2003 Nissan Maxima Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.57/5 Average
217 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Since the Maxima was updated last year and is scheduled for a redesign in 2004, there are no major changes in store for the family sedan in 2003. There's a Titanium Edition package available for the SE and side airbags are now standard on GLEs.

Pros:
  • Impressively powerful V6 engine, sports car moves, availability of premium features, plenty of room for five adults.
Cons:
  • High price, rough ride quality with SE suspension.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 217.00
  • Not the car Nissan claims it to be - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    If you are looking of a performance sedan Id look elsewhere. Not bad, but the interior build quality steered me away after owning for 2.5 years. Also all that power isnt of any use if it cant get to the road. Despite my tire choices I still lost traction not only in the winter, but durning the summer with wet roads. Roads only have to be slightly wet to lose traction especaially on take-off. Car developed a harsh ride despite not handling all that well.

  • The paint stinks, but a great car... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    The thing is beautiful. Great design and engine is a joy to drive. I have a problem with the paint, and so do a lot of other owners I am sure- the paint on the 2000-2003 Maximas tends to chip very easily. Only 2700 miles in, the paint has chips and scratches in it. Other than this, I love the durn thing.

  • Fun to Drive - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Ive owned my Maxima since 2004 and it has been a great car. The car is loaded and also has a 6 speed, which is fun to drive and is fast for a family sedan. There is a lot of room in the car and trunk for my family. The car has had minimal repair work (tires, brakes, exhaust system). Ive got 89k miles and the car still looks great and runs well. Ive noticed a slight drop in the acceleration but that is to be expected with time. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking.

  • A Lemon in the Making - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    This car was the most disappointing purchase of my life. During its early months, it had brake, electrical system and ignition faliure. The car spent most of its ealry life in the shop (with only some of the repairs being covered under warranty). When I took the car in (at 4000 miles complaining that the power windows made lots of noise when trying to raise and lower them, I was told that I should deal with it as "all cars are unique"). Great service, eh?!? I just recently sold the car (which has almost NO resell value, by the way) and purchased an Acura TL. If you want power AND quality, Acura is the way to go.

  • AWESOME - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Watch out this baby will get you into trouble with John Law. As in speeding tickets. I love the car it runs great and handles well. The fit finish is what I expect and so far after 8,500 miles I have had no problem.

  • Best Performance Family Sedan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I was looking for a family sedan that would be large enough cargo/seating- wise to meet my needs but wouldnt put me to sleep driving it. I looked at all the mid-size competition under $25K. Maxima was on the high end for interior amenities, and its powerful engine blew away every other contender.

  • Combination of Comfort and Performance - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    The Maxima is not for everyone but for drivers who want performance and comfort at a reasonable price, it is a great choice. With 255 horsepower, 17 inch wheels, xenon headlights and an extremely comforable interior, it compares better with BMW and Acura than Toyota and Honda. I will not argue that a BMW 330 handles better and that an Acura 3.2 TL offers more luxury but both will cost at least $6,000 more than the Maxima. The Maxima is also faster than either of them. If you dont want another boring family sedan (Accord or Camry) and you dont want to spend the money for a BMW, you need to test drive a Maxima.

  • The best car Ive owned so far - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Got the car yesterday and let me tell you that everything is perfect so far. The interior really spacious the front seats are comfty, the 17" tires takes rough curve at 120 KM/H. I drove on the highway at 140 KN/H then Ive shifted in 3rd and got an incredible boost up to 190 KM/H and it was still asking for more but I finally reduced speed. The sound system is incredible with the sub- woofer giving heart beats right through your body. The only thing that Im missing is a GPS system that I will get later this month. Im telling you go to the dealer and try a new Maxima 2003 it is contagious. Thanks

  • not a good buy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    this se 2003 (automatic) is not what i expected. during the winter, after the ignition, you will hear a ratle and the rpm will move up at the same time as the engine ratles. anothe deadly thing is when the car is parked uphill. To back up and put on reverse,I have to force a few times the stick in order to be able to put the car on reverse. i dont know why this is happening but i now firmly believe that toyota is much better in term of quality. My brothers se altima has the same problem with putting the car in reverse. time to trade. please consider carefully before you buy a nissan.

  • New 03 Blue Max SE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    After getting rid of my 1999 Lexus GS 300 (liked it, was just time for something new), drove my 01 GMC truck for several months while I did research on the under 30K sports sedans. Maxima wins hands down. Bought a Majestic blue metallic with black leather SE with all the options. This is a solid, well built car and even though I have not "stepped on it" yet, I know the power is plentiful and just waiting to be pushed. This car for about 13,000 less that the Lexus has almost every feature the Lex did AND more comfortable back seats.

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