Whenever I talked to my friends about all the mods I want to do. They always told me "it's only a Maxima". One of my friends is sick of their attitudes towords Maxima, he owns a 2k with Stillen kits and some nice mods. They told him the same thing "it's only a maxima" Maxima is a hella nice car than those Accords or TLs or whatever, why people always look down on us. They think Accord, TL, or IS300 are nice cars...they disagree that Maxima is a good car, a powerful car. They also think Maxima look dumb and old. I just want to say I love my maxima, i know all of us do. I just want to say I hate those people....

 

hell yeah!

 

Put yourself in their shoes: How would you feel if you were forced to look at the rearend of the 5G Maxima repeatedly because your Accord, TL and/or IS300 is too slow to get past it??

 

I think the reason people say it's only a Maxima is because

A) They aren't as mainstream as an Accord and Accords are more modable

B) TLs are consider more upscale because they are Acuras and their
relationship to the Accord.

C) The Accords and Camrys are more popular and since a great deal of the buying public are like Lemmings they buy what everybody else buys to say Hey I'm just like you I got an Accord/Camry.

D) Last but not least some people are just idiots.

 

Some people just don't get it. I hear the same thing from my wife when I talk about what I want to do to my Max. She says, "why would you want to do that? It's just a Maxima." Alot of people under estimate the Max, which is fine with me. They can say what they want. But when it comes right down to it, I think that they are jealous that they DON'T drive a Max.

 

My wife says, "Everyone has a Maxima!!! I think they're over-rated." Then again she's only worried about how it looks to other people and the luxury name. As for me, I'm worried about how fast I can go, how quick I can get there, how quick I can get by this assh*le in front of me going 10 BELOW the speed limit riding next to this other jerk so I cannot get around...and of course, burning some of these ricers w/ a stock car.

 

Don't you just love it when people say stuff like that, I do, IMO it only adds to the sleeper effect of the Max. It's only when they're lined up at the light or trying to pass you when they finally realize why you have a Max.

Other than rims, tinted windows and a few other mods such as FSTB,Intake,RSB, I'm remaining stock to only add more to the sleeper effect. Young boys envy me when they're looking at my taillights and then when you burn 'em the first thing they do is:

a. pull you over and ask, "Are you turboed/SC/Nitrous?"

b. You must off bored out your engine or sum'n?

c. They tell you "my car is running lean or something"

d. All of the above.

You be the judge!

 

VMosser323: Ah, I see we have another person who lives in an area similar to mine. It sucks having 209 hp and 238 ft/lbs of torque and not being able to use it but once or twice a day. The most fun my car ever had was being dyno'd.

Everyone: Ok, you can mod an Accord/Civic/TLS to drop 300, 400, or even 500 hp or more, but when you're done for the day... does it still represent an Accord/Civic/TLS? Or more like an overpowered lawnmower. Everytime I hear a Civic pass by with an exhaust setup, I ask myself if John Deere has just come out with a new model of weedwackers. Why do people buy cars, spend more money on the car's mods than the car itself costs, scrap the motors for something else just so they can go 0 to maybe 3 seconds faster than a stock engine? I still don't understand this.

I wouldn't understand it even if Y2KevSE came to the .org and said he wanted to remove his 3.0 and put in a 3.5 and a 6 speed. I'd be like... Why didn't you just buy what you wanted in the first place? Or why don't you trade in your car for an upgrade? Mods ARE removable (in most cases).

As far as the "it's just a Maxima" thing, I think people really don't understand the current and future potential in the car. I like the fact that it's a "sleeper" car. I like being approached by cars wanting to race (and the race really isn't worth my gas, since I know I've already won). I like the "facial expressions" that I see on people who pull up next to me who've just lost. It's a high that I get just from being able to put someone in their place. So when people say "It's just a Maxima" to me, I grin, maybe even laugh, and nod my head. To me, it's a sign of ignorance.

 

...Amen brotha'... I have only suspension mods and they make the car look lower, sleeker and more sporty, but only just a tad... It still looks stock. And when those silly fools that just don't know pull up at the stop light (the V6 'stangs are the worst! ) I almost feel sorry for them. My wife will sometimes give me that look when she sees me push it down into the '1' position on the gated shifter, but she knows I can't help it.

...But I have noticed some of the ricers in their hopped up body-kit hondas pay some respect. I will be in traffic on the highway and catch 'em lookin' at my car, kinda' grinnin' to each other. Those are the guys that read the spec sheets, and KNOW it has 255 bhp... They see my clears and my lowered wheel gap and think, 'man, that car is quick stock, if he's done anything under the hood its a monster...'

At least thats what the look on their face says to me...

 

talking to a lot of ppl that drive toyotas, hondas, and such.. i've noticed that MOST of the ppl who respect maximas (specifically the vq engine) are the ones that are really fantatics about cars. Like they know what type of engine you have, how much hp you got, and the correct number of cylinders. (Some of the guys at 300zx forums thought there were 4 cylinder maximas )

I have a friend with an v6 accord, all bolt ons that just refuses to race me. But then there is another guy at work with a riced out civic that says he can beat my "170 hp" maxima. (where did he get that number?)

 

Same place he and other ricers also get their styling ideas from...the **** region.

 

Okay, if you guys are sooo concerned with performance, then why did you buy a Maxima? For about the same cost you could have bought a 2002 Camaro or Trans Am and been a lot faster and handled better.

For those that like the sleeper look, what your are essentially saying is that you want people to underestimate your car, but then when people do underestimate it, you get mad and call those people names?

This thread doesn't make much sense, to me anyway.

To me the Maxima is a good blend of power, reliability, and comfort for the price. If I start modifying it, then I lose some of the above mentioned reasons of why I like the car. We all have different reasons, but I don't understand several of the views posted above mine.

 

...Well, I don't think any body here they were concerned with JUST performance. I am like you, I like the way the four-door comfort and classiness can combine with 255hp... I think most people were commenting why they get upset when people mention they shouldn't 'waste their money' modding a Max.
That is frustrating because some people here spend a lot of money on their car to improve its power and handling capabilities and then to have people not appreciate what its capable of is annoying. On the other hand, I prefer the under-estimation, because then you get the priceless look on people's faces when they experience what your car is capable of. Not too many Lexus IS300 or GS300 drivers probably realize a 02-03 Max can smoke them, for example. I enjoy demonstrating that for them and watching them squirm. I think they are two different schools of thought, not the same argument.

 

Ditto Larrio.

People who know nothing talk load. Don't waste your time and argue with those. Just ignore them.

Love my MAXIMA.

 

All 5th gens can take these Lex-i.

 

No dis for the 00-01's, I was using the term 'smoke' to describe the kind of real beating these 'sport lux' cars would take at the hands of the 255hp variant of Max. I am confident most of the 222hp guys could handle these cars too, especially 5spd or lightly modded autos on here...

 

Having a back seat that's long-distance useable by adults and a real trunk comes to mind. In combination with 220+ hp and a manual transmission, but not costing more than my first house.

Quote:

For those that like the sleeper look, what your are essentially saying is that you want people to underestimate your car, but then when people do underestimate it, you get mad and call those people names?

Not necessarily. The frustration is perhaps with having to listen to those who don't have a clue but have to open their face anyway.

Quote:

This thread doesn't make much sense, to me anyway.

It's good therapy to vent once in a while.

Quote:

To me the Maxima is a good blend of power, reliability, and comfort for the price. . .

And features and a certain amount of sporting blood.

Norm

 

You don't understand because you don't own a Max, buy one and get rid of that car you have and you'll find out why we talk like we do on this forum. We don't get mad when people underestimate our car, that is the beauty of it and Not once did I call anyone names.

Trade that car you have in, better yet drive cross country in your car, then drive cross country in a Max, you'll see the difference in appeal and feel.

 

the people that don't know what a maxima is or anything about a maxima don't know sh*t about cars....!!

 

I was just talking to my Son about this yesterday. He said Dad you should hear what some of the guys say at the track when they see you pull up to the line. All kinds of stupid commments like, what is he doing here at the track with that car etc. Why is he wearing a helmet?

However, he said when I cross the line running 13's they sort of change their tune. One kid said to the other your car only runs 17's I don't think you should say any more.

Don't worry about what they say, go out there and show em what you got.

 

A lotta truth being told on this thread. The Max is deliciously underated by the uneducated,the biased, and those who view cars as appliances.

When I bought an air filter for my '96 (a few years back), the guy behind the counter asked me, "4 cylinder or 6 cylinder?" Rather than dress the idiot down, or start an argument (which you can not win with an idiot), I simply said, "It only comes with a 6." I don't go to that parts store often.

The average person sees a Max in the same way as a Camry or Taurus. Even the so-called "Auto Enthusiast" press doesn't give the Max the billing it deserves (if it ain't German, they don't generally like it). I'm sure I'll start a firestorm with that statement! Hang on to your butts!

A friend was recently in the market. His Accord had 189,000 and was getting tired. The new accord looked good to him, but he wanted a V6 and manual trans. He also looked at the Jetta w/V6 & manual, said it was a nice car. I suggested he look at a 6-speed max, he said, "yeah with the v6." I told him it only comes with a V6, and a 255HP one at that. He bought one. Loves it. Except that his headlights were stolen.

 

Sounds like NAPA !!

 

i'm getting in here late, but you are combining many people's thoughts as one.

One or two guys said they hate being disrespected by friends that don't know what the Maxima can do...

The other guys said they liked that it was a sleeper, and that they liked the "classy" character that comes with a largish sedan.

but I'm with you (and I think most of us are) that we like that the Maxima is the "TOTAL PACKAGE".

-vq

 

or Auto Zone...

-vq

 

..diammmmm, mental telepathy, friend of Dianne Warwick?


it's all about value for the money spent........decent speed, fit and finish, usable rear seats/trunk, 2k2s popping mid to hight 14's(stock), VQ, oh yeah, did i mentioned decent speed?

 

I totally agree that for the money spent, it's really the best bang for the buck car. HID's, manual tranny, massive torque, mid 200 hp, and plenty of room for low to high 20k range.

btw, Jime... that is one sick video with you running that 13.14.

 

When I hear some of the co-workers with TL's and integras/RSx talk about maxima's being piece of ***t or old, family people's car. I take compliments in that. Reason for that: I have already smoked both the TL's and integra driving co-workers at once. They all confess about under estimating the Max. I just love that! Did I mention I have an auto?

 

I haven't ran into anyone who's made the comment "its only a maxima" to me yet, but I can see where everyone's coming from on this. Alot of people that I work with respect the max and know fully or have an idea what its capable of, even for an auto. So if anyone in their ricey honda's or overpaid-acura's ever did say "its only a Maxima" to me, I'd say, "yep, its only my taillights you see!"

 

This thread has been very interesting to read. I've NEVER had anyone remark to me or have I overheard anyone saying something to the effect of "it is only a maxima". On the contrary, kids at my son's school always ask him to drive my car so that they can see it. My coworkers have complimented the car. I constantly get oogled on the road by people. I think that there is a good deal of respect for the car; I think it intimidates people. It's just that it isn't a car for everybody. There are droves of people that just want the basic no-frills transport, and that is why there are so many accords/camry's/tauruses on the road. There truly isn't another car like the Maxima. People that make that comment are only displaying their ignorance...and arrogance. Somehow, Honda and Toyota have acquired a certain "snob" appeal and I do think it has to do with so many on the road and people wanting to "fit-in" with the masses. Anything out of the mainstream is usually viewed in an incredulous manner, and for those of us with a non-mainstream kind of car, guess what...

I think they just don't know what to think about the max...for me, I really don't care. I know what I have and that's all that matters.

srm

 

I couldn't agree more. I am a previous Accord owner and would occasionally get a "nice car". I have had my Max since Sept. and have had numerous compliments! I think there is respect out there and I haven't had any negative comments at all. Maybe its jealousy? Before I bought my Max I had never even been in one! I always admired them though and my perception was that they were a step up from my Accord. Just my .02

 

Same here. I totally agree. I never got complimented on my 99 Accord in the 3+ years I had it. (and it is a nice car) But I've received numerous compliments on my Max from DAY 1. I've always like the Maxima since the first time I laid eyes on the 1987 SE (2G) but my 2K2 is the first Maxima I ever set foot in and I REALLY enjoy it.

Coming from the Honda "camp", I had my doubts about whether or not the Maxima was a true step up from the Accord; However, the fact that there's no 4 cylinder option (on the Max) answers that question.

Peace.

 

Comments like those "only a maxima" .."why didnt you just get a bmw or sumthing" mostly come from people who drive civics and have no knowledge of real car power. I mean I get tons of compliments on it from lots of people. They know its no Accord or Camry. Maximas in my view are sleeper cars. Dont wake to sleeping GiAnT!

 

where do you work? Smyrna Tennesse?

-vq

 

Don't forget to include us VW owners into that snob list I hear we are some of the worst!

I love every car I drive/buy, and the Mighty Max is definitely one of the best buys for the money! It feels good, drives good, and if need be, it flys very well! It has a usable back seat, trunk, and is very comfortable on long road trips. What more can you ask for? (And don't say Toyota).

 

it is JUST a maxima, there are many many cars out there that are faster, nicer, and more luxorious, but who cares... just give em the bird and walk away

 

slug bug forest green?

VW drivers are snobs? what for? they have REALLY nice interiors, that's about it...

-vq

 

Regarding the comment earlier, "Okay, if you guys are sooo concerned with performance, then why did you buy a Maxima? For about the same cost you could have bought a 2002 Camaro or Trans Am and been a lot faster and handled better."

Where do I start on this one? Let's see...

1) The Camaro has a back seat that is practically uselss, and I need a back seat for my job
2) The Camaro has rear wheel drive and is light in the back, so it's a nightmare to drive in the snow and ice
3) The Camaro is made by GM, not exactly known for build quality and workmanship
4) They don't make it anymore (Mustang out sold the Camaro and the Firebird together by more than 2 to 1)

Not that the Camaro is all that bad of a car, it just that the Max is a much better package all around for my purposes.

 

 

I have driven many vehicles that can outperform a Maxima but for all intensive purposes, they would have been....

a) More expensive to own/maintain
Do I need to go into details here??

b) More expensive to insure
Even for someone of my age, a Z28 SS or WS-6 is not going to be a cheap vehicle to insure by any stretch of the imagination.

c) Less reliable for everyday use
In recent years, I have read threads on how CL/TL trannys have bit the dust, M3 engines failing, '03 Cobras halting production due to quality issues. Then let's not forget GM's "benchmark" of quality in recent years. .

d) Less of a balance than the Max is
Try cramming your friends in the back seat of a Camaro, Mustang, or Firebird and watch them look at you as if you are subjecting them to a Chinese Water Torture. True you are going to have *****, but ***** without finesse means nothing.

I am on my second Maxima and I enjoy it. I had a '94 GXE before my '02 SE and I have personally never had a more well-rounded and reliable vehicle. My '02 currently has 35,000+ miles on it and it's still running strong.

 

Man, I just had a mild heart attack or something when you said "MightyMax"<isn't that the lil truck from Mitsubishi?

I don't want anyone who visits this board to think we're reppin' Mitsubishi or something, hahaha.