Used 2003 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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2003 Maxima - THE GREATEST EVER !!!
sillysal, 11/06/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
amazing1!!!!!!
lad, 09/03/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my 3rd and best MAXIMA the family loves it I love it. You can have your midlife crisis and eat to:) this is fas as a corvette and comfortable as a king size bed. and compared to the 04 It looks the sportist and the best. this car Dark blue gets looks from everyone. lok out world i am comming at you!!!!!
Review Of Nissan 2002
ken 2002, 06/15/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nissan Is not easy to deal with problems. I would avoid buying a Nissan. Try calling Nissan in Glen Dale Calf for help you will get the jerk around.
2003 maxima
projo, 07/17/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
What new car
Notsohappy, 09/30/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was back in for service 5 days after having the vehicle delivered. I have made 6 trips to the service department to either have the car evaluated, service performed or part not available. This is 6 trips inside the first 3,000 miles. I still have strings hanging in the rear seat and parts of the buckles are covered in plastic that was not properly removed at the dealership. I don't believe that I would buy the Maxima again.
Why did they depart from this design?
Serj, 10/02/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've put over 10k miles on this car since april, and there is only one thing this car is short on; rear headroom. The engine is velvet-smooth and OMG fast. Interior is of VERY high quality & styling on the outside gets respectful glaces everywhere. Niceities include titanium package rims and stainless kickpanels. Wonderful to drive on twisties. Fuel econo is decent at 80, but keep it under 70, and you'll see MPG numbers around 28! Steering is heavy but responsive, and doesnt lighten until about 110mph. the BOSE stereo lacks tuning features that ive seen in much less expensive setups.
Great car for the Money
harry69, 10/28/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Rust
JohnM141, 10/04/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My new car developed rust on the rear wheel frame as a result of driving during New England's sanded/salted roads during last winter. Nothing but a run-a-round from Nissan and my dealer. The car has a design flaw and the company knows it. The problem only occurs if certain conditions are met. I am not satisfied with Nissan at all. A brand new car should not develop rust in only four months? They should have been more supportive.
Great Car
JackoB, 10/04/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the 03 GLE because we have had such good service from our "91 Maxima. Our son now drives the 91 which has over 125K miles on it. This GLE is an awesome car and it is a pleasure to drive. One problem is that I always have the temptation to kick it and I know sooner or later it will get me a ticket. We have put close to 7000 miles on it in the year we have had it.
2002 Maxima one fast car
Maxima Guy, 07/21/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is amazingly fast. Very smooth. The 6 speed is very fun to drive and the car gets great gas mileage.
best car
john6789, 10/23/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best car for the money
it's a monster
fattboyy1105, 10/05/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great performer in all aspects,unbelievable perfomance all around!!!!!!
Happily Surprised
Loanbeast, 10/12/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a BMW 3 series vehicle and I have been very impressed with the drive and ride of my Maxima SE. Very responsive, accelerates like no other, performancewise I have not looked back wishing I had kept the BMW. Dealership experience was best I have ever had, however I am still waiting for my valet key after 5 months. Very glad I bought this vehicle.
Great Car
tiki, 10/15/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car that I have hade in a long time. Fun to drive, and is fast.
03 Maxima GXE
cd9403max, 04/28/2012
2003 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second max, first one still have 94 with 264,000 km and engine/trans tops. Only have 62,000 km on 03 and now first major repair, brakes all around. Got this as last Japanese made one and was afraid of quality control with 04 on. I may be wrong with the 04's on. This car takes off like a scared cat-make sure you are hanging on tight. I like the 94 more as it seems more roomer inside and with self adjusting shocks, real nice. However, very poor head lights-moved up to stronger ones to help. 03 lights, what an improvement over the 94.
My Maxima is GREAT!
2 P CHEE, 10/15/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE this car! I'm an Acura girl at heart, but feel I made a great choice in the Maxima SE. I love the get up and go and my Xenon headlights. I'm trying to adapt to the turning radius-- kind of makes me want to check out that 2004 Acura TL. Overall this car is fabulous for the price!!!
2nd Maxima & the Best
Tom Cuillier, 07/31/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We had our 1991 Maxima since it was new. Best car we ever owned, but this '03 is Awesome! Great Bose system, extremely fast, but docile & quiet during normal driving. Even Grandma is impressed with smooth luxurious ride, but when you press on the "fast" pedal, all hell breaks loose! This is a rocket. Handles like on rails, extremely roomy inside - even the back seat has a lot of leg room. I drove Mercedes, Volvo, BMW, & Lexus, before making my decision. This SE is a steal at the price and, performance-wise, will blow the doors off everything else I drove. Before buying anything else, drive a Maxima, your perfect car search will be over! This is a no-brainer.
Great Value, ALOT of car
OD, 07/02/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I walked into the Nissan dealer "kind of" interested in a car. When I drove it and compared it to simiilar vehicles with the same options, the Nissan was about 5-7K less. The car is a great value. I purchased the SE with BOSE, leather and the MSRP was about 30K, I got the car for 25K. At the time, I also got 3.9% financing over 60 months. The car got 28 MPG on a recent drive to the beach. In the 5 hour drive, I was comfortable and enjoyed the passing power. Interior looks great. I considered the Altima, but hated the interior.
not bad
Dan, 02/15/2005
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Been driving almost two years. VQ engine is smooth, powerful, and fun. My biggest complaint is the rear beam suspension. Used to drive a '99 mazda 626 (independent rear) and the tail felt less fishy and more planted than my Maxima. Tires are awful too. poor tires + beam susp make the perfomance subpar for a sports sedan. Build quality can be improved. After two years of driving on stiff suspension and poorly maintained roads, there are quite a few conspicuous interior rattles and creeks.
First One
Grunt, 10/19/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first one I have owned and am completely happy with it. It is fun to drive, fast and comfortable. A good looking automobile.
After 37K, Update and farewell
JohnBuller, 08/31/2005
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved the car when I first had it, but 3 years later, the bloom is off. Still great, but not the same thrill. It's been fast, fun, reliable, but doesn't wear well both interior or exterior, and I am a fanatic about care. Paint quality is an issue; Sheer Silver looks great, but paint is poor, esp on front bumper and hood. The turning radius is HORRIBLE; 40.5 feet puts it in SUV territory. Car felt porky and didn't excite me even with all it's bells and whistles. I tire of cars easily, but thought I'd have it forever. Traded for an 05 Altima SL. Not that the Max is a bad car; far from it, it just doesn't grow on you. It felt clunky after 37,000 miles; I got bored.
Best Performance Family Sedan
mirth, 12/09/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Positive feedback
Dave, 09/13/2005
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Maxima in 2002 as it was the last year before they changed the style. It has been very easy to drive and I have really enjoyed it. Plus it is several thousand dollars less than its cousin the Infiniti!!
Nice job, Nissan
Hithere, 08/22/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Dissapointing Quality
Bill, 09/22/2005
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mechanically, the Maxima is top notch. Unfortunately, the constant rattling and creaking of the interior literally destroys the ownership experience of an otherwise great car. I have had a number of new japanese autos and surprised by the lack of quality on the interior of this car. I have family members and friends with similar complaints about wearing fabric, rattling dashboard and leaking sunroofs.
wow, what a car!
andreas, 12/15/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Nice Car
Sobhan, 06/26/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a good car with very powerful engine,makes driving a pleasure and very stable even at high speeds about 100 mph.we can get optional features etc at reasonable price
Nissan Maxima -- outstanding
Igreaves, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
How many 6-cylinder mid-size sedans can return a highway mileage in excess of 32 mpg? I can consistently achieve this economy with the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with manual transmission. The 6-speed manual transmission takes some getting used to, but it is silky smooth, very responsive, and above all economical on the highway. With a mix of highway and local driving, I can average 30-32 mpg and still have the sporty feel and comfort of this first rate automobile.
Buy you one!
Steviec, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutly love it, it is fun to drive and it will haul a$$!
AWESOME
bikeman, 12/20/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Maxes the competition
nam, 02/12/2004
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A search driven by value, performance, and legacy led me to only one car - the Maxima SE. While not an overly aggressive driver, it is nice to know that this car can quietly spank just about any on the road. The features are ample without being overdone and the int/ext design are subtle and sophisticated. Though I tend to purchase a car driven solely by my own tastes, I've never received so many compliments as this dark blue beauty. It is a blast to drive everyday without overexerting the pocketbook.
What a spectular car... performance plus
shussey, 08/05/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the performance enthusiast! I have cloth, minimal extras, basically just the Sunroof is the only extra I have. I drive it for the performance. Its a little different with the variable intake and variable capacity muffler. You get boost when you need it and conserve gas when you dont. The trip computer is an added bonus and the 60/40 fold down seats add more cargo flexability. This is a great car for the performance enthusiast with the family in mind. The ride is smooth with the performance suspension yet handles turns like a race car. The Nissan Maxima 2003 SE is a perfect cross between the performance race car and the four door sedan.
Best under $30 sports sedan
BAW, 10/02/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Let's face it - there is no other sports sedan of this caliber under $30K. Nissan tried it with the Altima and that thing is sooo cheap it's scary. The only real downside is that it has more power than the handling permits - you need to toss the tires right away as a start.
funto drive
mrmugs, 10/27/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned since June-love the performance,but already see that the factory Bridgestone Potenzas HAVE to GO!With the power this car has,lousy wet traction and easy hydroplaning.Looking into winter tires,but a very hard size to find.
max1
dom, 02/05/2004
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
alot of options for the money the powerful engine and outstanding handling are what stand out the most in this well crafted machine
Should have bought an Acura
Paclark01, 10/12/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
High points of this vehicle are the VQ 255 hp engine available mated to a 6- speed manual transmission. In addition the seating position for the driver is very good and is comfortable for 6 foot individuals. Exterior styling is attractive especially with the 17" wheels. Low points notchy shift feel. The clutch has been replaced 4 times and 2 transmissions have been installed, and Nissan service departments are horrible. Resale value is the pits...I would advise leasing instead of purchasing this vehicle.
03 Maxixma
Oost81, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Nissan Maxima is the best car I have ever had. This is the first car I have purchased in my young life and I don't think I will ever buy anything else. The car rides so smooth it's like your riding on air. The power from the 3.5 V6 is amazing! I love the way it handels. And the way it accelerates. I have not had one problem with it.
Awesome Car
Maxima Fiend, 07/09/2006
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my maxima for 2 years now and it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Fast, fun to drive, good handling good mechanics. Very reliable and with my silver color and wax it blinds the other drivers. Put tinted windows on it and it looks AMAZING. Seats are uncomfortable for my parents on long drives and the back seat head room is a little low. Wish Nissan put in bose standard but the sound system is good nonetheless.
Nice Car
Piper1982, 01/13/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Eileen, 09/02/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Power and Comfort in One!!!
Pearson, 06/04/2004
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price, this is the best 4 door sports sedan out there. It handles much better than even the most 2 door sports cars on the road to date. You step on it, and that 3.5 liter engine under the hood, throws you into motion so fast, like a fighter jet. It's comfort compares to you being on your living room couch, while taking you to a far away place in no time. IT'S FAST!!! Try it, and you will love it.
Nice Car // SE
Rnelson108, 01/26/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
It's Okay
Snowbird, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car!! But the turn radius is not the greatest. It handles good except when tight turns are necessary
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR AT A GREAT PRICE!!!
Bpool421, 06/18/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best sedan on the market right now, and has been the best sedan on the market for the last three or four years. The engine, drivetrain, and suspension make this the easiest and most painless buy in the automotive world. I would pay even more than I actually did for a Maxima.
DRIVEN
stumbling4ward, 08/12/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car exudes authority on the highway. Acceleration between 3k and 4k rpm is coffee spilling, head-thrown- back fun. The perfect mix of family sedan/screamin' rubber. 140mph feels like 60mph
The Best Car Out Under $30K
BIGGRUSS, 11/13/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. I recently traded in my 2000 Camry Le V6 for the 03 Maxima SE. This car screams personality and wants to be driven hard. The V6 in this car deserves every award that it gets. At about 3500 RPM the engine propels the car like a rocket. The handling in this car is indisputed and merging into traffic is a joy coming from the Camry. Do not believe all of the hype about the Altima. Not saying that it is not a good car but the Maxima is a step above. The interior when comparing the two speaks for itself. This is an excellent car with a alot of features that just wants to please the driver.
Not bad for what it is...
richbaker, 11/07/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is not a bad car for it's price segment. I liked the Maxima for its size, decent comfort, good mileage considering it is a large V6, horsepower. It handles OK, but big understeer, and huge torque steer. Good features like stereo with 6 disc changer, xenon headlamps, steering wheel controls. The leather is cheap, hard and thin. If I bought the car I really wanted (Audi A4), I probably could have gotten a better car for about the same payments since the residual is so much higher (53%). So I have 40 months to go before I get what I really want.
Like a top
bob, 04/19/2005
2003 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 5th Maxima, each held for three years and an average 25,000 miles per year. No maintenance problems other than brakes and tires have been experienced. Just routine oil changes at 3-5k miles. The ONLY car found that does NOT give me a back ache after 2 plus hours of driving. Runs like a top.
All round great car.
max1970, 11/14/2002
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The nissan maxima is an all round great afordable car. It has the performance of a sports car the head and leg room and comfort of on of those $40,000+ luxury cars. And not to mention the reliabilty of Nissan. I would recomend this car to anyone in the market for a quick great handling put the kids in the back type of afordable car.
Excellent value
milehidweller, 11/14/2003
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am driving this car for 10 month now and have 14kmi on it. Here are my minor complaints. Lousy tires. You buy a car like this for performance and the stock tires are a real spoiler. $500+ wasted. Ride and handling on SE are sporty, but not excellent, ride is a bit harsh, and cornering a bit sloppy. Some of the ergonomics could be better. Heater controls are hard to fine tune without looking. Two more rotary dials: for zone selection and for temp setting would be better. Power mirror control is too touchy and hidden under the steering wheel. Gas pedal is too far to the right and too close to the brake pedal. Seats are just okay, not really great.