Nissan Maxima 2000 - 2003 review

2003 Nissan Maxima (photo: Nissan Canada)

2003 Nissan Maxima (photo: Nissan Canada)

2003 Nissan Maxima (photo: Nissan Canada)

The fifth-generation Nissan Maxima was introduced in 2000 and continued with minor upgrades until the 2003, when it was replaced with the new 2004 model. The Maxima is a spacious mid-size four-door sedan with many attributes of a luxury vehicle and one of the best V6 engine in its class.

The Maxima has a front-wheel drive with a transversely-mounted V6 engine and a five- or from 2002 model, six-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Nissan Maxima has McPherson struts in the front and the semi-independent torsion in the rear suspension. All four wheels are equipped with disk brakes. There is only one engine choice, the 3.0-liter 222-horsepower (3.5-liter 255-horsepower from 2002) DOHC V6, VQ-model engine.

The Maxima's interior is spacious and well designed. There are many luxury features available, such as 8-way power driver's seat with memory, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, trip computer, steering wheel mounted audio controls and Nissan Navigation.

On the road, the Maxima handles very well with solid sporty feel. The V6 engine is very strong, with good low-end torque and plenty of passing power. The ride is firm and fairly quiet. On the downside, you might feel some torque steer under hard acceleration, especially with the manual transmission.

The ABS is standard. The Traction control is optional. Dual-stage front airbags are standard, side-impact airbags are available as an option. In the NHTSA frontal crash tests the 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima has received four stars for both the driver and the front passenger.