I do not understand why Nissan is doing this. They are putting the same engine that is in the upcoming Maxima/I35 (yes the name is changed)as the altima. I am expecting the price will be less, so why buy a Maxima. I will be embarrassed when an Altima beats me in my little 222hp 3.0l V6. Lord help me!

 

Yeah, it sux... However, with a few changes we can fight back

 

One thing to comfort you is that the Altimas are made in the US. People report alot more problems with them than with Maximas. If Nissan starts building the next generation Maxes here (there are rumors of that) I probably would not buy another one.

 

I can't see how it can be worse. US workers or assemblers are good. I think Japanese and German engineers are better on the whole though.

Don't make me (or Punkdork) list all the problems we've had with our Maximas'.

 

Paul, when you have time please read the Nissan Altima threads at Edmund's. I think you will notice a trend. Most people here complain about paint problems, rattles and squeaks, nothing major. If you still don't believe me, go to J.D.Power's web site and compare the reliability of 2000 model Maxima and Altima, the difference may surprise you.

 

True. Most of my problems are minor, but I've had quite a few of them. My dealer has taken care of each problem without fanfare. Some people (on USENET) made comments about the problems with the Maxima and attributed it being built in the US. On this forum we all know it's built in Japan.

My problems:

1) slipping transmission (fixed-TSB)
2) warped front rotors (replaced)
3) rattle in center dash (fixed-TSB)
4) trunk stratching the bumper (fixed-TSB for early 2000's)
5) fabric problem on headrests (fixed)
6) paint on door rest switch plates scratches easily (used aftermarket trim)
7) CD player has overheated on 2 occasions (have not attempted fix yet)
8) HVAC fan ticks (new problem and doesn't happen all the time-TSB published)

I still like my car, even with the miriad of problems. Car runs, handles, and brakes great.

 

It does make me a bit sad to see the Maxima being bumped up to the full-size segment where it'll compete with such boats as the Toyota Avalon. I see a lot of Avalon owners out there now, especially since Toyota redesigned the exterior to look more like its Lexus GS300 soulmate (the Avalon still looks horrible though!), so I can understand why Nissan wants to go in there and kick some Toyata butt. Although the new Max will probably have good performance numbers, being that size will probably take it out of the 'sporty' category in the eyes of many buyers and fans. I probably would not consider getting the 6th generation Maxima myself since the current generation offers me size and power to suit my needs.

I don't really like the current styling of the Altima, but the drawings I've seen of the 2002 do look great. Performance specs on paper sound great too. Since it's taking over the current generation Max's market segment, I would consider getting it...but only if its build quality and reliability were as good as the Maxima.

 

Yeah, but the name Maxima is so much better than Altima! Since a number of us have named our cars Maximus and Mad Max , etc... Altimus and Mad Al just aren't quite the same

 

A bit wrong info....

The Altima gets the SAME engine as the Maxima, BUT detuned. The Maxima will have 260+ HP while the Altima will get 240hp. The 3.0 VQ is being discontinued after 7 yrs of success. This was what Nissan said was gonna happen.

I have also heard a rumor, that it might get the 3.0 VQ in the Altima and the Max gets the 3.5 which makes more sense, BUT, Nissan doesn't want to build 2 engines....

 

I have a 4th generation Max and I have to say that the 3.0 that I have is quite a beauty. I love it to death...
In the years to come though, with the ongoing trend of more hp...Nissan really has no other choice but to create a higher displacement engine such as the 3.5. I will miss the 4th generation Max...I will miss the beauty and compact of such a refined engine at a price that is attainable for the everyday person...

well, one thing I have to say about that damn altima when it comes out is that the side mirrors better fold up like our Max...cause right now it looks like a big piece of ugly plastic stuck to the side.

 

LOL!!!

 

How about Weird Al?