Used 2003 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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awesome car
Solid car. Fast, tight handling. I love it. Well made. Everything feels quality and well designed. 255hp, what more can you ask for.....
Nice and peppy
After four years driving GXE98 model I got another Maxima SE 03. GXE98 ,very good car, perfect reliability, well build car. New SE 03, with titanium package make me happy, very fast, smooth ride with sporty suspension, well design interior with many useful features. Perfect choice for sporty family car.
Why a Maxima? Great Performance!
I have had four Nissan cars so far including the '03 SE that I got last September. The performance is excellent in terms of acceleration, braking, and handling. The exterior and interior design is very good throughout. Pricing is unbeatable. Recommended improvements are: (1) quieter interior; (2) better mileage; (3) Zenon highbeams and fog lights;(3) wider opening angle of the moonroof; (4) better positioning of the mirror adjuster (hard to reach); and (5) Electronic compass on the rearview mirror.
Gangsta
I wasnt sure if i shuld wait for the new Honda accord or get the maxima. But after the test drive....the choice was clear. Also the exterior of the maxima was soo much more appealing than the honda. IT was also more spacious. The ride can get rough sometimes in the SE.
Great car and deal
This is a super car. I have owned 4 Nissans and this is a fun car to drive. I had a 280ZX and 240SX too. This car is a better option than the Altima. Friends with new cars, (Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, etc.)love to ride in my Maxima.
if I had known about the headlights...
I have to admit that I am pleased with the Maxima overall; although I would have waited for the 2004 model though. I have had the car for about 8 months and it has been vandalized three times!! If you live in the Northeast, don't buy this car! It is in your best interest to buy the 2004 model or buy something else. The research was not available when I bought this car and I am sorry I bought it. When you pay up to $3500 for a pair of headlights you get a little bitter. It is a beautiful car but the headache is not worth it.
Should I have gone Passat 4 Motion?
I bought the Maxima because it is sportier than the Passat4M, as well as a little bit less expensive. The problem which is not the cars fault, is after driving it around for 2 weekes and racking 2000 miles, I find my self asking " do I really like Japanese cars? It is definately cheaper inside and out, the handling is ok, not as good a feel as the Passat, but most of all it just seems to lack a personality? It does everything well, looks great but do I crave to get behind the wheel...sadly no. It is a good basic car, but more like an auotmaotive robot vs a trusted old friend that I can't wait to play with in some fun road.
Maxima kicks butt!!!
This car is awesome. It truly kicks butt. This car is FAST and handles like an exotic sports car. You take off and barely touched the gas pedal. Its comfortable and the engine is sooo smooth. This car is like having a Lexus ES 300 w/out paying for an ES 300. Love the HID Xenons and the gated auto shifter.
Best Performance Family Sedan
I was looking for a family sedan that would be large enough cargo/seating- wise to meet my needs but wouldn't put me to sleep driving it. I looked at all the mid-size competition under $25K. Maxima was on the high end for interior amenities, and its powerful engine blew away every other contender.
Nice job, Nissan
I've been wanting to get a Maxima ever since I read a review about the fantastic engine it has several years ago. I have not been disappointed. The powerplant in this car seems to be frustrated at my holding it back while it wants to burn rubber like a maniac. I bought practically the base model, it it has great standard features.
wow, what a car!
This is a fantastic vehicle. If you are in the market for a family sports sedan and don't want to spend $40,000+ on a BMW or Mercedes you should defenitely check this out.
AWESOME
Watch out this baby will get you into trouble with John Law. As in speeding tickets. I love the car it runs great and handles well. The fit finish is what I expect and so far after 8,500 miles I have had no problem.
Luv My GLE
Bought the 2003 GLE in July. The test drive sold me. This car is fun to drive!! I'm impressed with it's acceleration in the 40-70 MPH range. Great for interstate driving. Hang on if you're going to drop the hammer on this baby. Solid Solid car. My wife loves it.
Take it to the Max
I love this car! It's great fun to drive, very comfortable. Looks fantastic in Sheer Silver!! More than one person thought it was a Mercedes, including a friend who has one. It's a blast smoking away those hoity toity Benz and Beemer suckers. Had a 99 Maxima, 03 is totally different car.
Had to buy another GLE!
Bought the car from a dealer about 1 hour away. Traded our 2000 GLE with 34k miles. This '03 did not disappoint. The ride was just as smooth as the '00. The added features, memory seats and 6 cd changer, were welcomed as standards. The extra 33HP make the car seem to relax more when accelerating.
Fun to drive and powerful!
Fun car to drive. Alot of power even with the automatic verison. Gas mileage is far less than desireable, but the need for speed contributes handsomely to this driver contributed problem.
Nice Car
Yeah I had a ford explorer before this, and was gonna get another truck. This car tho...is big enough to carry most everthing i move around...the 6sp is fun but rough in constant traffic. The gas milegage over having the truck is fantastic...fun car to drive, and gets good looks.
Riding in comfort and style
Having driven a mini van for 10 years followed by a Jeep Cherokee for five years, I'm fully pleased and impressed with my new Maxima! There isn't anything I don't like about it. I would recommend this car to everyone.
Nice Car // SE
I love this car. It is a blast to drive with 255HP and the sport suspension. The fit and finish is great. The only knocks against the car are the things that make it fun. It requires 92 Octane fuel (top 10 ratesd engine). The SE suspension can be little rough (all the more fun to salom between the manholes) The 17" wheels /tires can get a little dicey in the snow. I look for reasons to take the car out.
Great Awsome car
Cant Buy Anything better for this price range
Great Car
This is a true sleeper. Step on the gas and it just goes. For a family sedan, it's a fun car to drive. Just the right mix of performance and luxury. Some complain of the rough ride, check the PSI on the tires. Mine were at 44 when delivered. I lowered to the recommended 32 and its a world of difference.
New 03 Blue Max SE
After getting rid of my 1999 Lexus GS 300 (liked it, was just time for something new), drove my 01 GMC truck for several months while I did research on the under 30K sports sedans. Maxima wins hands down. Bought a Majestic blue metallic with black leather SE with all the options. This is a solid, well built car and even though I have not "stepped on it" yet, I know the power is plentiful and just waiting to be pushed. This car for about 13,000 less that the Lexus has almost every feature the Lex did AND more comfortable back seats.
Love my Maxima
This car has great pickup, even at high speeds on the highway. I put 15,000 miles on this car the first 6 months I had it...and it rides like a dream, even at 110 miles per hour.
Joe
Excellent Luxury Car!!!!!!!! This car is awesome, I have owned a 1979 280ZX and a 300ZX and you are back! I love you car and I like the 2003 over the 2004, it looks like a Altima!!!!! The grill is the only thing that make it looks differnt on the outside other than the moon roof the the moon roof, that do not open, who need shades? Joe Brooks Southern Air Inc.
Another Master Piece From Nissan
I have Infiniti 1999 I30 and just bought 2003 Maxima GLE with Meridian Edition. Test Drove Lexus, BMW, Mercedez and fould MAxima GLE to be the best car for the bucks. Got it for 27,800 with all the options. Cannot be happier than any other car. You've got to go with MAXIMA.
It's a Little Bumpier than I had Hoped
The exterior of my 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE is an extremely sharp looking vehicle. All interior controls and dials are handy . The climate control fans are noisy until the internal cockpit reaches the set temperature. The front seating is roomy and the leather seats are very comfortable. The rear seats provide enough legroom for any passenger. Acceleration is excellent. It reaches 60 mph faster than promised. I did expect a ride that was smoother than I am experiencing to date from the GLE. The dealer felt that the tire pressure might be of fault but when checked for my 3 month checkup by Nissan it was determined to be the correct psi in all the tires.
fast and fun
it is awesome. speed is definately a big bonus on the car.
Maxima is the best!
This is the best car ever! It is fast, sleek, and beautiful! Ours is an SE silver exterior with a black leather interior. Its BOSE stereo system rocks the town! Everyone loves the car and gives me commpliments where ever I go!! It is built tough and it holds in an accident!
2002 GLE
It has been six months since we purchased our '02 GLE and we have been very happy with it. We even added the rear spoiler to the car so it looks like the SE.
Want a fun ride, take it to the MAX
No car is perfect! Its neither the perfect luxury sedan nor sports sedan. Its a car that has the best of both worlds. What a car! A beautiful Fit & Finish; Leather; Heated Seats, Mirrors, Steering Wheel; 6CD Bose Sound; E/C Rearview Mirror; Electric Seats; Sunroof; Key fob that lowers windows; etc But most of all, those lovely Xenon HID Headlights; seeing is believing. Powerful engine & a tranny that shifts smoothly. The car handles wonderfully & holds the curves great. The Maxima is just a wonderful car.
Outstanding car!
Gorgeous car! Wickedly powerful, especially above 3000 rpm. Quiet, solid, well-handling; sized right for me.
Feel the force
As you enter the Maxima the true pleasure of power exudes from the very enviroment of the interior of the SE model. This feeling of power is reinforced the first time you push the gas pedal. Irritaed by the guy in front of you?? Give the gas pedal a twitch and look behind you for his expression. The Maxima is to the driving experience that sugar is to a child. GIVE ME MORE!!!!!
First Month
I peeled the cheap lloking MAXIMA ans 3.5 SE chrome stickers off and added a billet grille.... It now looks great. Will add wood dash kit and poly suspension bushings for stiffer cornering.
No Contest
After three months of driving, the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE is definitely the premier, under $30k, non-luxo sedan. The navigation system is easy to use, the seats are supportive yet comfortable, and the power alone could sell the car. Push it hard, push it soft, no matter how this Maxima is driven it accelerates effortlessly, the automatic shifts smoothly, and with all this driving mileage stays at a good rating (currently averaging 24 mpg, the EPA rating seems to be under cutting the Maxima).
Nice Car
it really nice and smooth
Great family hauler
This is my 2nd Maxima and they keep getting better. Plenty of room for occupants and a joy to drive on the highways.
What a engine wheres the rest of the car
I bought an 03 program car. The engine is perfect i never thought nissan could make such a perfect engine with power and torque it's great. But where is the thought on the rest of the car the interior needs help short people cannot use the arm rest up or down... The audio system is poor. The road noise is terrible and the se suspension is too rough i enjoy a great handling car and i like to feel the road but i don't like getting beat to death. Take a lesson from acura or bmw their sport pkgs are much much smoother yet handling is crisp. Plus rattles in the doors not sure i have ever had a rattle in japanese car until this one...
SPEED, LUXURY, and all the goodies!
You've got to be kidding me, LEXUS IS? Not even worth it. This bad boy would smoke all in its class. I looked at the Lexus IS 300, Maxima SE, and Acura 3.2 CL Type-S. Bang for the buck, Maxima is the way to go. I torched the tires in second gear going up an Hill at a 50 Degree angle and it ran as well as my Supercharged Integra. If it weren't for love and kids, I would keep it, but instead, I am getting a sports car for me, and a family car for the family. Save yourself over 8 thousand dollars and get the Maxima, you will be doing yourself a favor. You will enjoy the interior (comfort), exterior (looks), and performance (Speed and handling).
a little ratle nose from window
maxima is a great car, but when it hit a pot hole the shock too stiff and side window make a little nose,the speed is great,when travel out state is great on high way, but in the city the shock too stiff,the side mirro too small,
2003 Nissan Maxima
I chose the six speed manual transmission with titanium edition package. The car is a lot of fun to drive and very well appointed. Before choosing this car I also test drove a BMW 540i and found them similar in comfort, performance and handling. The BMW, however, was not in the same price range or even close to it so I let the price determine my choice.
Dr. Nismo's Maxima
Love the car, 2003 Titanium edition Maxima SE. Fast, handles decent. Real power isn't until 3-5k RPM. Car has some much torque its an upper body workout. Only 1 problem, my left front Bose speaker keeps going in and out, dealer said they will replace it. Also Bose Subwoofer is distorted. Dealer said there is a "bulletin" out about this problem and can be fixed in a few hours. Apparently there add some foam or something. Not happy w/ the Bose. The 6 CD in dash works fine, speakers sound like Kmart audio. Car is nice and big inside. Dash is a little weird, the clock is deep into the windshield. The SE handles like a shopping cart over bumps.
Best in its Class!
First and foremost, the engine is an absolute gem! The clutch is smooth, making gear shifts a breeze. Order the limited slip differential with the six- speed because of excessive torque steer. The suspension is perfect for aggressive back road, or for calm highway driving. The interior is beautiful and user friendly. Although some have criticized the styling, it is truly gorgeous. The HID lights are wonderful. For someone looking for a wolf in sheep's clothing in the family sedan segment, look no farther.
Japanese Sports Sedan
I have had the car for a little over a week now and all I can say is WOW!! The acceleration is unreal and the fit and finish is top notch. Bose stereo is second only to Lexus' Mark Levinson. Got a great deal(bought at invoice) and the whole dealer experience was excellent, will definitely buy the '04 when it debuts.
Greates car
GREATEST CAR EVER. It is the best mix of performance, luxury, comfort, and affordability. GREATEST
2003 maxima
good engine,fine interior, excellent head lights,superior handling. No opinion on traction control until the snow falls. The odometer reads about 2% short,as did the 2000 model we just sold.
2003 Maxima - THE GREATEST EVER !!!
Have owned 4 previous Nissan/Datsun products. This is the Best Ever!!! Fun, comfortable, spacious, and lots of power. Carried three grand children (one in a car seat) in the back with no problem. Good trunk size. Fair highway miles of about 25.5 on a 600 mile trip. Conveneint controls while driving. Have had great luck with previous products, Datsun 210 (15yrs 235,000mi), a 300ZX (Used-drove 5 yrs 160,000mi), King Cab Long Bed Pickup (18yrs 175,000mi), and currently own a Pathfinder (3yrs 70,000mi). All great. Expect great future performance with my new Maxima too.
The King Of Sedans
The experience with this car are Great, I got a nissan maxima SE (automatic) with all the options except Navigation system. This car is nice and the performance are excellent, fun to drive and most important you feel totaly secure, finally you won't find a car with this performance in this price ($30.150.00)
Great car for the Money
What a ride, all the horsepower you need with 4 door insurance rate! This vehicle does it all, ride A+, power A+++, looks A++, quality A++++ nothing better made in this country!
2002 Maxima one fast car
This car is amazingly fast. Very smooth. The 6 speed is very fun to drive and the car gets great gas mileage.
best car
best car for the money