Were the Maxs prior to 03 produced in Japan? If yes, are the assembled better?

Where were the engines produced?

What about the 04s, I know the 04 Altimas are going to be produced in another location from the 03s.

Rick

 

-Yes,Maximas prior to 2003 were manufactured in Japan.
-As far as being assembled better, I wouldn't know. This is my first Nissan. All I know is that the paint quality "sucks-azz"
-Engines were produced in Japan.
-The 2004 maximas are being built in the US. I think at the Tennesse plant.

 

Is the paint better on the 01 and earlier models? A friend of mine has an SeR and he says that paint sucks too.

RIck

 

the paint is an issue with the EPA. they require water based paints now as opposed to the stronger toxic ones. i can't figure it out though - i know guys on the mercedez benz board are complaining about the paint quality in their E500s, but i also know of other cars that seem to be doing fine. does anyone else have this pattern figured out?

 

All Maximas prior to the '04 were produced in Japan. The easiest way to tell is to simply look at your vehicle identification number. If it starts with a 'J', it's Japanese assembled. Other starting digits are: 1 = United States, 2 = Canada, 3 = Mexico.

The '02 and up Altima is assembled in the new Nissan Smyrna, Tenn plant. Since the '04 Maxima shares the same platform as the new Altima, it is assembled there as well.

As for quality between being made in Japan and not, it's hard to say. There are plenty of 5th generation owners (like myself) who have had very little problems with their cars. But I'm sure there are a few who have been unhappy with the build quality of their Maximas. I have an '02 SE-R, and it was assembled in Mexico (something I was very much concerned with), and after about a year now it runs just fine. It all really depend on the quality, work ethic, and initiative of the workers at the plant and how much the management at that plant really cares about quality control.

The paint on my '01 is okay at best. When I first got my car, I noticed some paint chips, but after a while things seemed to settle down and I haven't gotten anything new or major for a long, long time. This is the same with my '02 SE-R...some paint chips in the beginning, but nothing much now.

 

Yep, I was told the same thing about water-based paints when I had my Maxima in the shop a few years back. The shop guy said it was a shame that oil-based are not allowed anymore as they are more durable. Oh well.

As for paint quality across different car manufacturers...doesn't it depend on the driving habits and road conditions of each car owner? If one drives relatively safe, doesn't tailgate (especially behind big vehicles), and runs along well-paved and clean roads, I would think that person will get fewer paint chips.