i've got a third-gen and it's got its share of problems: ball joints, cv boots, normal stuff. but it's got more than its share of body/accessory problems i think: power door locks failing, antenna malfunction, broken/falling power windows, sunroof rattling.

it's the only car i've ever driven for a long time, so i can't compare it to other cars its age (1992).

so for those of you who have also had toyotas, hondas, bmws, whatever, do you think that the max is better- or worse-made than other cars, or about the same?

 

i think max's are pretty well built compared to other cars, we have a 1982 datsun maxima sittin in our driveway that still runs perfectly fine, it did need some body work done and minor engine work, but compared to other cars, maxima's last a long time

 

long-lasting to be sure -- i guess what i meant to ask was: do older hondas, toyotas, etc. have the same little annoying problems that older maximas do?

 

I don't like the interior materials. Nissan used too much plastic/rubber in the pillars and dash which squeak and rattle very easily. I like the interior finish in my Accord better.

 

I have a 1996 Maxima and it doesn't have a rattle in it. The only thing i've replaced are struts (got KYBs) and speakers. Way better than my Camry it replaced. Honda and Toyotas are good but I find the 4th gens have higher quality than the comparable accord and camrys.

 

My 3-gen max has zero rattles. So did my previous 3-gen. Solid paint and the interior held up like no other. Only other car that was as well made in 1992, was the Toyota Camry. Those things are rock solid also. Both versions when in the shatter after their respective generations got updated.

 

Jeff has it exactly right. The 92 to 95 Camrys are the only other cars I'm aware of (in a reasonable price range) that were as well built as the 3rd gen Maximas.