In spite of all the complaints about our Maximas on this forum, check out the April edition of Consumer Reports that just came out. The 2000 Maxima received a perfect score in all 14 trouble spot categories in the Frequency-of-Repair charts along with the highest reliability rating. A perfect score means there were 2% or less reported difficulties in a particular category. The information comes from owner responses who subscribe to the magazine. The only other perfect scores for 2000 autos were some Honda and Toyota models (including the Camry, of course). No Acura nor WV’s received a perfect score. In addition, Nissan was rated the 6th most reliable make out of 28 makes (page 13). The Infiniti, considered a separate make, was rated number one.

What does this mean? It may mean that forum members, being Maxima enthusiasts, are more critical of their cars and expect better solutions. This is OK, because to the degree that our observations from a perfectionist’s perspective make their way back to Nissan, future models will be improved.

 

Its a pity I've always sworn off Consumer Reports or I might be more excited.

I guess most of the feedback for Infiniti came from Q owners. Because the rest of the cars Infiniti puts out are far too similar in platform to get such disperse reliability ratings.

 

We are pretty critical and tough. And... we push our cars harder than the typical owner. Our complaints are typically nitpicking types of things. I haven't seen the issue yet. My brother told me that in the medium car category it was:

Reliability for 2000

1) G20 (I didn't know this was medium-sized)
2) Maxima GXE
3) Toyota Camry
4) Honda Accord

 

I wonder why the Sentra isn't. Why would they put the G20 and the Maxima in the same category.

Sentra=G20
Maxima=I30

 

You both must be referring to the reliability predictions for 2001 cars on page 30. In the category of "Family Cars" the top 5 were:
1. Infiniti G20
2. Nissan Maxima (no mention of model)
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda Accord
5. Mazda 626.

They also rated autos based on their own actual tests, rather than predictions. In the cateory of Family Sedans, 6-cylinder, The Maxima GXE came in third, behind the VW Passat GLS and Toyota Camry.

 

Typically a cars' wheelbase is used to categorize it. Here's a breakdown of the descriptions I copied off of another site (cars.com):

COMPACT & SUBCOMPACT
A sedan or coupe with a wheelbase of up to 105 inches

MIDSIZE
A sedan or coupe with a wheelbase of 105.1 to 110 inches

FULL-SIZE
A sedan or coupe with a wheelbase longer than 110 inches

WAGON
A passenger vehicle usually with a squared-off rear end with an expanded cargo area behind the seats

So in this sense, the Maxima (wheelbase = 108.3") should be considered a Midsized car, whereas the G20 (wheelbase = 102.4") should be considered a Compact car. Why they put them in the same class is beyond me.

 

That be true...What about Nissan's customer service vs. other car manufacturers. What pubs can you find that gives this data other than JD Powers???

 

WHAT! Mazada is rated as top 5 most reliable sedan!!I wonder how much money did Mazada give it to Consumer Report!!

Tim

 

Although I am a firm believer that Consumer Reports are purchased and not won...the 626 has been a reliable car for me in the past. I bought a '93 626 (right after they changed the body and made it look nice). That car continued to perform until I sold it last year. It was always reliable, never had problems, drove well, handled well. Other than a few creaks and thunks here and there, it was a good vehicle for an 8 year old car.

 

That be true...What about Nissan's customer service vs. other car manufacturers. What pubs can you find that gives this data other than JD Powers??? [/I][/QUOTE]

Good point. CR also rated car dealers based on reader surveys. Out of 30 dealers, Nissan was next to last! Only Mitsubishi rated poorer. Saturn, Lexus, and Infiniti were the top three.

 

Most of the complaints you see on here are about rattles or sloppy alignments a.k.a. really mminor things. You should check out some of the Chevy or Chrysler boards. ...Engine failure..breakdowns, every other one has a new tranny etc.

How many 5th Gen Maximas have seen the back of a tow truck? Not many I bet.

 

The Nissan Sentra is NOT on the same platform as the Infiniti G20. The G20 is the Nissan Primera in Japan and shares only the 2.0L engine with the Sentra, but not the platform.