Hey, I was wondering if I could obtain some opinions and feedback.

I'm considering buying a 5th gen. Maxima although I'm also considering a 4th gen.

I would like some comparisons between these models but also any comparison to an Accord and Integra would also be appreciated (as these are the cars I'm considering).

Lastly, I am concerned about the manual transmissions in these Maximas (particularly, the 5th gen.) as I want a manual shift in whichever car I buy.

I bought a '92 not too long ago. It had too many problems and it's gone now, but, I was impressed with the potential of the car. I like Maximas so I would like to learn more about the 4th and 5th gen models. I can't search yet so I hope I can contribute more to the board and have search capabilities soon.

Thanks to all who advise me and offer info and opinions!

 

You have to donate to search...

 

not much help, but I test drove a 2003 accord v6 and 2003 maxima with the 3.5L ... the accord's got nothing on the max as far as power and handling.

other than that, I can't really help... I'm actually looking for information like that too

 

You're doing the right thing by getting on the forums and reading. I think you'll find the Honda/Acura line to be more of a dependable and reliable car, but boring in comparison, I've owned both a 4th and now 5.5 Gen, IMO the 5.5 is better in every single aspect, but I've been a little dissapointed in the reliability, I'm sure you'll draw your own conclusions as you read more and more, good luck.

 

Honda/Acura does have the fame of being dependable cars. BUT, I had a 98 Accord that gave me nothing but problems... NOTHING but problems. Bought and sold within 5 months time. So far I love my 5th Gen... The manual seems on point, and after I changed the tranny fluid with Redline it shifts like butter. I don't have the 255HP that the 5.5Gens have but the 222HP I have is more than enough for my DD needs.

My decision when buying was between a Accord, Camry and Max. Max outclassed all of them in price, performance and comfort. Accord V6 had nothing on the Max and the Camry is just butt ugly. (not that the Max is all that pretty) certainly better looking than the 02-06 Camry's though.

 

I also was deciding between the Accord, Cammy and Maxima. After test driving it was a pretty clear choice to me, however I was concerned after reading the forums on the Maxima, but you need to take into consideration that this is where people come to either post about mods or problems. I bought my 2002 SE auto used one year ago and have had no problems with it.

 

I bought my 2k GLE new. I love it and I've not had anything other than coils and an exhaust leak in six years. The coils were $380.00 and the exaust leak is a hazzard of living in New England and gave me an excuse to put on a catback. All else was normal wear and tear. The car has been very dependable - 88K and counting and I never get tired of driving it.

As for searching, just use Google like this

<search terms> site:forums.maxima.org

Specifying the site narrows the google search to just this site.

I second the comments above. Most of the posts here are from people having trouble. You never hear from an owner that doesn't do much moding or doesn't have any troubles to talk about.

I too looked at the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry before buying my max. Those cars couldn't touch the price/performance of the Maxima IMO. The only thing I wish I had was the 28 extra horses our 5.5 brethren get out of the box. We (2k/2k1) have to mod to get there.

My wife drives a Honda Pilot with 265HP and the same engine found in the Accord. I find its power band is narrow but that could be because its pulling a lot more weight (Pilot vs. Accord). But then again, she can haul more kids than I can

Hope this helps...

 

I thought the Accord had a 3.0 and the Pilot had a 3.5?

 

bought mine like a year ago mayb..63Kmiles, under warr. i had to have the cat replaced.. 2 new O2 sensors..<> 3 coils 225$ our of my pocket.. and i had to redo the front brakes cuz they were warped which i did myself for like 100 bucks.. but i absolutly love the car,.. some of my buddys have accords and integras and the max beats em in performance and handling .. just my .02

 

Damn you're right! Sorry for the miss-info.

 

and if I remember right, the accord's 3.0 only has 200hp..

 

the 5th gens are overall pretty decent cars. i own a 5th gen 5 speed and love it, but I've so driven my buddy's 5.5 gen 6 speed. Overall, the 5.5 gen has quite a bit more power (at least it feels like it in 3rd and 4th gears), but I absolutely hate the feeling of the shifter (there's almost no resistance when shifting from gear to gear). I like the feeling of the 5 speed better since the gear engagements feel more positive overall (although it is a bit sloppy because of the longer shifter and the fact that my shifter bushing is probably starting to wear quite a bit).

Either the 5th gen or 5.5 gen would be a good choice. Your choice will pretty much depend on your budget. I'd go with the 5.5 gen 6 speed if you have the money, but you won't go wrong with a 5th gen either.

Overall, my 5th gen has been a pretty reliable car. Asides from maintainence, I've had to replace my altenator, rear muffler section (I opted to go with aftermarket since the flange between the rear muffler section and b-pipe rusted through), and camshaft sensor. Other than that, its been a great car. By the way, I purchased my car when it had 67k on it and now I'm up to 93k.

 

If you get a 5th gen try to get an 02/03. More power and a 6 speed for the win. If you're on a tight budget then go after an 00/01. Both are pretty good cars. Between the accord and the maxima I feel the maxima is clearly more of a drivers car. The accord however is built a little better, less squeeks, rattles etc, they also seem to have fewer mechanical problems, but that doesn't mean the maxima has issues just that it has a few more than a toyota or honda. The difference is more than made up for by the driving experience. Something the maxima is hands down better at.

You need to ask yourself what you want the car for? what kind of driver are you? etc etc etc.

I've had my maxima for 6 months and its been fantastic so far.

 

this is where forums are good, you get varying opinions, both positive and negative. i had a 98 Accord V6 for 2 years, and i loved it. it was sporty, it was insanely reliable, fun car, easy on the eyes, i love it. that is, until i got my 02 max. if the power and torque of the max was wedged into that accord, with the trans from a G35, id have the perfect car, haha. but seriously, i love my maxima, it is honestly the best car i have ever had. the power is awesome, the room, i like it a lot. it could use some work in the handling department, and in the overall build quality of the interior, but i still like it a lot. the size and interior space is great, i would never want a smaller car after this.

if you are looking into an accord, i would really recommend v6performance.net too. there are a lot of really good guys over there who know those accords inside and out.

 

Having driven late manual transmission-equipped of both the Accord and Maxima let me say that you can't go wrong with either car. Out of the two the Maxima is a bit more performance oriented while the Accord holds its own concerning ergonomics. With that in mind, choose the one that fits your needs best but know you truly cannot make a bad decision among those two.

 

Hey, all you guys are awesome! Thanks for all the info and numerous replies! That helps a lot! I will comment on as many replies as I can as I have a few things to add to my original post. I've been so busy with work. Yeah, everyone who told me it depends on my budget hit the nail right on the head! I am planning on financing so that's why I have to decide 'how much?' I was thinking my upper limit is between 10 and 13.

I was thinking of choosing either the Teg or Maxima. I like the Accord a lot but the V6 Accords are mostly automatic unless you go with an '03 model that's 6 speed. In my area, they're both rare and expensive. Not only that, they're way out of my price range (over 20 grand). Therefore, the Accords I'd consider would be 4-bangers. I want manual so... The Teg is a totally different car (2dr) but it's relatively cheap to fix and there's lots of mods to choose from. It's an older car but if I choose between Tegs and Maximas of similar vintage (2000, for e.g.), the comparison is mostly about power, performance and room (2dr v.s. 4dr), perhaps?

I was concerned about the Maxima's manual transmission/clutch setup since I read the stick shifts for those cars was considered a weak point for some reviewers. But, I was pleased to read few complaints. More later! Thanks again to all who replied!!!

This board rocks!

 

is there much of a difference between 02 and 03 maximas? the 03's seem to be more desired.. or is it just that it's newer? they both have the 3.5L and 6 speed option, right?

 

Yes, they do.

I have owned both a 4th gen and a 5.5 gen. I currently drive the '02 6 speed Max. Between the two of them, I must say that I obviously prefer my 02 more than the 99. Performance is a no-brainer, the 02 has 65 extra ponies. In other aspects, however, I do somewhat miss my 4th gen. It turned a lot better than the 5.5 does, parking the thing can be a b*tch in tight spots. I also, personally, like the front end look of the 4th gen better than the front end of the 5.5. On the other hand, the 5.5 gen comes with HID headlights, more horse and torque, more options (memory seats, heated steering wheel, etc.), nicer leather, and a sleeker, more luxarious interior. I bought my '02 last month with 60k miles for about 13k, so it's not far out of your price range. I would definitely lean toward it more than the 4th gen, as at current many 4th gens have higher miles and older parts, which COULD (but not necessarily) mean more parts need replacing, and overall the 5.5 gen has more pros over cons when compared to the 4th gen. However, from a financial standpoint, the 4th gens are getting sold for dirt cheap these days, though it may be a challenge in some areas to find one that is well maintained. They ARE out there, as I traded my 4th gen in for the 5.5, and that silver 99 Max looks brand spankin new on the outside, smells new on the inside, and drives like it's new (as I took better mind to that car than most people). So they are out there if you want to save the cash, as what I refer to as "the fun factor" was about the same to me in both cars.

The "Fun" Factor:
When you consider what car to buy, between the Accord, Camry, or Maxima, I have driven them all on a regular basis (a subaru too) at some point in my life, either because my brother or girlfriend owned them (I've always had Maximas, 3rd, 4rth, and now 5.5 gens). The Nissan Maxima is the only one I've ever driven with a "fun" factor. When people buy new cars they consider things like price, performance, luxary, and reliability. But the max has something entirely different to consider. Everyone wants a nice car, but some people still hate driving. Driving a Maxima is always fun. Since the day I stepped into my 94 maxima, There has not been a day in my life I got up in the morning and didn't want to drive somewhere. It's actually exciting. Whether I'm taking a long trip or just driving to work, I'm actually excited to jump in the car and start the engine. The actual driving experience in a Maxima is unlike any other car I've driven, and for that I absolutely love driving, a pure pleasure. Considering the only thing I am probably going to do every day of my life is driving (other than eat and sleep), this has a profound effect in my decision as to what car to buy. The Honda Accord V6 is a powerful car with quick acceleration, graceful handling, and a superior ergonomic interior. No doubt about it, as far as reliability goes, in general it won't let you down. The first day you get into the car you'll love it for what it offers, and it will be exciting. The third day, still exciting. The tenth day, you'll be thinking if there is anyone else you can show it off too. The 30th day, it will be boring, just another ride to work. Steer, gas, brake, go. Maybe a radio station here or there. The Nissan Maxima, just as reliable. More powerful, competitive agile handling. You'll feel exactly the same way stepping into the car the first day you have it as you would the Accord. Here's the difference: EVERY time you step into the Maxima, you'll feel that way. You get up in the morning and your way to your car and to work, the whole time feeling . That's the best way to describe it.

Now that I have appropriately dramatized the situation, let me conclude.

Go with the Maxima, best advice I can give ya.

 

Well put. I coun't agree more.

 

I was kind of in the same boat as you and I posted a few threads, one in the 4th gen section and one here about it before I bought mine. Hopefully it might help out a bit

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=460311

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=460310

 

Can't go wrong with a max or accord.
My 2k has been very reliable, but paint is really prone to chipping, gas mileage isn't that great, and it requires 91 octane.

An Accord V6 would be really reliable, I'm sure, gets better mpg, and runs on 87. And too bad they just recently started to put a MT with the V6's. Also the Honda motor has less torque. blah blah

 

I am also in the market for a new car and seriously looking an 02-03 max. I currently own a 4th gen and i love it but i do hate all the rattles in it and i would like to know from anyone that has owned both 4th and 5th gens if that has improved.

 

I test drove an 02 Max GLE. As soon as I hit the pedal I knew this car has gobbs of power coming from that VQ engine. Question::
Is it normal to feel the back of the car. It felt a little shaky in the rear as I went over speed bumps.?? Is it because this is the GLE and not the SE??
How much of a difference between SE and GLE in stock form in the handling dept?

I come from driving the wife's 05 Legacy 2.5i (Non Turbo). The car handles real well so I am wondering of there is something wrong with the suspension/shocks??

 

All stock 5th gen Maximas handle like complete as.s SE etc .

 

What about a fully loaded auto 2002 GLE with 43K miles in Gray Lustre for 14.5K. Has a few blemishes on the paint (not noticable at all) and one small rust spot by the back door. Tranny seems strong.

 

Check NADA or KBB.com and see if their prices match that, and if so, go 3k lower and bargain from there.

 

just bought a 5th gen....but i think should 've bought a 2003.

 

what did you smoke? maxima has the worst habnling the automotive world has ever seen. unless you invest a couple of grand into it, it will handle like scheizer...

 

yeah, if your gonna go with 5th gens, mind as well get the 3.5L. i love my car just because it has everything, heated seats and steering wheel, and how i can roll the windows with my remote, and how the front side windows and runroof roll up/down with one touch, dimming rear view mirror, 6 disc cd changer, HIDs (change them to 6k and they look sick). i fell in love with this car at first sight. ive had minor problmes like bose cutting out, sunroof not working, but it was under warranty and ever since then never had any problems. the car is kinda loud at highways. but this car has everything i wanted. right now i have 49k on it.

 

3.5 is the way to go.. I have a 3.0 but more power and extra goodies..... makes the differece.......one setback oil consumption on the 3.5 is nasty but keep an eye on the oil level and you'll e fine

 

To be honest., I see myself wishing I had done more research and waited out to find a 6spd 02... Hindsight is 20/20 though. When I decided to buy, i put certain things.
- Has to have every option available..
- Has to have under 60K
- Has to come out to 12k out the door.

What I got was an 01... I think if I would have been willing to part with 1k more, I could have gotten an 02 for sure. But again Hindsight... I shall make the best of the 01 I have and call it a day. Still love to drive it, I imagine that if I would have found a 6spd to drive I would have been set. All the 02-03's I test drove where Auto's. At the time there was not a 6spd within 100 miles of me, which was the furthest I was willing to drive.

 

I dunno.. maybe it was the accord I drove... might've had something wrong, but I just didn't like the feel of it.

 

I had to go 800 miles to get mine picking one up for 13k would have meant you got a damn good deal if you could have pulled it off. I paid 14,7 for mine with 44k on the clock at time of purchase.

 

Ummmwhat? The maxima consistently scores better in the slalom and on the skidpad than the accord and camry.

 

I've had both the Accord and Maxima. Maxima handles MUCH better.

6SpeedTA95 - What do you have an 02 or 03?

And yes, 13k would have been a very good deal for everything I wanted on the car. I really did not want to finance. I had 12k cash, and that was the most I would have used. Budgets, go figure>>>

 

I'm currently learning to drive stick as I would like a Maxima, Civic, Accord or Integra with manual. For the Nissan, I think I'll be comparing the '00, '01 and '02 Maxima (the '02 having the 6 spd and 3.5 engine?). I'll be financing, too, if that makes a difference. The 13 grand is a bit high for my budget. I was only going to try and find a car for 10 tops but... It sounds like the '02 Maximas with 6spd and 3.5 engine is around the 12-14 range (the cheaper ones with higher kms?). Hmmm....

I'll try test driving when I learn manual in my current car. It cost me 1K + some bills for maintenance.

 

2002...
Never feel bad about being wise and sticking to your budget.

 

Yes the GLE are shaky in the back due to the soft rear springs on the beam axle. Do yourself a favor and buy an SE. The GLE is sprung to soft and the back dances around to much..........

 

hell I think the SE bounces around "too much" but thats just my opinion.

 

I transferred my RSB from my 4th gen to my 5th gen and the gains were far greater on the 5th than they were on the 4th.