2000 Nissan Maxima SE from North America - Comments

Trans slip between gear changes 1-3.

Brake Rotors warped easily.

Well known Defective Ignition Coils.

Vague "Burnt Rubber" odor under prolonged Wide Open Throttle.

Steering Radius and Ratio insufficient for city driving.

Driver's seat does not accommodate 6' driver-knees in steering wheel.

To say that this car has been driven hard is the understatement of the century. Street Raced to and from work every day of 30mile round trip commute.

The under-steer that is typical of a front wheel drive car makes for very safe, predictable handling when coupled with its firm, Body Roll resisting suspension.

Torque delivery is so smooth throughout the RPM range it seems like you're driving a V-8, which makes for a very graceful drive at low speeds through the neighborhood. A very good performance sedan for hammering or cruising.

Having said that, I can say the car was a bargain at the time I finagled it for $25k out the door.

Not that it doesn't have its shortcomings, though.

First problem was the overheating and warping of the front rotors. Even though this was my fault, mechanics are all too aware that Japanese cars, as opposed to their American counterparts, have under-engineered brakes. Nissan TSB for "brake judder" NTB00-088.

Second problem surfaced when I decided to transfuse entire transmission with synthetic fluid. The good ole "Shift Slip" between 1st and second, then 2nd and third. I thought I caused it with over-zealous preventative maintenance.

Nope. Nissan TSB NTB-039a.

Last, but certainly not least, was the infamous "spark knock" (TSB NTB01-059)

that drove me crazy for over 6 months until I found all other owners having the same problem and telling their stories all over the Internet!

Oh, I almost forgot about the mysterious burnt rubber odor that accumulates in the cabin under prolonged Wide Open Throttle, which my car must see at least once daily. I still haven't nailed that down yet.

Bottom Line: ALL manufacturers release products with known defects. Automobiles, in particular the Nissan Maxima, are certainly no exception. It is up to the owner to do a little research and decide whether he or she can accept the defects, and the subsequent repairs and inconveniences of ownership.

Since posting review I have contacted 1-800-nissan1 to beg for replacement coil packs. Nissan is still officially denying problem and will not begrudge me the coils even though my family has bought 3 maxima's since 1999.

My previous car was a 1995 Honda Accord. I nailed a jersey wall one rainy night while driving (speeding) like a moron, smashing the entire front end in and deploying both airbags. After laughing hysterically and relieving myself on the fender (Wash. D.C.-anything goes) I DROVE THE CAR HOME in "limp" mode without a drop of fluid lost nor flattened tire. Ran like a swiss clock 'til that episode.

As soon as I fix & sell this letdown I'll be staying with Honda, which is what I should have done.

Driving your SE in snow country causes the ABS to activate often. Result? Less than 60,000 miles and the bearings in the front strut mounts need to be replaced. As you go from snow/ice to pavement the front end really shudders and there is a lot of shock transmitted.