I'm in sort of a bind here. I have about 9 thou for a new car, and am considering either a maxima or a honda. I know Hondas well, but am unfamiliar with the Maximas as far as reliability and build quality. Are the Max's as good as an Accord? I figure with nine I could buy a 95-96 model maxima, or an Accord of the same years. Convince me to buy the Maxima.

PS> Are the Automatic transmissions any good, or are they sluggish?

 

I believe that I read in the latest consumer reports car report that the Maxima beat out the accord in realibility. Pretty impressive, I have to say the max is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Much more fun to drive and faster than my girlfriends Accord.

I do have to say BOOO to the auto trannys though. I drove one once....it wasn't toooo bad...and then I drove my 5-speed.....nuf said.

 

If you care about reliablity or speed choose the max....if you want to conform and run with the sheep get the accord. Highly recommend the 5spd, i have drove both and the 5spd is more fun...though both pull well. Yes the maxima did beat out the accord in reliability in the last consumer reports survey. Accords are good cars, but they just dont have the punch that maximas have, they do not put a smile on your face when you drive one. They are just too mundane.

 

Also, there is a higher percentage of theft with Accord versus Maxima. Just something ro consider.

 

Drove a GSR, drove a Maxima. Both have the same amount of mileage. The Maxima has had NO problems at all. The GSR had a long list, including alternator, water pump (at 58K), throw-out bearing, starter. All this went out before 60K. I'm sold on Nissan.

 

Theft rates vary by location. In some places the Maxima is stolen more than the Accord. For an example, see http://www.cccis.com/news/cccnews/2000vehny.htm

 

I drove a 94 Accord for 85K before my 2nd MAxima. It was trouble free and very thrify with 32+ mpg even with my heavy foot. The Maxima only gets between 23-28 mpg (At least mine does). But the Maxima has a lot more standard features than the Honda, handles better, rides better, FEELS like a bigger car, can handle a steady 85 mph cruise better ( Actually I used to drive my max at 110 mph for 2 1/2 hours straight). And the Maxima is bigger than the Honda. I liked my Honda, but love my Maxima. If you ever need to pass someone on a two lane road in a Honda, you'll be wishing you were in a Max....

 

Had a 90 honda accord 5 speed until it got stolen. I loved that car. Then drove a 98 accord automatic for a few months. Car was peppy, reliable, gas saving 28mpg, and very functional.
I have a 95 maxima se. Got a great deal so that's why I bought it. The suspension needs some help. Car tends to float, so I need to do some mods. Car has more power and room. that's cool. Gas is about 22mpg that's not cool but it's a V6. I like the car
You can't really compare the two cause they're two totally different cars by two different car makes with different reputations. If Honda made the Maxima, the car would be perfect. Nissan should have kept they're name Datsun.

 

Sorry, OT, but:

"Convince me, and tell me every last detail."
"What about it, pretzel man, what's your story?"
"There was a lawyer... Kubayashi"
...

All hail The Usual Suspects. Sorry, when I saw "Convince me" I couldn't help myself

As for Accord vs. Maxima, this is a lopsided comparison, but my roomate just bought a 94 Accord sedan 4-cyl auto, and I just bought a loaded '99 Maxima SE 5-speed, needless to say, and while his car is nice, and practical, I love my car and I'm somewhat lukewarm about his. It's not really a fair comparison, at least in this case. My car has more room, more features, more power, better performance, better styling, and is just plain "nicer" than his is. Nothing against the Accord, that was my last car, but so far in my opinion my Maxima beats it hands down. Is my transmission as smooth as the Preludes I've driven? No. Do I expect my car to run to 150k with no real problems? Not quite, though I pray it does. But do I consider that to be an acceptable tradeoff for a more enjoyable, more luxurious car? Yes.

 

My 97's nearing 90k miles now.. i dont wanna jinx myself.. but the only thing ive touched on the tranny is adding Don's VB mod..

(Yes, its the early 97 type, i think it was sold to original owner like november of 96)

 

I worked at a Honda dealership when my Max was new - about the time the Accord V6 came out. The owner of the dealership was all on my case about not buying the Accord instead, but there is a night and day difference in the feel between the two cars. The Max just feels like more car - more power, more luxury, more substantial. Now I have 122k miles, and the only thing that I have had to fix besides normal wear items (brakes, tires, shocks, etc.) is the starter, the ignition switch, and the thermostat - all after 110k. I would buy the 5-sp though, it is so much more fun.

Apples to oranges? They are both 4-door imports in a similar price range. I think anybody who is buying one should consider the other.

 

One of my sisers have a 97 accord and when comparing to my 99 GXE there are 3 distinct differences come to mind. 1) My car feels more comfortable both with the steering/seatings/ and overall interior design. 2) Her car has a sharper handling characteristic, less floaty feeling in the suspension. It's kinda like a point-and-shoot type feeling for steering that is almost as good as the Accura Integra that my other sister has, which I also get chances to play with 3) My car has more/better power/acceleration obviously because of the engine size differences. I pick my car because of the comfort needed in driving 50 miles each way to/from work and the power for passing on the highway. But i'm still yearning for that handling in my sis's accord everytime i tackle curves.

 

That's something you can't get on the Honda. All Accord V6s come with automatic, like it or not.

 

Even though the maxima seems bigger... the accord coupe rides and feels like a boat. I was wondering if anyone else go this impression.

 

Even though the maxima is bigger... the accord coupe rides and feels like a boat while the maxima does not. I was wondering if anyone else got this impression.

 

I don't think so, my aunt has the 98 or 99......and that car feels and handles great........FSTB and RSB for the max along with a few more things might cure that problem. But as far as handling the Accord have it beat out the bat...but that's about it to me though.......MHO

 

maintanance!! When I had my accord, other than the usual servicing ie. oil,tranny fluid,coolant, spark plugs, brakes, belts etc. I had very little problems. Only changed the radiator cause of a crack, master brake cylinder was leaking, cv boots cracked. That was about it. Never the water pump, alternator. I had 170,000+ miles and still going before it got jacked.

i haven't had my maxima very long. I like it, but it sure seems that people have problems. As for apple and oranges....the honda is primarily a car that comes equipped with four cylinders( 6 is an option).....and the maxima comes standard with 6. so I conclude one car is an mid size 4 door import sedan and the other is a Large 4 door import sports car. there is a difference. I would put the maxima up against the Lexus gs300, BMW 3 series, and Audi and leave the accord behind with the camrys and altima