I just received the Feb 04 Consumer Reports. In studying their comparison test between the new TL, 9-5, ES330 and S60, I noticed a listing of what they consider to be 15 Upscale Sedans (along with their ratings).

While the 2004 Maxima is rated 9 (of 15), I noticed that it was the ONLY non-upscale make on the entire listing. NOTE: Besides the Max, the listing showed Acura, BMW, Lexus(2), MB, Lincoln, Audi, Caddy, Infiniti(2), Jaguar, Saab(2) and Volvo; all of which are upscale makes.

That said, I guess I've grown more impressed with the 6G. Even the 5G GLE w/Navi would never be considered upscale. Just my $.02, as well as CR's I guess.

Peace.

P.S.: I still wouldnt get one.

 

That's awesome! But be careful what mag you quote here. I've found that some performance/sport sedan enthusiasts (ain't going to call any names) would scowl @ the fact that you quoted a mag like "Consumer Reports". I remember when I tried to do that and I got jumped all over! lol

But for the record, that makes me feel good inside that the MAX is compared to the likes of those mentioned...

 

Perusing the referenced article further, the only cars in this study that are ranked ahead of the Maxima AND have a very good or excellent reliability record are the New Accura TL and the two Lexuses (Lexi?), all of which cost more than the Maxima.

The Lexus IS300 felt very cramped and noisy to me (and also to Consumer Reports). I don't consider it to be a contender in this category. The ballyhooed Infinity G35 (which is a very good car) is three positions BELOW the Maxima (and costs more). The car immediately below the Maxima is the Infinity I35. The I35 is esentially a 2003 Maxima in disguise.

The 'official' Consumer Reports test for the '04 Maxima appeared in the July 2003 issue, and the only 'knocks' were the large turning circle, the ride (which can be addrsssed via the softer-sprung SL), torque steer (which can be reduced via the automatic tranny), and windshield/gauge reflections.

Keep in mind that Consumer Reports does not take reliability into consideration when rating vehicles. They do, however, include the reliability in their ratings tables in order that buyers can weigh it according to how important reliability is for them. They also generally do not recommend (denoted by orange check to the left of Vehicle name) unreliable vehicles, even if top rated.

 

Consumer Reports is one of the few completely unbiased magazines out there. Their reviews are short and to the point and they don't beat around the bush or anything, which I like. They don't accept advertising either, so there are no advertisers to please by biasing reviews. They even have their own auto test facility, but because they don't do any fancy high rev clutch drop or brake-torque auto launches, their times are always a lot slower than what other mags get. They're still good points for comparison to other cars, but only with other CR times for other cars.

They do tend to focus on practicality and safety since the focus is for the typcial American family, so of course they don't always see the point of less practical and more expensive cars that aren't necessarily much better than their non-lux counterparts. The Camry XLE is almost as good as an ES300, so why buy an ES300 is CR's typical view. So no, it's not a good "enthusiast" mag.