2003 Nissan Maxima: Road Test
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2003 Nissan Maxima ▼
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- MSRP: $24,899 -$27,549
- Invoice: $22,507 -$24,758
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Our road test for the 2003 Nissan Maxima includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Nissan Maxima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Nissan Maxima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Nissan Maxima help you decide if a 2003 Nissan Maxima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Muscular, with fine punch off the line and strong passing power. Expect 0-60 mph in about 7.4 sec with automatic transmission, 7.0 with manual, based on tests of slightly heavier Infiniti I35. Early 6-speed SEs tested had notchy, noisy shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
No chance to measure yet. Previous 3.0-liter, 222-hp Maximas averaged 20-22.5 mpg in our tests regardless of transmission. Nissan recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Fine overall, but GXE and GLE tend to bound over dips that don't upset the SE. The SE, however, suffers some choppiness over bumps that the others comfortably absorb.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
GXE and GLE have alert steering and show good cornering poise despite softish damping. Wider tires, tauter damping make SE quite sporty, but manual-transmission test models suffered torque steer--pulling to the side in rapid acceleration. And, saddled with a beam rear axle, no Maxima feels as settled in fast, bumpy turns as do the best midsize sedans with independent rear suspension--like Nissan's own Altima.
QUIETNESS
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
Mechanically refined. Low wind noise. Tire whine audible on most surfaces with SE's wider treads; other models muffle road noise well.
CONTROLS
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 6.5 |
Gauges large and legible, and lever to preset sunroof opening is handy, but audio-volume and temperature knobs are still confusingly similar. Navigation system's many controls and busy "bird's-eye view" display can distract, though a conventional map can be selected. Attractive interior uses good-quality materials, but lacks true luxury-class richness.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Adults get adequate head clearance even with available sunroof, plus more rearward seat travel than even lanky folk should need. Seats nicely shaped and padded, and height-adjusting center armrest adds to comfort. Kudos for standard power driver seat on all models, though lack of telescoping steering wheel and curtain side airbags betray this design's age.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Fine knee and foot space on a comfortably contoured seat. Too cozy for three adults, though.
CARGO ROOM
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Standard 60/40 folding rear seatback augments decently roomy trunk, but trunk aperture won't swallow really bulky cargo, and lid hinges intrude.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Maxima won a wide following by blending near-luxury and sport-sedan attributes at popular prices, but it now aims more at Toyota Avalon and Acura TL than the mainstream Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Nissan repositioned Maxima to make marketing room for the slightly larger but less-expensive Altima, a newer design that may suit you as well or better, especially in V6 form.
Total Score
| GXE | SE, man. | SE, auto. | GLE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 61 | 60 | 58 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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