2003 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Classy car, looked and felt expensive; roomy for driver as well as passengers, especially comfortable on long trips and had all the power you wanted when you wanted...or needed it. Just a really solid car. Of all the cars I've owned or driven, this was by far my favorite.
VS
Critical Review
As mentioned, check the VIN of the vehicle before you even think of purchasing it. There are 2 different versions of the 2000 Maxima floating around on the market - a California and a Federal version. The VIN number of the vehicle will reflect which version it is and can easily be checked on any search engine. The California version has some additional parts added to the exhaust/emissions system - when they fail, it's more difficult to figure out where the problem originated and much more expensive to get replacement parts. I'm currently in the process of deciding whether mine is worth fixing or not. The repairs needed are necessary to pass emissions and the costs are likely to be roughly 50% of the car's KBB value. This being said, before it started to break down on me it was a pretty nice vehicle. Ample power and quite fun to drive. Fuel economy isn't stellar, but it's far from terrible. I suspect that if I'd gotten a Federal spec vehicle, I'd have nicer things to say about the car. As it stands, though, if the VIN indicates a California spec vehicle then I'd recommend looking at other options.
2003 Maxima Reviews
Showing 8 of 582 reviews.
Faulty air bags have yet to deploy.
Everything down to a Subatomic level.
At 22,000 miles, the check engine light came on...let the horror begin! Highlights: six years of not knowing whether my car would start (computer issues), years of scary transmission slippage as soon as it hit 65⁰, 51 tows from 2006-present. I've driven just 16,000 miles the past 13 years because of its legendary unreliability. My mechanics howl with laughter when I bring the car in. An exorcism is next.
Design, interior materials, quite, mpg
Exterior color choices
Great handling, comfortable, quality materials, strong drivetrain, fuel efficient 6cyl, multiple trim pkgs, great road trip car, commuter friendly, resale value, cost of ownership.
fun to drive, powerful engine
None
I had a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE. I loved it, it was a 4-speed automatic and it loved to get up and go. It was a fun car and I have a lot of memories driving it. I will eventually attempt to find another one that is a near copy to my old one, cloth seats, silver exterior etc. I would definitely recommend it. The only issue with mine was that it was a secondhand vehicle that wasn't in the greatest of conditions. I had a major power steering leak, and only the sunroof and two front windows worked. The locks didn't always work as well and the power seat didn't slide back. All in all, if I could get it back I would.
Quick/reliable
Bumpy ride
Ok 02 Maxima bought for $3700 with 173000 on odometer. Had her for a few months and she has been a great car. Surprisingly fast in higher RMPs. Very smooth ride IF there are no bumps... overall doesn’t ride like a Cadillac, but for the money it’s a very good car. Paint and interior have held up well.
Fun to drive; solid construction, good visibility
Premium gas recommended; turning radius limited
I never thought I would still be driving my 2003 Nissan Maxima for nearly 20 years; but because of its reliability and performance it is still serving me well. With normal maintenance and two instances where I thought I should sell it, the repairs turned out to be much less than incurring new car debt. The car feels solid when I drive it and is roomy, yet not overwhelming. I am a petite woman and appreciate the security of solid construction and ease of driving. If I ever replace my vehicle, I am sure it will be with another Nissan product.
Still has a smooth ride.
No A\C in the rear seats
It doesn't ask if Moonroof works. Nor ask about garage opener works. Which both do work perfectly. . .
I have had this car for 12 years. I am so sad to see it go because I am finally upgrading to a newer car. It is a solid and heavy car and it drives so so well; a lot better than many cars 15 years newer. It has brought 2 of my babes home from the hospital and has been a dependable car, other than some engine coil issues: I ended up replacing them all. It corners and accelerates like a little race car. This is my homage to a car I will miss.
Nice car, clean and stylish
The driver seat exhibit wear, the paint on the top
The car has no dents, or wreckage. Bronze in color, paint has some fade, interior clean, however, the driver seat exhibit wear, otherwise the car has been well maintained and looks and run great.
