2003
Nissan Maxima

Starts at:
$24,899
Shop options
New 2003 Nissan Maxima
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn GXE Auto
    Starts at
    $24,899
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE Manual
    Starts at
    $25,649
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE Auto
    Starts at
    $25,649
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GLE Auto
    Starts at
    $27,549
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima 2003 Nissan Maxima

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Safety review

Based on the 2003 Nissan Maxima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2003
    4.4
    Nissan Maxima
    Starts at
    $24,899
    2003 Nissan Maxima
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2010
    4.9
    INFINITI G37
    Starts at
    $33,250
    2010 INFINITI G37
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.3
    Nissan Altima
    Starts at
    $17,950
    2007 Nissan Altima
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    4.3
    Nissan Maxima
    Starts at
    $24,699
    2002 Nissan Maxima
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2010
    4.7
    MINI Cooper S
    Starts at
    $22,300
    2010 MINI Cooper S
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.6
    Audi A3
    Starts at
    $25,930
    2008 Audi A3
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

93% of drivers recommend this car
4.4 / 5
Based on 44 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.5
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • By Computernaut from Edmonton, AB
    Owns this car
    April 25, 2024

    Always a pleasure to drive!

    I've owned one of these for just over a year and put about 10,000km on it (225,000 to 235,000). The good: -Performance is amazing and the car has plenty of pep. -Handling is phenomenal and it feels lighter than it is. You can really toss this thing around without issue. -Interior looks sharp, although mine is beginning to wear a little; still, good condition for the year. -Very minimal rust especially given the age and mileage. -Interesting and unique exterior design (it doesn't really look like anything else on the road). -Amazing visibility thanks to large windows, minimal tint, and a low "belt line." -Good steering feel; I always felt like I knew what was going on. The bad: -The 6-speed manual has slightly jerky shifts and is geared very low. Nissan recommends shifting into 6th gear at only 80km/h so highway driving it done at a high RPM. -The clutch has a long, stiff travel and an abrupt bite-point right in the middle. You have to move your left foot up two inches, carefully ease the next inch, and then up the rest of the way. I got used to it, but it's a challenging manual compared to most. -Side mirrors are weirdly small; I had to rely on the windshield-mounted mirror a lot more than on other cars (thankfully rear-visibility is exceptional). Summary: An excellent drivers car. I found it very engaging and driving it was always a blast. Sad to have to let it go, but mine was not well taken car of by previous owners and has too many small (often cosmetic) issues to be worth completely repairing.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Ken from Peterborough, Ontario
    Owns this car
    May 15, 2023

    Hey guys I just bought this car in 2022 November..

    Hey guys I just bought this car in 2022 November and now we in May 2023 I can say I was lucky to have one for 1500 on 86000km on dash and I’m happy. The car has had a few maintenance do it as it came in with spark plug issues and such and all I can say is in this Canadian weather bearing how old she is, she’s done it ! And now we in summer and I can’t get enough she’s my first car as I’m in college my last year. Hoping to keep her afee months then sell her off she’s amazing !!! I’m surprised how she still runs 20yrs after and yea she’s fast asf !!! 275hp or something like that!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Dr Ron from Jacksonville, Florida
    Used to own this car
    April 14, 2022

    The old Maximas ROCK!

    If I'm being honest, the 2003 was really the last great year for Maximas. Their quality and reliability in the years that followed just were not the same. I owned a 1994 Maxima SE and put on 236,000 miles before 2nd gear in my auto started slipping. That was the only major problem I had with the car. So, I got it rebuilt and put on another 100,000 miles before selling it and buying a 1998 Infiniti i30 which is basically the same as the 1998 Maxima GLE. I put 250,000 on that before looking to get a replacement. I tried finding a Maxima/i30/i35 in the 2000-2003 year range, but had no luck. I finally opted to buy a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra with 12k miles on it three years ago for which I got a great deal. I put 80,000 miles on it. With gas prices in the $4.35 range, I'm glad I opted to get something with better gas mileage (which I made to be just as quick as my old 1998 i30). If you happen to find a 2003 Max or one in the 2000-2002 year range that's in good shape, BUY IT and never look back.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Roymg from Covington 70433
    Used to own this car
    October 1, 2020

    Owned Three Maximas, 94, 03, 08

    Loved this car..bought it new and kept it until 2020. Was a trade in on a Honda CR-V. No mater I still have my 2008 Maxima. The 03 was kept up as to maintenance and was kept inside of a garage. Money wise on upkeeps, not counting cost of oil changes or gas, I spent around 10K in the 17 years on rocker arm cover leaks, plugs, radiator, ac compressor, idler arm ( I think a repair shop caused that failure) oil pain, front struts, power steering hose, and brakes. Still in all it was a fun car to drive and had plenty of power and looked sporty.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By David
    Owns this car
    February 18, 2020

    Greatest car I owned

    The car is great runs well and never gave me a problem, could see it going another 200000 miles. Overall would recommend car as a first car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By HappyMaxima from Jericho
    Owns this car
    February 15, 2020

    I have a 2003 Maxima GLE still on the road

    Excellent. At 236,000 miles, still drives as smooth as butter. Does anyone has the same car with higher mileage and still driving? I am curious.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Lisa c from Conyerss ga
    Owns this car
    April 14, 2018

    Reliable car

    Great car for commute. I go back and forth from carrollton to atlanta almost every weekend.Gets great gas mileage. Id recommend this car to anyone with a college student.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Rodstoy from East Windsor, N.J.
    Owns this car
    April 11, 2018

    Had this car for 15 years and it still drives new

    This car has everything you need. Very comfortable and reliable. The 3.5 liter 270HP is perfect.I use this car every day with no issues.Couldn't have a better car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By luigi from SUN CITY
    Owns this car
    March 8, 2018

    Prepare to spend money

    I bought a 2003 SE new, although I thoroughly love the cars handling and acceleration, you better be especially prepared to spend inordinate amounts of money on repairs! Lower control arms, motor mounts, radiator, catalytic converter, cam shaft positioning sensor, steering rack, and on and on! Nissan parts are outrageously expensive as is their service department, so good luck with that!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By JML1117
    Owns this car
    February 11, 2018

    So far not the most reliable...

    Well I absolutely love the style of everything in or on this car. But...I'm not sure if I've the only person to ever have this kind of strange problem. And still I love this car for some odd reason. So here goes and please feel free to comment cause I would love to figure out the problem. But a couple weeks ago going down the road everything was great. Then lights started to flicker. Okay my 1st indication was alternator and lost power as well only for a second. So I proceed on down the road and it was fine the next few weeks. Then it started to lose power the gas pedal would just go limp. But the car still running and could still rev up motor only in N or P. Makes no sense right. So it did that a couple times. Keep I'm my I've had all that checked like Alternator and battery checked they both were in good condition. So about 6 weeks into this I still have no clue what is going on. I'm taking it to an actual mechanic this coming up week. But it just is so curious as to what may be going on. Any advice please feel free. I just want this car to last a year or 2 more its right over 100,000 miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By brigittes from new jersey
    Owns this car
    January 25, 2018

    Nissan Maxima

    This car is good , cheap in mechanics, trustworthy, good body and powerful... good space. soft, I love this car...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Mario1956 from Cromwell ct
    Used to own this car
    November 7, 2017

    Engine failure at 200,000 miles

    I liked the car til it started burning oil. All _02, 03,04,s burn oil and don't last. My 1996 and 1993 went over 300,000 miles, the 2003 started burning oil heavily @ 125,000 miles
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Nissan dealers near you

See all Nissan dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Nissan Maxima?

The 2003 Nissan Maxima is available in 3 trim levels:

  • GLE (1 style)
  • GXE (1 style)
  • SE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Nissan Maxima?

The 2003 Nissan Maxima offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2003 Nissan Maxima?

The 2003 Nissan Maxima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2003 Nissan Maxima reliable?

The 2003 Nissan Maxima has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Nissan Maxima owners.

Is the 2003 Nissan Maxima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Nissan Maxima. 93.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 44 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.4

Nissan Maxima history

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare