2000 Nissan Maxima 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Matches my personality; quiet and smooth on the outside, crazy and wild on the inside

Faults:

Front drivetrain axle tore in half... my fault.

Back of passenger seat ripped, falling off.

General Comments:

This car is absolutely my favorite car I have ever driven. On the outside, it looks like a normal sedan, on the inside, it's the size of a luxury vehicle, and under the hood, it has a freaking beast of an engine for how light the car is.

I had a nice black Maxima, and when I washed it, it shined like it was brand new. I loved the style of the car.

The inside is more basic fabric, but the amount of space you have, especially in the back... awesome. Also, the stereo system was kind of lacking technology, but thank god for the $20 tape from Radioshack that lets you hook up your iPod or CD player to the car; definitely enjoyed it.

The engine... probably the most ridiculously powerful engine to car weight ratio ever. I love it. Honestly, I've been through 2 sets of tires already in my first 8 months, but I have a slight need for speed. In this car I beat a 2000-something VW GTI with a turbo charger, and a 2006 Mustang GT.

I will always love this car, and always be a proud owner of a Nissan Maxima ('00-'03 only).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2011

2000 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 litre from North America

Faults:

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima. I am currently experiencing a misfire on one cylinder or maybe more, I don't know. I am glad that I read this site, because I was not aware that the problem could be narrowed down to one cylinder with a test. I have to say that these are very easy to change, and I have found them online at Autozone for less than $70. For a mechanic to charge more than an hour labour to change these is robbery in my opinion. I changed out my sprark plugs in less than one hour, and I'm no pro.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd January, 2011

2000 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0L from North America

Summary:

I won't buy another without Nissan fixing the ignition coil and other mysterious issues

Faults:

For the past 4,000 miles, I have experienced intermittent engine ping and rough start. At times the car runs brilliantly, then without warning runs like a slug. Now the car will stall without warning. This is a very dangerous issues, as the car cannot be steered or braked without super strength. This is a safety issue, which state Attorney Generals need to get after. Shame on Nissan for allowing their reputation to be tarnished without fixing the issue. Profit from repairs must be too good for Nissan!

From reading the long list of 2000 Maxima owners ignition coil problems, I am changing all 6 and installing new plugs.

General Comments:

The car has been fun to drive and reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th October, 2010

2000 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Beefy, but unreliable and poorly built

Faults:

Ongoing failure of ignition coils, all must be replaced.

Mass air flow sensor failed at 70,000.

Fit and finish is awful; various trim components and seals continue to fall off the vehicle.

Cascading failures of oxygen sensors, combined with coils, and other ignition problems led to smog check failure. Parts and dealer repair is expensive!

Brakes have been serviced three times, still pulsate.

Clutch failed at 37,000 -- just out of warranty. Cheap!

General Comments:

Performance is solid.

Handles well.

Comfortable, but SE model is a little noisy and hard-riding for my taste.

Will never buy another Nissan -- they have never accepted that the widespread documentation of ignition system problems. This is a design issue, and should have been dealt with by Nissan. They have lost my business forever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th August, 2010

2000 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Love it!

Faults:

- Radiator Fan.

- Headlights.

- Gas Tank.

- Front Strut bearings.

- Oil Leak.

General Comments:

The car has ample power under the hood and has never left me wanting more. Just make sure to put premium gas in the car otherwise not only will you performance/gas mileage suffer, you'll also hear knocking from your engine.

All in all it's been a pretty good car. The seats are comfortable, even for me and I'm 6' 2". It was a huge step up from my previous Honda Civic. If you're considering a 2000/2001 try to get a 2002/2003 Maxima. They have more features and have the same engine as the Infinity G35!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2010

23rd Aug 2015, 04:59

I disagree.

The 3.5L engine has several problems that the 3.0L engine in the 2000-2001 does not suffer from: The 3.5L uses oil, mainly valve through the covers and valve guides (#5 cylinder in particular), but also in the engine itself (piston rings). The valve leak leads to spark plug problems, and so on... In comparison, the 3.0L engine is bullet-proof.

I would always take the 3.0L rather than the 3.5L; I would recommend the same to anybody looking to buy a 5-Gen Maxima.