I am convinced Nissan had a sado-masochist design the interior layout for the 2002 Maxima. There is no other way to put this--driving this car is painful. The steering wheel seems to be the most deviously designed torturing device in the car. No matter how much I play with the seating controls, I experience arm and shoulder fatigue. The leather seats are very uncomfortable, and offer no support whatsoever. I wouldn't call the lumbar controls completely useless, but it's not all that helpful either. The dash controls seem to be placed in a neutral position between the driver and passenger seats.

Nissan really screwed up this time. A telescoping steering wheel (offered in the Altima, but not the Max), adjustable pedals, hip supporting seats, and dash controls slightly angled toward the driver's seat would have made this car a dream to drive. Right now, it's a nightmare, especially on long drives.

 

Did you not test drive before you bought????

 

Yes I testdrove it. Does that change the fact that the ergonomics suck? Or that my arms, neck, and shoulders are in knots after prolonged driving? No, it doesn't. I'm sharing what I've experienced after 5000+ miles, not a 20 minute test drive.

 

but I find my 2k to be very comfortable on long trips (GLE). My wife appreciates the control-neutral dash. I'm not short or tall, so the teliscoping wheel isnt really something i need.

 

Just came back from an 8h+ drive on the weekend and couldn't disagree with you more (its still not perfect though), but I don't have leather. My dad complained about the seats (leather) on his '96 Max and sold it for that very reason.

 

It really depends on what you think is comfortable. I have driven my 2k2 23,000 miles, with plenty of long trips of 8hours +, and I have never had an issue with the things you complained about. I guess it is just what you 'feel' is comfortable. I am 6'6", 215 pounds and I seem to find myself comfortable in this car whenever I drive it.

 

I agree that my 2002 is less comfortable than the '98 I had but nothing like you describe. Thats another reason I stay with the cloth, I believe it's more comfortable than the leather.

 

I've taken a few trips from DC to ATL and DC to FL and I haven't felt fatigued at all. I'll say it's not the most comfortable car out there but it's not bad to me. I know I felt 100% better driving my Max after recently driving my wife's Sentra back from FL. Or the ONE time I drove my Mustang down to FL and back. Now that was hell.

 

1800 miles....
32 hours straight....
complaints about comfort....
0!

I enjoy the max every time i drive it. might have something to do with the DVD player and the added sound insulation

 

Telescoping steering is what i want...after driving to LA several times..always at high speed..going 110+...i do NEED to have both hands on the wheel..and a firm grip.the steerign wheel just isn't right...its angled funny..making my arms pretty sore.

 

my car is comfortable...no complaints...no fatigue when drivin...
guess everyone is different..

 

To drive the 2k2 and be comfortable, you must sit in the driver's seat, not the passenger seat.

Have no idea what you're talking about. One of the Max's strengths is that it's a great long-hauler.

 

I guess this post got blown out of the water....

I personally love the way my 2k2 feels, it feels a lot better than my 97 did. I loved the 97 too though, but the 2k2 feels a little more firm (duh, new) and I like the controls. I am not a short guy either so maybe that is the issue here.

There are controls on the side of the seat that will move the seat up for you. Maybe you should lose the gangsta` lean too

I once drove a Hundai accent from DC to New Orleans and back. Let me tell you about dis-comfort. I will say though, I think I only had to fill up twice.... ha ha.

Hey Chinanitrous - do you still have those smoked disks for the front lights? email me if you do, thanks.

 

The only thing I'd want is a telescoping wheel. I'm 6'2" and like the seat slung back a bit, so the top of the wheel is a little too far for the best grip, though I can still grab it.

Now that I have an auto, seating is a little easier since I don't have to adjust for pedals as much, so it's actually less of a problem.

I laughed at some other guy's post where he complained the wheel is in his gut.. either he must have a pretty big gut or pretty short legs

 

I have no complaints. I have taken a couple long trips and have been very comfortable during both. Nothing seems inconvenient or out of place.