RateItAll: The Opinion Network

01 Max SE stock w/5 speed manual...222 hp w/17" Potenza tires. Intentionally bought late in 01 to avoid bigger engine coming in 02. Mileage honest 21mpg in town and 28@80mph after switching to synthetic oil (26 highway before). After 7 years and 96K miles I've come to love this car - I don't believe in car-love at first sight. It's a great balance of power, economy (if you don't overuse the power on acceleraton which is always tempting), and comfort. Visibility and handling are my 1 and 2 most important safety features and it's ace in both. In So Cal, drive fast, many long trips through the West, been over 140 mph, spacious, comfortable seats (even after 14 hrs), steering is very tight and sensitive by sedan standards so takes some getting used to as does shifting with a very low-mass flywheel. It's a great dry weather car, but in wet and snow, not so good - Potenza R88's suck on the wet and there's a tad too much power steering assist for good feel of slippery surfaces. Any slightly open window funnels water in in the wet and the engine, great tho it is, does warm up slowly. I wouldn't like it so much in snow country. Faulty installed clutch was replaced at 5K under warranty and cheap OEM 3 yr battery lasted almost 5 yrs. Other than that, only normal service with no sensor, engine or other problems at all. Paint is a bit weak and chippy as is the windshield glass - replaced once for pitting. Will probably keep for a few more years.

I test drove a new maxima last fall,and was amazed at the power of the engine.It also had very smooth handling,and tight steering,was a little too pricey for me I had a very good impression of the car.The only slighly negative thing was it had a little more road noise than the camry.

I have an 01 maxima and i have had nothing but problems. I've had it for little over a year and have put 18,000 miles on it. In that time, I've had to listen to a wind/air gap in the rear left window. I've put in a new catalytic converter, brakes, altenator, battery, belts, fuel pump, and later a fuel connection thing. Endless amounts of ramdom sensors have been changed because my engine light comes on about once a month. The CD player is generally slow at recieveing CD's and reading them. I can hear the BOSE system, but is it better than the MOPAR in my old Neon? I like the seat heaters, and the sun roof, but i can deal with out the expensive foreign parts. My dad told me not to go foreign I should have listened. BUY AMERICAN!

I have a 1996 maxima that i have owned since 1998 when i got the car it had 13,000 miles on now seven years later it has 280,000 and any body that knows me knows that i am very hard on my cars in 1999 i installed a stillen supercharger and some other mods three years after that i had to remove it for my car because i somehow totaled the charger whith out a hit of damage to my motor as the stillen rep said (well what did you think was going to hapen it wasent ment to be raged on day to day like that)in 2004 thinking that my engine time was almost up i found a replacement VQ30 witch is still in my garage for the day that my curent engine dies as of now it looks as if thats not hapening any time soon

I think Nissans partership with Renault has paid divedends, particularly with the Infiniti brand. This car defined the term 4 Door Sports Car in the late 80's early 90's. And it's still a barnburner, though I think the number of viable alternatives is certainly a detriment to its cause. Styling has taken a turn for the quirky. Also it's interior fit and finish is lagging behind others in this segment.

A very nice car until you see the sticker price. Would be a top contender if it were priced more accurately.

According to Consumer Reports you get way too little car for the big price tag!They are a very good looking car though.

Speed Wise is okay .. but the body is so damn weak .. not solid for a 3 ltrs car !! i think the Toyota Camry ( grande) is much better .. spare parts are quite resonable in terms of price ..

93 GXE 220,000 miles - Wonderful ride, quality through and through, if little bit expensive to maintain. Good gas mileage when engine is tuned properly. I may be replacing it with a 94 Altima. In my relatively short life I've owned a 72 Datsun 240Z and this Maxima: I'm not straying from Nissan for a while. I wish the Maxima would never die, but it's had a hard life. This may be the best car I'll ever own, and I'm going to miss it. I really, really love this car. At least I'm replacing it with another Nissan. I said that about the 240Z also. Now I gotta get over the inevitable loss of my second wonderful Nissan product. On to the nest one...

My '96 has nearly 150,000 miles on it and I've yet to spend money on it for things other than routine maintenance items. I'd buy a new one but I can't justify getting rid of this one as long as it runs as well as it does - not to mention it's an EXTREMELY comfortable car.

I own a 1996 Nissan Maxima. Why comment on an older car? Well, I have had it now for many years and it has been a great car, never had a problem. The car has had only ONE recall with a engine light problem. Not too many other cars can say that. At higher altitudes the car has been known to have some problems starting on a second turnover but by using the highest octane gas I feel this can reduce the problem. I have run into this problem maybe once a year - not a big deal. It has one of the best V6 engines ever made. Great family car.

I just got a really good deal on a 2002 Maxima. I love this car, it has tons of power, it goes as fast as I will ever need to go. The ride on this thing is World class, I never owned a car that rode so smooth and handled so well, the car drives itself. It is the way all Sedans should be, it is a perfect 10 in my book. The lay out of the car, everything is weighed out nice from front to back, I give credit to the engineer's who came up with this car and for the money it can't be beat. The engine is real smooth, and it's a beast if that is possible. Ok I will shut up now, I am just very impressed with this thing.

BUY AMERICAN

I am the proud owner of a 2002 Maxima SE. I previously owned a 1992 Maxima SE and was just as happy. After owning a Honda and then making the switch, I will never turn back. My Maxi rocks in every way, from the Bose system to the power that provides the sense of a race car from a 4 door family sedan. Drive it and you will forget there is a back seat. The 255hp engine will make hard for others to follow. SEE YA IN MY REARVIEW!

The Maxima is Nissan's best made vehicle. Its a full size car that offers a powerful V6, and with options can be turned into an entry level luxury sedan. All Maxima's, new and used, are a smart buy. Resale values are high and reliability has always been excellent. Recommended, but also look at the Avalon.

We've owned three Maximas and every one of them has been a great experience. Never a moment of trouble. Just oil changes and routine maintenance, and these cars just keep rolling along. Powerful engine, good handling, roomy interior and trunk, decent ride, decent looks. Most important... very very reliable.

I love it, it's a great car. Roomy, 222 Hp and great gas mileage but no independent suspension.

The new 2002 Altima is so much improved from the last generation that it makes the current Maxima look less impressive than it really is. The Maxima is a great car but the new Altima's dynamics are similar (i.e. the 3.5L engine) and it costs less. I'm hoping that Nissan continues the upward trend in horsepower and boldness with the next generation Maxima. Until then, the new Altima's swoopy good looks, Maxima-like dimensions and engine has me hooked!

I leased my 2001 Maxima SE on 2/11/01, and I am very impressed with the excellence of this vehicle. Fit and finish is above reproach, the ride is firm with great handling, and the interior is well thought out and comfortable. The 3.0 6-cylinder engine has won many accolades, and rightfully so. I ordered all options available, and so equipped, I think it is nicer than some cars priced thousands more. The 200-watt Bose audio system has incredible sound, well worth the cost. If you looking for a 4-door sports sedan, this is the one. To top it off, Nissan dealers are willing to negotiate terrific deals. I negotiated a $4,500.00 discount off of MSRP, and the dealer threw in a Nissan 6-disc Autochanger at no cost to me. Drive it and I bet you will buy it.

Decent car, but i would expect it to be more powerful since it is a V6 and only pushing 200hp. I wonder if Maxima racers are going to feel bad when they find out that the new Integra base model is still going to be a 4 cylinder and pushing 200 as well? and the USDM Integra Type R (which has been available for the last 4 years) would smoke an A4 and a 2001 Maxima off the line and on the freeway any day.

I researched for a new car for about 6 mo. before getting rid of my nightmare Range Rover. My goals were to save money, find a powerful V6 engine, comfort/amenities, and lack of problems in a car. Keeping that in mind, you can't beat the 2001 Nissan Maxima SE. That was the SMART side of my buying decision. What you can't put a price tag on is how many heads it will turn, and how much FUN it is to drive. Yes, people will constantly challenge you at the line, with very few people that will ever see you in their rear view mirror. Excellent buy! Highly recommended.

Recently purchased a 2001 Anniversary Edition 5 sp. and have nothing but the highest of praise for this vehicle. Tremendously powerful and flexible engine - lots of torque down low. Very nice shifter and light clutch - not a problem in heavy traffic. Great handling with very flat cornering. Spacious and luxurious interior. Others considered: Lexus IS300 (no stick, much slower than claimed); Acura Cl-S (very fast, much too big and heavy for a sporting coupe, no stick); Audi A4 (love the 4wd, hate the floppy shifter, very small back seat) BMW 3 series (great car, not a great value).

Best car for its money. Great for wrecking civics,accords,integras,preludes,celicas and all the like with style.

i love this car. my mother has a 97 i30 (fancy maxima) and my cousin has a 97 maxima. i have a 00. theyre all great. best v6 sedan value over camcords.

Best V6 in its class. This car is tight! Great handling and acceleration. And it just looks sweet!

Spent 5 months and 4 days looking for a new car. Time and time again I returned to the Maxima, and eventually bought a brand new 2000 SE. You wont be displeased with this car. This car is for everyone from the family man to the sport tuner.

I've been pleased with the 2000 se overall, but I'm concerned with the transmission. It doesn't appear as sturdy as the on in my 95 max. Everything else is superb.

I have a 1993 SE 5 speed and just purchased a 2001 SE Anniversary Edition 5 spd. I love the ride and handling of the '93; the '01 is taking some getting used to with the larger wheels and low profile tires. Other than that, the car is awesome...strong engine, great handling, great interior comfort, and I love the styling. I'm a Maxima man to the core...have been for 14 years.

Awesome car for the price!

Reliability,Best V6 in the word,high performance sport sedan,great ride,sport car like handling,rare but not ugly style ,lux-sport oriented interior,one the best in class(compare to Toyo Camry "TRD"),Bose sound system is stomping (200 watts).

I have a 1994/5 Maxima and I love it. Awesome power from the 190hp V6. Excellent reliability...too bad I took it fishing 2 years ago...I am looking at a 2001 Maxima...sweet machine.

Great drive train, handling, a real bargain for the money. Ward's rated its engine as one of the best!

I've been really pleased with my Maxima. Driving at an altitude is no problem, and the ride is exceptionally smooth. Even though it's a medium-sized car, there's an amazing amount of space, both inside and in the trunk. I plan to drive my Maxima into the ground!

Just got a new Max. Dollar for dollar the best deal out there. Ward's #1 Best Engine again. Hear that Audi, BMW, Volvo? The Bose sound system is the creme de methe and the fit and finish is excellent. Oh, pull up next to an A4 at a red light and just smile because that dog will be chasing you!

The next car I buy will probably be a Maxima. Great power, response, handling, and good looks, although not at the top of the ladder.

One of the greatest deals around.

The best car for it's price

This car totally rocks. The engine is very strong and the handling is pretty tight (especially the SE) for a mid-size. The interior space is very roomy and well-planned. This car is very reliable and fun to drive. I would definately buy another one.