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I bought my maxima last year. What a car it is! 0-60mph in less than 7 sec! You won't find that in any CRAPPY AND SLOW 1999 TOYOTA CAMRY!I'm was a previous camry owner and compare to my old camry the maxima is a god!

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audi a-4 , volvo s-60 etc...

* Probably the best power plant in its class.
* Uses timing chain instead of a belt.
* Engine idles very smooth.
* Doesn't use the conventional sparkplug wires :-).
* Black on white gauges is easy to read (gauges change to white on black at night; very cool!).
* Good dashboard layout

* The CHEAPEST windshield money can buy--chipped/cracked easily comparing to Toyota & Honda.
* Paint on front end chipped easily, too!
* Paint on bumpers (front & rear) didn't match (looks like 2 tone) the body. I must be drunk at the time I bought it; if you ask!
* Poor workmanship--body molding came off, crack on spoiler bases (bolt to trunk), intermittent rattling noises, loose driver side airbag (UNACCEPTABLE, I could have been killed if involved in an accident!!).
* Brake make noises after releasing and ready to move forward (feels like the calipers are not retracting completely).

The Maxima will eat the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for lunch in term of speed (acceleration)! I even embarrassed my boss' BMW 735i at a stoplight with my stock Maximus :-)!! If you really want to play then try the 5 speed and you'll be buying tires very frequently.

Overall, If you're an aggressive driver and you can live with the "weaknesses." I think you should test drive the Maxima SE before you decide; just stay away from STEVEN CREEK NISSAN unless you never want to associate with the Nissan brand again, like me!!!!!

If you're curious, here's what happened:
I swear to God! Sales and services people at Steven Creek Nissan are the most ROTTEN bunch of people I've ever dealt with. Sales tried to cheat me out of my floor mats--they (salesman & sales manager) told me to come back the next day for the floor mats because the part department has closed by the time I was done with all the paper work--and when I returned the next morning, they wanted me to pay $159 for the mats. I was very furious so I threatened to return the car by stopping payment on the check because I only driven it for 24 miles. Then settle it in court with those jerks if they want to sue! Well, I got my floor mats after asking the sales manager for permission to use his phone to call my bank! My second encounter with that dealer was the services people. The advisor & service manager blamed me for misuse when I took my new Maxima in for repair on the cracked bases of the spoiler (the two middle bases where it get bolted to the trunk lid). Before they blamed me for misuse by lifting on the spoiler when opening the trunk, the advisor brought the service manager out to check the cracks because he wasn't sure if the flaw was covered under warranty. The service manager yanked on the spoiler like he was going to rip it apart but the spoiler didn't budge a bit. Then he told the service advisor that the spoiler has a 3-stage paint (mine is a pearl white) and fixing it would require the order of a new spoiler and sent to a body shop for the paint job....After the assessment, both of them went back to the office. A couple of minutes later, the service advisor came out and told me that his service manager said that the cracks was caused by MISUSE and they won't fix it! I was so f#@king, f#@king, f#@king mad that I vowed to not have any Nissan dealers or anyone else fix the cracks on my spoiler and leave it as a reminder not to EVER, EVER, EVER BUY A NISSAN AGAIN!!!!! Now, after 6 years (given to my wife), every time I wash the car and see those cracks (getting bigger, too), I just can't wait to trade it in for something else; of course, it won't be a Nissan!!

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Ford Mustang (Fix On Road Daily), Mercury Cougar (by Fix On Road Daily), Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura Integra, Toyota Camry, Toyota Supra, Lexus LS 400.

Smooth, powerful and efficient engine in the city or highway, styling, big trunk, Euro interior styling, roomy, ride and comfort for long trips

Handling and braking.

I paid about 16000 for my Max and I would definitely recommend it to everyone looking to get what they'll pay for. I am trying to talk my uncle into a new Max instead of buying a Lincoln LS V8. They Max is just a better car and just as quick, if not quicker that the LS. We won't speak on the gas mileage.
My Max'x gas mileage was 430 miles for one full tank of gas on a road trip I just recently took with my family. That 4 people and the car was loaded with luggage. My average peed was about 78mph for the duration of the trip. This car is made for the road.

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Volvo S80, V70 and S70 - It's easy, the Maxima has a better ride, better gas mileage, better highway pickup and more interior room for tall people like myself. I am 6'5" and have no problem getting in a out of the Maxima.

Very quick. Not bad MPG

Lots of drift at high speeds. Drivers seatbelt fell apartand had to get replaced. To get leather you had to get the Bose stereo system...I went ahead and got some leather from an off thelot source...

Love the car! I got to open it up on some stretches of highway behind a newer 'Vette and stayed right with it. It took a lot to keep straight as the stock tires (Toyo) needed to be upgraded. Tons of room for my fat buddies in the back.

Smooth riding car, reliability good, maintenance very minimal. I love driving this car! Mileage is good.

Tires on car wore out at 32,000 miles. Emission controls problems that were readily taken care of dealership in first few years.
Black paint chipped badly that year it seems. Never had that much trouble with burgundy Maxima

Think I paid around $25 in 4-96. Yes, I would highly recommend Nissan Maximas, think they build a great, great car. My daughter bought a used l994 Altima and loves it too. Service has been great in area. Am thinking of buying a new one shortly. Have a Gm Discount but still not sure I want to give up my Nissan Maximas.

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Have driven a l987 Maxima prior to this one for years, loved it too. that one had alot more bells and whistles inside. Fun car to drive, low to ground. Have had GM products also years prior but no comparison in my opinion.

Acceleration
Engine
Styling

Nissan QC
Rattles
A/C
Quality of glass

I was seduced by the style of the new Max's and also the super engine in them. Test ride was awesome. Within 1 month I have had both engine mounts replaced(they squeaked, dont ask), windshield is starting pit rather easily, the rubber trim around the back window was popped out in a section, I have the old TCM and the dealer REFUSES to replace it unless they can verify the slip problem(bogus CS) My Gray Lustre paint is starting to chip with every little pebble it seems, rattles and squeaks are a big time problem. I guess I am really peeved at Nissans QC(or lack of) and ther service..big thumbs down. Guess mine may have been built on a Friday at 4:00. My co-worker also has a 2K Max SE that has no probs that I am talking about so I guess it is a crap shoot.

Most of this stuff is actually minor but it is a big deal to me wheras it may not bother you at all...wish I had stayed with Toyota. Actually doing the math on how much of a bath I'd take on a new GTS.

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91 Celica GTS

-acceleration
-ride
-quietness
-styling
-interior room

-feel of clutch
-air conditioning
-turning radius
-center armrest

I'm about two months shy of graduating from college and would admit that this car was not on my top 5 list. A matter of fact, it wasn't on my graduation list at all. I originally wanted a 2000 Honda Accord Coupe with the V-6. Test drove the honda, and although I enjoyed the fit and finish of the interior, as well as both interior and exterior design, I couldn't force myself into an automatic transmission. I also was looking for more interior space.

I test drove the A4 1.8T and if it wasn't for the lack of horsepower, I would be in one right now.

So, this leads me to the Maxima. I like the styling - including the back - and feel it's refreshing to have a vehicle that stands out...especially with today's sedans. The 17" wheels are incredible and I can't tell you how many times I am asked where I purchased "...those aftermarket wheels?"

I'm extremely happy with the interior. I feel the dashboard was layed out methodically and controls are placed within an appropriate reach. Backseat has more than enough room - to my 3 other roomates delight - and the cloth interior looks rich (or at least better than base interior).

What I haven't liked is first, the clutch. The throws are too long and lack a sporty feel. And, most dissappointing, is the clutch feel. After two months in this car, I still find myself working too hard trying to make smooth transitions between gears. Having always been accustom to effortless shifting, this car seems to need some "nurturing" when shifting - especially between 1st and 2nd.

Though I have not had this car in the winter yet, I have not been entirely impressed with the air conditioning. The cabin seems to take an exhuberant amount of time to cool down. I think part of the problem is the black exterior and black dash. I also have found the center height-adjustable arm rest more of an annoyance than anything else. The turning radius is extremely wide and has taken a while to get use to....especially in tight parking lots.

I feel it is an excellent car - definetely a value - but after two months in it, I can'd say whether I would purchase another one. Feel free to email me with commments. I'd enjoy hearing different views.

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1995 Accord EX coupe 5sp

Smooth engine, "right" size interior, firm but dampened suspension, decent handling, security system, Bose stereo pretty darn good on CD. No timing belt to change, hydrolic valve lifters don't need adjusting. Good resale value.

* Appearance, esp. front end is homely.
* 5 speed engine controls awkward at slow speed in on/off/on throttle situations.
* Shifter is vauge and not quality feeling.
* Clutch too light and long throw.
* Brakes overassisted
* Engine rus up RPM between shifts on manual
* Turning radius sucks
* Struts and Beam suspension cheap, does not help ride.
* No trip computer
* Lack of real "gauges" like in a real sports car
* No underhood light
* Options bunched wierdly, bundle 17" wheels with sunroof, or leather and climate control
* no side, curtain bags
* mediocre safety ratings
* SE's 17" tires are expensive to replace
* stock bridgestones not good rain tires
* engine compartment cluttered
* expensive for what you get unless you get a great deal
* Pass seat doesnt' adjust 8 ways

Looked at nearly every car in segment. Drawbacks to max was the price, option groups, appearance, higher insurance cost.

What made it attractive was the performance, interior size and refinement, the great deal we got (23,700 loaded with all but meridian new), 5/60 powertrain warrenty, good stereo, comfort level, smooth engine, great resale value.

I hate the super soft clutch and brakes, makes heel&toe hard.

Not a ton of torque. Good car over all.

passat was even more expensive and no deals, but was a good choice.
Gm cars close but some teething problems

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Honda Accord v6 ex, Olds Intrigue, Chevy Impala, Passat, Focus, Gran Prix, etc.

This car has the all the basics to become truly great. Fantastic engine, decent suspension and a nice interior. Combine that with it's terrific reliability rating and "sleeper" styling and you have an excellent start towards a truly exceptional sports sedan.

Soft paint, rear-view mirror is too small, tilt wheel is too low even in highest position, soft 1-2, 2-3 shifts.

We needed a tow vehicle/people hauler and couldn't find suitable used. So after buying a new Safari van, the car budget was blown. That left either a new econobox or a used "nice" car. That search ended as soon as I drove the Max. This 3.5 yr. old car with 42000 mi on it was better in nearly every way to the new Accords and Camrys I drove, and at nearly half the price! Besides, I'm always looking for a new project and this Max should fit the bill. I'm too old...er mature(45) for street racing, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy driving (I still miss my old 900 Ninja).

I couldn't find an used SE in good condition with cloth (don't like dead cow skin) so I decided on this GXE. Future plans include enough suspension, engine, and cosmetic improvements to keep me in the garage for awhile. Plans include (in no particular order) CAI, FSTB, underdrive pulley, 17" rims, rear sway bar, coilovers, clear corners, rear wing, flat dash, Y-pipe, 2.5" converter, cat-back exhaust, and a trans-go shift kit. If UPRD ever gets around to busting the code on the 97 - 99 ECU's I'll probably do that too. Of course, this will require an obscene amount of money - enought to probably pay the difference between my '97 and the rumored 265HP 2002 Max. Oh well.. bird in the hand...

This is the first vehicle I've owned in a long time that I look for an excuse to drive (when I can pry it away from my wife... you know, the one that just HAD to have a VAN!!). I you're reading this for reasons other than avoiding cognitive dissonance, I can assure you that your car shopping won't be complete until you drive one! Despite this recent bout of middle-aged adolescence, I can assure you the Max is a wonderful car in stock form too. Further down these reviews you'll read a couple of posts by some goofs that give the Max a one star rating. Their spelling ability is a good indication of their depth of thought... (probably Accord owners just dissing their competition...)

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'01 Safari Van - what can I say. The only vehicle out there that can haul people, cargo, and is rated to to 6100 lbs. After making it for 16 years I'll have to assume even GMC can get it right.
'99 Cirrus - nice styling and decent handling, horrible brakes, headlights and buzzy engine. Never owned it long enough to vouch for it's reliability.
'89 Toyota XR5 X_Cab 4X4 - to date the best vehicle I ever owned. Over 11 years and 185000 kms ZERO repairs outside regular maintenance (ok, I had to replace a power steering pump seal, and oh ya, head gaskets - maybe it wasn't so good.....)
'87 Ford T-Bird turbo - Great fun, but sold it before it self destructed (shortly thereafter)

fast, comfortable, reliable, stylish, spacious

cup holders are weird sizes, and seat belts stick sometimes

I bought this car from a junkyard. Since I've owned it has given me no major problems. It is the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's very comfortable and spoils me. I hate driving any of my other cars.

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