I want to get a 2002 next year. I currently have a 3rd gen with the fully independent rear end. I hear people complain about the feel of the solid rear axle from time to time. Is it noticeable during day-to-day driving, or do you have to hit a crater to feel the difference? I'm getting a new one no matter what, but I'm curious to know what to expect. I'd like to hear from any of you, but I'd be especially appreciative to hear from anyone who had a 3rd gen who now has a 5th. Thanks.

 

It's mostly okay. The only time you really notice it is when your are taking a hard turn on a rough/bumpy road. The 5th handling is better than 4th gen. Ride is roughly the same. I can't comment on the 3rd gen. My brother had a 3rd gen, until he bought a used 4th gen. I didn't ride in it enough to comment.

 

I agree....it can be slightly bumpy at times, but it's not that bad. The 260 hp should well compensate for any slight shortfall in ride quality

 

That's what I'm hoping! 260hp wahoo!
I did hear that the 5th gen changes made it much better than the 4th gens, but I've not ridden in either. Thanks guys.

 

I had an 89 SE, which didn't handle nearly as well as the 2000, but it also 'floated' over the bumps (like a lot of em did).
Honestly, even though the technology is pretty old, the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps. If you go over a section of road with bumps on only one side, you'd be hard pressed to say that the bumps you feel are due to the solid axle.

That trailing link thing that connects at the middle of the rear of the beam does a pretty good job of impersonating a IRS.

 

I notice no real difference although I live in Southern Cali and the roads here are all in good repair(at least where I drive). You wont be disappointed with the rear on the max.

 

True. It's not your average solid beam. See this pic.

http://www.paulwendy.com/maxima/photos/rsb/rsbrear.jpg

Ignore the RSB and jack. Look above that.

 

Unfortunately the '02 Altima will have the better suspension. I feel the Altimas will walm the Maximas in the twisties.

Mark

 

It is a beam rear suspension, but it is "semi-independent" because each the linkage in the beam allows some travel for each wheel. I had a 3rd generation SE and yes the actual ride was a little more forgiving, but the other improvements in the car make up for this ten fold. Rough roads make any car feel uneasy. My friends have Accords, TL's, and one has a camry. They have a softer ride, but the bumpy ride is not gone - just subdued. I would not trade my overall ride for the ride of any of these cars. They are not perfect and neither is my maxima. Get the new maxima and don't think about the "beam" again!

 

Yes, you can tell that the rear isn't independant, especially after lowering and adding a sway bar. Whne you go over small vertical bumps that span the width of the road, the rear kind of "hops" over the bump. When you go thru a long sweeper and the surface isn't smooth, the rear of the car seems to rock back and forth. My wife's Altima is full independant and while the handling isn't near as good, the rocking and hopping isn't there. It is definately more controlled. With all that being said, a 4th/5th Maxima with a good suspension setup will handle incredibly well. The rear might be a little rough on the edges, but it does very well.

IMO, I'd be getting the Altima instead. I think it will be lighter than the Max, has IRS, and looks LIGHTYEARS better than the 5th gen. The new Altima encompasses the "new edge" look and design while the Max comes off looking a little "tached" on. I really doubt there will be much performance difference between the two cars.


Dave

 

Wow! great descriptions everyone. I appreciate the feedback. Like I said, I'm getting the Max anyway, but was curious what to expect. As you might guess from my current sig, the new one won't be stock for long anyway!

 

Here is an interesting thread about the subject.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....highlight=Russ