2001 Nissan Maxima GXE review from North America

Spokane, WA 5-1-2003 my age: 42, male.

The paint has chipped too easily, especially on the hood.

The front end alignment went off when my wife hit a curb hard in a snowstorm.

The engine smells when driving up hill.

The paint on the inside door trim rubs off too easily.

The brakes chatter badly when stopping fast.

The Maxima is our choice when shopping between the Accord, Camry or Intrigue. Maxima has the best combination of POWER, room, ride and quality of construction and durability.

We have been disappointed in the paint, however.

The power and overall silky-smoothness are incredible. I was passing cars on a recent trip @ 100 MPH without trying. WHOOSH, and you're all alone on the highway. This car goes SO fast before you even realize what happened. The Maxima does so in quiet and comfort.

Some nice features we have never had on a car before:

Automatic headlights

Automatic dimming mirror

6 speaker stereo with CD and cassette

Built-in garage remote

Dome light that dims like theater lighting.

Our Maxima has 50-series low profile, high speed tires which we will be changing. We will go to a 60-series for a softer ride and more wet/snow traction. We will report on the difference we notice at that time. Our freeways are rutted causing rivers that we hydroplane in. The city streets are full of potholes and patches which explains why trucks are preferred by redneck and royalty alike. The weather in winter is awful with frequent snow. We need good all-season tires so will sacrifice some high speed performance.

The Maxima is your best bet if you are shopping for a roomy sedan that is reliable and comfortable. The Maxima has more power than any comparable automobile available, a fact that street racers in their little civics try to test daily.