I was at the Detroit Auto Show on Sunday.

Impressions -

After sitting in a variety of cars and then sitting in a Maxima, I was disappointed in quality of materials used in the interior. I noticed the same lack of quality when I sat in the i35, naturally. Of course, I have to mention that the car I sat in, previous to those 2, was none other than the Acura CL-S. The interior quality felt vastly superior. I guess I'm a traitor.
Also, I was so impressed by the TL-S I would undoubtedly consider it over a 2k2 Maxima(auto)/i35 and most likely over the 6-speed.

Since any criticism of the Maxima is considered flame material (after all, the car is an investment and a passion), I'll have to put in a few good words.
I think Nissan has winners in the G35 sedan, upcoming G35 coupe, and Z. If I were to look at the 6-speed CL-S, I would certainly have to consider the G35 coupe and Z (though it a different beast and the styling is still a little too much more my tastes).

Flame on!

 

Can't say I agree with you. I did not think the interior was cheap or crappy. I went quite a few days earlier than you. Perhaps after enough people climb in and out of a car the interior wears or looks dirty? Most people who've ridden in a 2k2 say it has a better interior than previous 5th gens.

Stereodude

 

all I have to say that is that if I wanted a lux. car I would not choose either. I wanted a performance car with room and the maxima is better at that. If I wanted to most plush ride then I would have a benz or something else.

 

I agree the inerior is awesome.

 

heh. Having been in both a 2k2 and the new CL-S, I preferred the 2k2. It was a lot comfier, for one, and I don't like granny wood trim. People who think woodgrain trim make something look nicer must be old people at heart or something LOL. Anyway, the design types are pretty different. The maxima is "sporty" and "eurostyle," while the CLS is like...I dunno...psuedo luxury with woodgrain trim. I can't get into the luxury thing. And again, neither is the same as like a 7series or a Merc.

 

are you sure you didn't get into in altima? the quality of the 2k2 leather is much nicer than the CL-S and i would even say it's nicer than my friends 330, i guess it just depends on your taste

 

I completely disagree. I have always respected the 99-01 regular TL's and did think the interior was very nice, when I saw the TL Type S, I saw they were going for a sporty touch with the ugly leather design and everything else overall was kind of bland, inlcuding the exterior styling with the new oversized looking nose. I was planning on testdriving the TL after just driving a new 2K2 Maxima and the Maxima was my winner right away after just looking at the TL carefully. The 2K2 Maxima interior is near perfect, rich looking 5 series style leather, nice gated shift ****, just the way everything is fit together and how quiet and powerful the car has now become. Every time I've sat and driven one, everything about it feels like a $40K+ car (Except the exterior where in my opinion it lacks a bit).


Another couple of things, if your lucky, you can get a TL-S non-navi for around $30K, maybe a bit more, meanwhile a Maxima with every single option and more can be had for $27,200K. Also, the TL HID design makes it a big target for all the NYC thieves who rip out the entire HID assembly (Ripping out headlights and half of the time bending out part of the fenders). In NYC, its basically guaranteed to happen unless your extremely careful and dont leave your car unattended anywhere. In other words, I would never get a TL just based on that.

 

Nissan interiors inspire a person to drive and in my opinion, Hondas don't. Sure they may be plush, use materials that don't look plasticky, and may adorn you with wood accents and soft touch buttons, but in the end, Hondas lack a sense of soul.

 

I am in agreement.

 

IMO, the 4th gen interior looks better than the 5th gen. The 5th gen uses alot of hard plastic, while the 4th gen is quite padded. Cost cutting but not many people really care for whether the dash is padded or not ... I do

 

Just the current trend...have you been in a new Jetta? yeeuck!

 

Hi sweetie, long time no see

THe tan Jetta interiors look the worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the black interior, even though made of cheap plastic, looks better as long as it has a matte finish. Shiny looks like crap

 

Hate to say it, but the 5th gen has as much plastic has the 4th in the same areas. And the 5th gen interior is much better than the 4th. I am sure many people will agree here. And of course the 3rd gen was the best, but it was old and boxy style looking....

 

5th gen interiors look much better (in design) than the 4ths IMO.

Jettas don't use sh!tty materials, that's bs. Their materials are so good, matte finish and all. They are not hard (as in new Chevy Impala with cheap hollow plastic) but firm (like Audi)...

 

Oh and I was disappointed in the I35 interior...it has nothing on the ES300 but I guess that's where the few thou goes..

 

Funny how people are debating on the remain's of some poor dead cow.No pun intended.

 

I was talking about the quality of the materials used in each car...not the layout.