I am considering a 2002 Maxima GLE (loaded). I have been reading about the new Maxima (to debut as an '04 model in March 2003). What information is out about the '04 model? Should I wait? The '02 model seems pretty appealing to me (styling, performance, price) P.S. Is the '02 a better car than the '01 SE AE?

'04: looks more like a large 2002 Altima, I don't like it. Possible V8, possible RWD... *NOBODY* know for sure yet.

Yes the '02 is *far* better than any Maxima before it, including the AE, as far as features and power are concerned. Remember though, the AE is dirt cheap now, and the '02 will be dirt cheap not long after the '04 goes on sale... you need to pick the moment when you want to jump in with your cash!

A large altima is an understatement. That thing looks HUGE!!!

The 03 will be the last of a great breed of Sporty looking Maximas!

Two things to keep in mind--the current Maxima is considered ugly by many. Some people care about looks. 2nd, you get what you pay for. That rule applies even if you can buy the '02 for $1500 below invoice. Just think, why would anyone pay the same money for a RS-X Type S as they would for a loaded SE? One car has 255 hp, the other only 200. Yet at the same time C&D rates the Acura much higher. The only way a person should touch a '02 with a ten-foot pole is to keep it for the next 5-6 years. But as you can see on this forum, people seem to trade after a year and even swap trannies in a matter of a month.