I'm not sure why there are so many comparisons to BMW. How many go into a BMW dealership and say, I'm looking at A6, 525i, Camry, Accord, Maxima? Be serious fellas, when you finally decided upon your Max, were you considering something German of the equal model year?

Back in 1989-92, 1995, yes, the Max was a desirable car. Things have been different for the last 6 model years though and who knows if 2003 or 2004 will be any different. Many people may just move on.

If Maxima were to rejoin C & D 's Ten Best list, it would start to climb back to where it once was. Only problem is the train just left and Subaru WRX got the last ticket. It really isn't that easy to design a great car. A good one is easy. A great one is like getting a promotion at work--it's very difficult and it's an achievement. Right now Maxima is like a civil servant who's been at the salary cap for 6 years.

 

personally, i think it's better that way--i don't wnat everyone knowing how great the max is, i'd rather let them find out through personal experience

 

I wasn't considering anything else before I got my max. I wanted it bad, plus I couldn't afford anything else.
Right now I'm considering either 330iC or 530i. Maxima is a great starter car to get some driving and modding experience.

 

Most people compare it to BMW in PERFORMANCE, not in quality or stature.

 

Well i went to buy a 98 Accord EX with all options and test drove this maxima. AFter that all i knew was this "I DO NOT EVEN WANT TO TEST DRIVE ACCORD" haha they are one SLOW POS

 

10 best is not what it used to be. Five to ten years ago there were not as many quality rides being built. That has changed even the American manufactures are producing quality rides, damn even the Hyundia's are much nicer than five years ago. Even though the top ten is very tough to break I have a feeling the 2K2 has a chance at doing that.

 

I will agree with andy on this one I wanted a MAX. Now I am getting older ( almost 27 ) and the max is almost paid off. What am I gonna get next???

SC

And then I will look at something else.

But as max4speed said , I also looked at a v-6 accord and that lasted about 30 seconds.

And yes BMW is in a different class when comparing a 5-series.. What about the 325i ? I think the max is better than that.. but truly what defines YOUR car is YOU.

My 2 cents

BTW being in the top of your pay grade anit half bad.. ask all the people below you

 

Comparing BMW 3 Series size wise... its equal to honda civic.. I mean come on there is no leg room at all. and the back seat ppl GOOD LUCK. Its a good car but i will never buy it. IF i EVER have money to buy a Bimmer.. then 5 Series is the way to go. Definition of a maxima is.. if you like it.. you like it TOOOOO MUCH.. and if someone hates it.. they hate it to death,,. there is no MID WAY POINT in liking or disliking a maxima

 

I kind of disagree here M3 is my personal choice. But the leg room in back AINT my problem , I'm in front

But look at it from a $$$ standpoint. 325 is like $25,000

 

M3 = Second Car Choice. I canot have a sports car as my first choice.. I am not rich ;-)

 

And as usual, bags hit it on the head. A car is defined by the driver and his/her satisfaction with their choice. I have seen people who are perfectly content with what for me would not even be desirable, but that is their choice. I can afford substantially more, but I chose not to because I have learned in my old age (31) that it's not always about a label. I am perfectly happy with my 7 year old max even if C & D doesn't agree with me.

 

Actually front leg room in 3 and 5-series is the same, 41.7". That's why I'm looking at 330i coupe.
I'm buying a car that I can enjoy myself and not drive my friends around town. Coupe is enough for me and my gf, I don't care about anyone else. You wanna go somewhere with me? Drive your own car, I'm not a taxi.

 

the maxima is the 4-series that BMW never had. A little bigger and more powerful then the 3-series, and a little smaller than the 5.

 

Thats what i am talking about

 

family was looking @ pontiac grand prix GTP , was looking for a fast sedan then parents saw the maxima GLE trim wiht leather & sunroof & woodtrim, they were like wow who cares if its a little slower. also the deal for the GTP didn't work out.

 

Like a V6 Accord Sedan or a V6 Camry.

It's a world apart from a BMW...really it is.

And the according to EPA interior volume measurements, the 4th Gen Maxima has more interior volume than a 5-series.

 

The max was probably more reliable and looks better anyway.

SuDZ

 

Acoord and Camry HA,HA, the Maxi is more of an enthusiast car than they are. Plus you dont see at least 3 or 4 of them in every group of cars you see any where, Accords and Camry's are everywhere and are for more mundane people.

 

Accords: Boring boring boring interiors. And am I the only the one who sees that the CL's ALWAYS seem to have a lot of door dings for some reason??? Weird shape? Thin skin?

Camry: the V6 has 192HP? Do I have that right? And vying with Accords on the boring front.

I doubt I'll ever own a BMW unless it was an 850i. Or if I hit the lottery, maybe one of the few M1's around. Stylish, sure. And expensive when they break. And, by the way, aren't they inextricably linked with the Vaurnet-wearin'/Yuppie-aspiring/conspicuous consumption 80's? Like the "wise, old" 31 year-old poster (I'm 47 next week) I buy the car for me...not to impress others. I like the idea of the Max being the 4 series BMW doesn't have.

I could afford to spend a lot more on a car; I just love what you get for the mid $20's with a Maxima. It's called VALUE. I'd see the next step up as the Lexus GS400. Or maybe the Infiniti G35 would be a somewhat smaller step up.