2003 Nissan Maxima SE review from North America

There was a rattle / thump in the front of the car in the suspension that was finally diagnosed as being the sway bar end links and fixed within a week. This is a common rattle and is not dangerous, just annoying, and the dealership I went to diagnosed / solved the problem themselves since there is no bulletin from Nissan on the problem.

The only other problems I have had have been a few rattles from the dash of the car and those from the rear parcel shelf from the sub-woofer. These are pronounced in the cold more than in heat and when the volume is up (of course).

I purchased this car about 4 months ago with 20,000 miles on the odometer and have since put 10,000 miles on it. It is an SE edition, 6-speed, all options including Navigation, Meridian Package, Titanium Edition Package, and every other bell and or whistle that you could possibly want. It's a great riding car for a sporty-type car and is quite fast, even when compared to the Accord and Camry V6's, but they are definitely within the same class and are probably better in some respects such as interior quality and overall long-term reliability (if history shows us anything). I had looked at the 05 Altima, the 350Z, and other cars, but ultimately decided on the Maxima for price, looks, power, and size.

The heated steering wheel is more than just a novelty in that it heats quickly and gloves aren't necessary if you warm the car up for more than a minute or two. The heated seats do take longer to heat up, however, than I'd like, but they can get very toasty! The automatic climate control is a nice feature since you can set it and forget it and just focus on driving.

The Navigation System takes some getting used to as it's also the screen that controls / shows the climate control information. It is more of a novelty to me than a useful tool, but it has come in handy already in finding a destination and the correct route. Had I the choice, however, I'd have put in a DVD based system and left the 6-disc changer in the dash.

The clutch engagement point is semi-high and the travel is more than I'd have designed in as is the travel for the shifter when changing gears. The shifter travel can be countered and shortened by the addition of a simple part called a "short throw shifter" that is installed under the hood due to the cable shifted design of the transmission. No more ripping the car apart to install this. For the most part, however, shifting the car is easy and smooth, and comes as second nature quickly.

The seats are quite comfortable. I have driven the car 9 hours in a day and not felt the strain I normally feel in that sort of situation and my back did not hurt. The adjustibility of the seats is nice since both the passenger and driver can conform their seat to themselves better. My hour long drive to work no longer seems to have as much affect on my back and legs as in my previous car.

Overall, the car has plenty of power, style, and ride comfort. Even the gas mileage has been better than expected even though premium fuel is required. The flaws noted have been minor and more annoying than anything and all have / can / will be fixed by Nissan. I would probably buy this car again.