Good sound system (BOSE), good handling for a family car, responsive engine, both front and rear seats are comfortable for long trips.

Automatic upshifts too easily (for better gas mileage?) and hestitates when you want it to downshift for the extra power for merging/passing at highway speed(have to shift it like a manual *sigh*).

First of all, I would have bought the 00 Maxima for the extra horsepower and space if it is not the exterior styling. Compare to the other two family coupes I tested, the Max offers a balance between practicality and fun. The Max has relatively less road noise at highway speed (crucial when you are driving on the messed-up highways in NoCal.) The BOSE system sounds exceptionally good for a car at such a price range. The only drawback is the self-shifter. That thing is really lame. It is kind of a surprise to see no manualmatic, even as an option, on the new Max or I30 similar to that offers by Honda/Acura on the 3.2TL. I believe that is the biggest weakness for the entire U.S. Nissan product line. Next car? A Lexus LS400 or an Infinti Q45. Definitely no Honda.

Similar Products Used:

Tested a 99 Camry Solara SLE V6 & a 99 Accord Coupe EX-V6 before buying this one.

Available torque at low RPM; Shifting is exceptionally smooth; Engine noise is nowhere to be heard; Handling in Canada's cold winter season is flawless; Product is true to its original advertisement -- the family sports car!

None yet!!

In my opinion, it's the best value for the money! It is up there with the Mazda Millenia, Acura TL, Infinity, etc. Can't even compare this car with Chrysler, Chev, Ford, GM, and even the Volvo V90 that I drove -- not even close. I originally bought this car for my wife in '96. I personally drive a 92 Protege -- which has taken me through my college years. Once the Mazda goes, I will seriously consider the new Maxima SE or the new Millenia.

Similar Products Used:

Chev Lumina; Volvo V90

Best V6 in the world, not even close! Smooth, powerful, torque available @ low RPM's. Good suspension, sports car like w/little $ invested. SE handles better than GXE & GLE. Roomy interior, well laid out. Sleek, and aggresive exterior. Feels very solid.

Trunk hinges get in way when packed to the brim...THAT IS IT!!

I've owned my Max for just over two years, and have had next to nothing go wrong w/it. Starter change when first bought & that's it! Took the last yeat off from college & traveled. Drove from Montana to Seattle down to San Diego and back, also drove from Montana to Dever and back four times. Not one problem the whole year while on the road, as apposed to the moron who rated this exceptional car as one star in both catagories. Puts all other V6's to shame, including Mercedes, Audi, VW, GM, Chrysler & everyone else, trust me I test drove all the cars listed above in the last two years. My uncle owns a brand new Benz C280 ($39K) and it was boring when I drove it. I added a Stillen centrifugial supercharger fall '98, that put me @ 280-300hp and the same or better 0-60 time as the Lexus GS400 and BMW 540i (V8's for those of you who don't know). Also suspension components giving it incredible BMW like handling. Best for your money stock, and also easily upradeable to beat sports sedans/cars 2-4 times its price. If you buy anything else, you're one of the following:
1.Prejudice 2.An old man 3.Just plain stupid. Very sincerely, SUPRMAX.

Similar Products Used:

Lexus ES300, Acura 3.2TL, VW Passat GLS, Audi A4 2.8, Chrysler 300M, Oldsmobile Intrigue GL, Mazda Millenia S, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

Engine, Handling, Ride, Comfort/roominess, Audio System, and styling (inside and out).

Could use extra storage compartment in interrior, preferbly on dash in front of the clock (as NISSAN has on the INFINITY I-30)

Traded in my '94 Camry V6-XLE. Test drove the new Camry, Accord, and the Millenia and found no equal to the Maxima in power (no hesitation when you step on the gas), interrior room (more leg and head room than the Camry which is bigger than the Accord and Millenia), and overall value. Only the Avalon came close, but comparatively equiped it cost $4K extra.

Similar Products Used:

Honda Accord V6-EX, Toyota Camry V6-XLE, Toyota Avalon XLS, and Mazda Millenia

Ride, hp/acceleration, brakes, handling, finishing, interior design (have SE), safety features, quality, GREAT value for money. OUTSTANDING gas mileage for performance.

Personally, not hard-broken concerning the seat designs: Fronts are OK (not great), rear is stiff and unconfortable on longer trips.

This website indicates that this car has a 190 hp engine. That was true before the 2000 model year we have which now has 222 hp engine (through nifty technology, the hp has been increased).

It is sad that this point the overall excellent ratings by others are overshadowed by one bitter customer who gives this vehicle only one star.

Similar Products Used:

Most recent ones: Volvo 740, Lincoln Continental

quiet but not powerful engine

slow, bad looking and fake everything

I don't understand why people think the MAX is a hot car. It has the same driving char. as the Camery and Accord. I took a test drive at one of the local dealerships. The new Maxma drives pretty slow, Even with manual trans. I personally think it is noticeable slower than the junky automatic 850 turbo due to bad torq/hp/rpm curve (only good in the high end rev where nobody stays at). However, I got to say though, the engine is pretty smooth and quiet even at 3500rpm. When I sit into the car, immidiately I noticed that everything inside is fake and gear towards taste of popularity. Junky BOSE stereo system, plastic that was suppose to look like wood, lether that feels like vinal. Worst of all, no trunk pass thru, even the 60/40 fold down is almost fake... the opening is so small there is almost no point having the fold down seats.

I really cannot stand this luxary wanna be!

Similar Products Used:

1994 volvo 850 turbo, 2000 Camery, 2000 Accord, 2000 Audi S4

looks nice interior o.k. handeling, decent acceleration

dealer service as bad as dodge.

This car had major problems with the engine, transmission, cv joints, fit,finish. when it was 6 months old it looked 5 years old. dealer was decent about repairing defects at first, then was glad to charge entirely to much make promises they didnt keep. I would never buy another nissan product as long as i live.

Similar Products Used:

honda accord,ford escort, toyota tercel

Handling, acceleration, interior fit, finish & style, comfort.

Orange peel black paint. I hate that.

I drove the Audi A4 1.8T, 2.8, BMW 323i, 328Ci and the VW Passat. They all have their strengths. Unfortunately, the VW has a rather crummy set of controls for stereo and climate - it just feels cheap. The Audi 1.8T didn't have the power under 30k and the 2.8 was a bit too much when I had to buy ( car was dying ). The BMW's are wonderful, masterful but pricey and the controls layout isn't as thoughtful. Love the car, it's a 5spd SE with all the available options.

Similar Products Used:

Audi A4, BMW 3, VW Passat.

ride, feel, soundsystem, size, power, suspension, 17" wheels

styling

We started out looking for a sports car and when we test drove the 2K Maxima SE, we were hooked. One of the best rides I have ever had. All the Maxima owners I talked to have good things to say. After driving this car, the Taurus was out the door.

Similar Products Used:

taurus, bonneville, 6000ste

Power, Room, Comfort. I was impressed by the power of this car, I say if someone challenges you to a race with a camry, 626, accord etc. I say take it. Many people thought they could kill me with their car, but they were pleasantly surprised after being beat. Much room in the car and very easy to back up in, drive etc. Love the extras and the stereo is pretty good. Very comfortable and my car still looks great after 14 years.

Believe it or not, but the worst aspect of this car that I found was that there was no cup holder. The stereo could have been a little bit better, but I'm not complaining about they one it came with.

I have had a lot of experience with this car. My dad used to own one of the same year, and he loved it too. This car is good for family, business men, or kids. It looks sporty and is fast, but still offers comfort and reliability. I had to do very little to this car and it hasn't given me any problems at all. I have read up on newer models and can't wait to purchase the 2001 model. GREAT CAR

Similar Products Used:

Compared to Toyota: Camry, Mazada: 626, Honda: Accord, Saturn: Twin Cam, all were 1990 models or better. I couldn't find one thing better in these cars than my Maximas.