2000-2004 Nissan Maxima: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Nissan Maxima
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Nissan Maxima:
A special 20th Anniversary model debuted this year, equipped with the same 227-horsepower version of the V6 that was used in the Infiniti I30. The 20th Anniversary Maxima was essentially an SE with Leather Trim and Comfort & Convenience options, including 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, bronze-finish headlamp lenses, lower-body "aero" components, and aluminum trim. Front side airbags now were part of a new Meridian Edition option package, which also included heated seats. Steering-wheel audio controls were standard on the SE and GLE, optional for the GXE.
2002 Nissan Maxima:
'02 Maximas got a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6 with 33 hp more than the 3.0 it replaced. A new 6-speed manual transmission and moderately revised styling were the other significant changes this year.
2003 Nissan Maxima:
Front side airbags become standard for the GLE; they remained optional for SE and unavailable on GXE. A new Titanium Edition Package for SEs included the front side airbags, plus premium Bose audio with in-dash CD changer, compass, special wheels, titanium-colored interior trim, and available polished Titanium paint. Maxima was redesigned for '04.
2004 Nissan Maxima:
There were no changes for the Maxima in 2004.
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
Redesigning improved what was already a smooth, swift, and polished performer. A Maxima corners with grippy assurance and only mild body lean. The sporty SE is a tad crisper thanks to its sport suspension, but all Maximas are agile and the driver benefits from quick, informative steering. On the negative side, the SE's tauter suspension results in a somewhat choppy ride over bumps that other models comfortably absorb. Braking is quick and consistent, with excellent control. A responsive powertrain yields 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds. In fact, the V6 feels truly muscular, delivering fine punch off the line and strong passing power. Test Maximas have averaged 20-22.5 mpg, but premium fuel is recommended. Automatic transmissions are free of lurching in full-throttle downshifts--a malady suffered by earlier Maximas. Manual-transmission models suffer from imprecise clutch takeup and slightly stiff shift action. Unless the front wheels are perfectly straight too, there's some annoying steering-wheel tub during hard takeoffs. Although the practical limit is four grownups inside, each has a bit more wiggle room than in the past. Taller adults get enough head clearance beneath the optional moonroof, and a more upright rear seatback improves comfort on long trips. Still, 6-footers need to ride knees-up in back if a taller person is occupying the front seat ahead. Visibility is good except directly to the rear. Gauges and controls are simple and inviting, though look-alike knobs for audio volume and temperature could confuse. Rearward seat travel is good; power seat controls easy to reach. The trunk has a wide, low opening.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Maxima includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Maxima .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Popping and crackling noises in the audio system are often due to cell phones plugged into the cigarette lighter. Using a different power source or moving the phone often helps. (2000)
Cold-starting problems:
The engine may idle too slowly or stall when first started (below 40 degrees F). Reprogramming of the powertrain-control module is required. (2000)
Engine misfire:
Bad mass airflow sensor can cause lack of power, acceleration. New MAF and reprogramming computer should fix the problem. (2000)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The headliner may sag near the sunroof because the Velcro does not hold sufficiently. Additional clips were being installed under warranty. (2000)
Vehicle noise:
Noises from the right front strut require replacement of the rubber spring seat. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Maxima details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Maxima include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine produced 222 horsepower, driving either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. '02 Maximas got a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6--with 33 hp more than the 3.0 it replaced--and a new 6-speed manual transmission.
| 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: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Maxima include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2004 Nissan Maxima directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001-02:
The pin on the lower control arm could break, causing a knocking sound and abnormal steering.
2002 w/electronic throttle-control system:
Due to the incorrect design of the accelerator-pedal stopper, the pedal can "overtravel," causing the check-engine light to come on and/or reducing engine speed.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
