Overview & Reviews

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.

• Impressively powerful V6 engine, sports car moves, availability of premium features, plenty of room for five adults.

• High price, rough ride quality with SE suspension.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 217.00

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  Should have bought an Acura - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Paclark01 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  High points of this vehicle are the VQ 255 hp engine available mated to a 6- speed manual transmission. In addition the seating position for the driver is very good and is comfortable for 6 foot individuals. Exterior styling is attractive especially with the 17" wheels. Low points notchy shift feel. The clutch has been replaced 4 times and 2 transmissions have been installed, and Nissan service departments are horrible. Resale value is the pits...I would advise leasing instead of purchasing this vehicle.

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  Not the car Nissan claims it to be - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jessefrank - March 13 - 7:43 pm

  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.

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  A Lemon in the Making - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave00 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  not a good buy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jimmy davies - September 22 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Gimme traction - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By MG - June 14 - 2:00 am

  After 9 mos and 7000 miles on my 6spd SE I am pretty unhappy with the car. The shifter is extremely stiff and notchy. You have to work quickly to jam the shifter into gear or the revs drop too low and the car jerks into the next gear. The low and midrange torque is excellent. You never need to rev it up that high which is a good thing because the traction is hands down the worst Ive ever experienced. Dont even THINK about flooring this car in a turn because it will produce a lot of white smoke and very little forward motion. My overall impression is what good is all this power when the car just simply isnt fun to drive hard?

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  Disappointed - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Summerdrive - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Well, I chose the Maxima over the Avalon and now think I regret my choice. Yes the Maxima has the horsepower, it has a more progressive look BUT the ride is rough, it is a little work to dirve, and outside noise is detectable. So if you only have short hops want to accelerate to 60 -70 and then go slow its great. If you want to cruise and drive for more than 30 minutes at speed NOT A GOOD CHOICE - This weekend I am going to buy an Avalon - will accept less exterior sex appeal look and horsepower for Luxury ride / quietness which should be expected in a $30K car.

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  Headlights - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JanetJones - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Given what I know now, I would have never purchased this car. The headlights are so easy to steal and so costly to replace. Mine were stolen in less than a minute--right in front of me. The thieves popped them out with a screwdriver causing significant damage to the hood and bumper. This is a dangerous car. I worry about my safetly all the time. Nissan has not been sensitive to concerns. Yes, they have recalled the car to install the brackets on the headlights, but they still can be stolen.

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  Great car - Bad Paint - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By joe_121212 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. It has great power and handles great. Im 64 and have good room except for the gas and brake pedals are to close. Also after you start washing and waxing your car your notice many new chips after every wash. The paint quality is the worst Ive ever seen.

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  Mediocre Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Cadjockey - November 30 - 7:06 pm

  I like the styling and performance ( acceleration/handling/brakes ) but the interior is sub par. I have a dash that rattles/squeaks and the seats are cheap. I don’t have the Bose stereo so I installed a sub-woofer which helps immensely. The Idler pulley bearing went out so the dealership loaned me a Lincoln LS. For the same money ( $18,000 ) I could have gotten a 2003/2002 Lincoln LS instead of the Maxima SE. I made a mistake. The Lincoln is twice the car as my 2003 Maxima SE. I am now shopping for a nice 2002/2003 Lincoln LS with low miles. My only concern is that the Nissan is probably a more dependable car than the Lincoln. I’m going to take the chance because the LS is WAY nicer

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  take it easy lauding this car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bfb242 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Lease was up on my 2000 Chrysler 300M and I wanted a manual transmission and could not afford a BMW, so I got the Maxima. Calling this car comfortable is a joke. The suspension is like you are riding on bricks. The cabin room is unacceptable. I guess I should have stuck with more of a luxury car like a Buick, Chrysler or Caddy-even if I had to put up with poor reliability. Oh how I lone to be back in my 300M.