100% of people, (4 of 4), found this review helpful.
Overall rating
5/ 5
Performance
5/ 5
Quality
5/ 5
Reliability
5/ 5
Style
5/ 5
Value
5/ 5
Has the reviewer ever owned this model? Yes
How was it purchased? Purchased Used from a Dealer
Has the reviewer attended an auto show in the past year? No
Yes, I recommend this vehicle.
Pros Classic styling that still looks sexy after 9 years. Powerful and reliable chain driven engine. A wonderful combination of handling and comfort. FUN to drive. Plenty of passing power even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Roomy interior and a spacious trunk. Comfortable seats. Well placed, aesthetically pleasing controls. All of the power features still work great, as does the stereo/CD player. Virtually no wear on the interior surface controls. The car still looks, feels and sounds solid as a rock.
Cons I wish I had bought the SE or GLE for the few extra options (leather, sunroof, Bose stereo), but this car is quite acceptable as is. The 2000 model year apparently had issues with a sensor in the engine, but it didn't happen to my car. Had to replace the alternator and battery at approx 72k miles, the muffler at 80k (due to rust - I live in the Midwest) and the brakes at 80k. I don't think that is too bad in 4 1/2 years of ownership, especially when compared to the domestics I've previously owned.
Oh yes, one other thing. Nissan recommends 91 octane fuel. If you do a lot of driving over ~75mph, I definitely agree because it will knock and ping with lesser octanes. If you mostly stay under 75mph, you should be fine with 89 octane. I would avoid 87 octane with this car unless you never go over 70mph. Basically, use 89 or 87 for normal driving and 91 for interstate traveling.
General CommentsI was the second owner of my 2000 GXE, purchasing it in Jan 2005 from a dealer. I was shopping for the usual boring Accord or Camry, but the Maxima caught my eye and I haven't regretted it for a moment. I loved this car from the first test drive and still love it to this day after putting 35k miles on it. The Maxima is a great daily driver and is simply outstanding on the highway. I've taken it on several 1000+ mile trips, twice through the Rockies, with nary a problem. This car just eats up the open road and makes traveling through twisting highways and mountains a pleasure rather than a chore. The cabin is fairly quiet, combined with the stereo, road and traffic noise fade away. In city driving, the Maxima rides smoothly and firmly, only disturbed by the largest of potholes or road defects. Even then, the suspension isn't jarring, just jostled but it quickly recovers. My best guess for mileage numbers is 20/29mpg. As with any auto, it depends upon how you drive.
Living in the Midwest, it performs reasonably well in the snow, but you do have to ease up on the gas when taking off from a stop (wise to do with any car in the snow anyway). I've recommended this car to anyone who's asked (and to some who haven't). It's a great choice for a new family or a single person. As of now, there are 87000 miles on the odometer and I'd say it's good for at least another 87000 with regular maintenance. The Maxima projects quality from the exterior appearance and that first impression carries through, from sitting in the cabin to every driving experience thereafter.
In summary, the Maxima is a satisfying combination of performance, comfort, reliability and style in a package that has proven it's value over time.
There are two things I would highly recommend purchasing after acquiring this Maxima (or any car that is over 3-4 years old). One is a K&N air filter. It allows for better breathing of the engine and gives a slight boost to HP and MPG. The other item would be Silverstar Ultra headlights. The difference in brightness to normal headlights isn't very perceptible in city driving, but there is a stark improvement noticed when driving cross-country. Both of those things will cost around $100 total, are easy to install yourself and are very much worth the money.
