2003 Nissan Maxima consumer reviews

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 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.

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.

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!