2000-2004 Nissan Maxima: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Ride
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
Cons
- Manual shift action
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in spring 1999, the redesigned Maxima displayed dramatically revised styling along with more power and additional features. An extra 2 inches added to the wheelbase yielded slightly more interior and trunk volume. Under the hood once again was a 3.0-liter V6, but packing 32 more horsepower than before--raised to 222. The new model had a 100,000-mile maintenance interval, too. Three versions went on sale: base GXE and sporty SE with a 5-speed manual or extra-cost 4-speed automatic transmission, and top-line GLE with automatic. Antilock braking was standard, and front side airbags were newly optional. Traction control was an option only for the SE and GLE. Sporty extras on the SE included a rear spoiler and a firmer suspension, with the option of 17-inch wheels. Otherwise, 16-inch tires were standard on the SE and GLE and optional on the GXE, which came with standard 15-inch rubber. Leather upholstery was standard in the GLE, optional in the SE. An antitheft engine immobilizer was part of the standard remote keyless-entry system.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Maxima SE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Quiet and athletic, the Maxima offers an appealing blend of performance, handling, and ride comfort, with refinement and amenities approaching the near-luxury class. Nissan's top sedan fares well against such tough adversaries as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Maxima SE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $705 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,310 |
| Brakes | $455 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $635 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $740 |
| Exhaust System | $480 |
| Radiator | $380 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $470 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $460 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2004 | |||
| Maxima SE | $1,400-1,500 | $12,700-13,700 | $8,500-9,200 |
| Maxima SL | $15,500-16,800 | $14,100-15,300 | $9,900-10,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Maxima GXE | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| Maxima SE, GLE | $9,200-10,300 | $8,300-9,300 | $4,800-5,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| Maxima GXE | $6,900-7,800 | $6,100-6,900 | $3,200-3,700 |
| Maxima SE, GLE | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Maxima GXE | $6,100-7,000 | $5,300-6,100 | $2,600-3,000 |
| Maxima SE, GLE | $7,200-8,300 | $6,400-7,400 | $3,500-4,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Maxima GXE | $5,400-6,100 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| Maxima SE, GLE | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3186 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 222-227 | 217 | 5-speed manual: 22/28 4-speed automatic: 20/28 |
5-speed manual: 20 4-speed automatic: 20 |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 214 | 255 | 246 | 6-speed manual: 21/28 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Maxima |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








