oil changes & break pads (1 time). A great car for $21K. I will always be amazed that this car with an automatic tranny, 3.5 liter 255hp engine can routinely beat 90% of all v8 cars out there - manual or auto- as well as gets better mileage. Someday the US makers will catch the clue: performace, quality, cost, mileaqge, featues and finally styling are - in this order - the keys to making a great vehicle."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

2003 Nissan Maxima SE (automatic)

by Phorty
from Naperville, IL | June 2, 2006

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Drivetrain- The engine is very powerful and responsive. The automatic transmission is smooth and eager to downshift. It could benefit from another gear as the ratios are widely spaced. It is front wheel drive so there is lots of torque steer due to the 255 horsepower engine. Interior- The interior comfort level is above average. I have a sensitive back and the seat contours are rather comfortable and supportive. The leather quality is okay but not special. Mine is black and is unbearable after sitting out in the sun for a while. The other interior materials are fine. There is lots room in the back seats for even tall people. Exterior- The fit and finish is consistent with the price. No complaints. I like the styling. Sporty yet practical. Ride/Handling- The ride is rather firm with the 17" wheels and low profile rubber. Some may feel that it is too firm but I like it. The handling is not very good as the car is very nose heavy and front wheel drive. The Altima is a better balanced FWD car that handles better. The factory tires aren't very grippy so a tire upgrade would help in the handling department significantly. Note- the turning radius is terrible. Cost of Ownership- The car is extremely reliable. 56K miles and no repairs. Only oil changes, brake pads (front and back), and a few other regular maintenance items. I never brought it in for a warranty issue. Gas mileage is fair. I average 18-19 in the city. Lately, it seems to be doing better on the freeway, getting over 26 mpg even at speeds over 80 mph. In the past, when I had a long commute of mixed freeway and city driving, I got about 21-22 mpg. Recap- The highlight of this car is the engine. It is used in many Nissans and Infinitis including 350Z's and G35's. This great engine is limited somewhat by the auto trans and the handling charateristics of a nose heavy front wheel drive car. This does not prevent the Maxima from being a great highway vehicle. It is very smooth even at high speeds and firmly grips the road. Gas Mileage is average on the highway and the interior is comfortable for long trips."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

...wow...

by Maxima Fan
from Fort Wayne, IN | May 30, 2006

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"If you have not driven a Maxima, you have not driven a car. My dad traded his Mercedes in for this car after driving it! absolutely UNREAL!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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0 out of 3 found this review helpful

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