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- Nissan Maxima SE
- Bryan.'s review
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| Performance | 9.5/10   |
|---|---|
| Practicality | 9.2/10 |
| Reliability | 9.7/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.6/10 |
| Overall rating | 9.6/10 |
By Bryan.
on 9th Apr 2002
| Performance | 9/10 |
|---|---|
| Practicality | 10/10 |
| Reliability | 10/10 |
| Value for money | 10/10 |
| Overall value | 10/10 |
 Bryan.'s recommendation | |
Excellent power and gas mileage for that power. Space is great, fold down seats allow for more room and cavernous pass through from the trunk vs older armrest pass through.
I traded in my 97 SE for a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE car with all the trimmings. I drove the 3 series and 5 series BMW and this car drives better and for way less money, plus you don't have to dump money into Nissans like BMWs.
The power is more than adequate. I chose a metallic dark blue one with light grey leather, the seven speaker Bose system that is stock on the GLE, Sunroof, Side Impact Airbags, and automatic transmission. I drive quite a bit for work and this car is a dream on the freeway.
The sport suspension must be stiffer or maybe it's the 17" wheels and tires but the body roll of previous versions has been almost eliminated. Sticking the Maxima into onramps is not like it used to be, you stay planted in your seat instead of leaning into your driver side window and if you take a second to look down you won't believe your speed with that feel.
The stereo is very nice with a six disc in dash changer and the most efficient subwoofer I have ever seen. In the center of the rear deck is a speaker grill that hoses and amplified sub that fills the cabin with the frequency range that was missing from my other Maxima so obviously. Furthermore, steering wheel mounted stereo controls for track selection and volume make it possible for you to enjoy the pure muscle of this car without endangering yourself or others. The only thing I would add is the ability to change CDs from the steering wheel, you have to take your eyes off the raod for a second and hit one of the very obvious buttons numbered 1 through 6, not bad but would be nice to do it from the steering wheel while you already have control over track selection and volume.
The trunk is cavernous like other models. I can fit a large float tube partially deflated, all my fly fishing gear and my golf clubs in there at once.
The body styling as other readers have stated here is not as nice as say the BMWs but I think the function defined the form in design here. The inside has been designed well though, no complaints here.
Bottom line is that for this kind of money, there is nothing that comes close. Nissan's goal was to take some marketshare from the BMWs and if you drive them both I think you will agree that there is nowhere near $20,000.00 in difference and I honestly believe the Nissan is a better car, especially when you consider the maintenance costs in terms of both time and money over the life of the car. I would buy this car again today without hesitation.
| Helpful | Unhelpful | Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Total Respect: +7
crewsr. on 18th Apr 2002
Bryan. on 23rd Apr 2002
328i. on 1st Oct 2002