2000-04 Nissan Maxima | Consumer Guide Auto

Midsize car; Built in Japan

4-door sedan

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $3,000 – $6,600*

2000 Nissan Maxima SE

2001 Nissan Maxima interior

2001 Nissan Maxima GXE

2001 Nissan Maxima SE

Pros:	Acceleration Ride Steering/handling
Cons:	Manual shift action

Quiet and athletic, the Maxima offers an appealing blend of performance, handling, and ride comfort, with refinement and amenities approaching the near-luxury class. Nissan’s top sedan fares well against such tough adversaries as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Overview

Introduced in spring 1999, the redesigned Maxima displayed dramatically revised styling along with more power and additional features. An extra 2 inches added to the wheelbase yielded slightly more interior and trunk volume. Under the hood once again was a 3.0-liter V6, but packing 32 more horsepower than before–raised to 222. The new model had a 100,000-mile maintenance interval, too. Three versions went on sale: base GXE and sporty SE with a 5-speed manual or extra-cost 4-speed automatic transmission, and top-line GLE with automatic. Antilock braking was standard, and front side airbags were newly optional. Traction control was an option only for the SE and GLE. Sporty extras on the SE included a rear spoiler and a firmer suspension, with the option of 17-inch wheels. Otherwise, 16-inch tires were standard on the SE and GLE and optional on the GXE, which came with standard 15-inch rubber. Leather upholstery was standard in the GLE, optional in the SE. An antitheft engine immobilizer was part of the standard remote keyless-entry system.

Yearly Updates

2001 Maxima
A special 20th Anniversary model debuted this year, equipped with the same 227-horsepower version of the V6 that was used in the Infiniti I30. The 20th Anniversary Maxima was essentially an SE with Leather Trim and Comfort & Convenience options, including 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, bronze-finish headlamp lenses, lower-body “aero” components, and aluminum trim. Front side airbags now were part of a new Meridian Edition option package, which also included heated seats. Steering-wheel audio controls were standard on the SE and GLE, optional for the GXE.

2002 Maxima
’02 Maximas got a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6 with 33 hp more than the 3.0 it replaced. A new 6-speed manual transmission and moderately revised styling were the other significant changes this year.

2003 Maxima
Front side airbags become standard for the GLE; they remained optional for SE and unavailable on GXE. A new Titanium Edition Package for SEs included the front side airbags, plus premium Bose audio with in-dash CD changer, compass, special wheels, titanium-colored interior trim, and available polished Titanium paint. Maxima was redesigned for ’04.

2004 Maxima
There were no changes for the Maxima in 2004.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.0/183
Engine HP	222-227
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	217

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 4-speed automatic	22/28 20/28	20.0 20.0

dohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.0/183

Engine HP

222-227

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

217

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

22/28
20/28

20.0
20.0

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.5/214
Engine HP	255
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	246

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual 4-speed automatic	21/28 20/26

dohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.5/214

Engine HP

255

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

246

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

6-speed manual
4-speed automatic

21/28
20/26

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Nissan Maxima SE

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6

60%

Fuel Economy - 5

50%

Ride Quality - 5

50%

Steering/Handling - 6

60%

Quietness - 5

50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 8

80%

Room/Comfort Front - 7

70%

Room/Comfort Rear - 6

60%

Cargo Room - 4

40%

Other

Value - 6

60%

Total: 58

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2000 Maxima 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4

80%

Front Passenger Injury - 4

80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4

80%

Rear Passenger Injury - 4

80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	96
Injury	94
Theft	129

2000 Nissan Maxima	Pricing Effective: 09/29/2000
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
GXE 4-door sedan, 5-speed	$ 21,049	$ 19,247	$ 520
GXE 4-door sedan, automatic	22,749	20,563	520
SE 4-door sedan, 5-speed	23,649	21,253	520
SE 4-door sedan, automatic	24,149	21,703	520
GLE 4-door sedan, automatic	26,249	23,590	520
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
GXE : 3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, front console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, 4-speaker AM/FM/cassette, power antenna, digital clock, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, remote decklid and fuel door releases, map lights, theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers
SE adds: AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/6-speaker sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, floormats, fog lights, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, 215/55R16 tires, alloy wheels
GLE adds to GXE: 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning w/automatic climate control, outside temperature display, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/Bose 7-speaker sound system, universal garage door opener, power decklid release, fog lights, 215/55R16 tires, alloy wheels

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
GXE Comfort and Convenience Pkg.	GXE automatic	$1069	$950
AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/6-speaker sound system, 8-way power driver seat, variable intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, cargo net, 215/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
SE Comfort and Convenience Pkg.	SE	1799	1598
Power sunroof, 8-way power driver seat, universal garage door opener, variable intermittent wipers, cargo net, 225/50VR17 tires.
Deluxe Seating Pkg.	GXE automatic, SE, GLE	539	467
Front side-airbags, heated front seats and mirrors, low washer fluid warning light, special trunk lid trim. GXE and SE require Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
SE Leather Trim Pkg.	SE	1349	1171
Leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, automatic climate control, outside temperature display.
Meridian Edition	GXE automatic, SE, GLE	539	467
Front side-airbags, heated front seats and mirrors, low windshield washer fluid warning light. GXE and SE requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
Powertrain
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Traction control	SE automatic, GLE	299	259
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Bose sound system	SE	899	798
Requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
	AM/FM/cassette/CD player	GXE
6-disc CD changer	GXE automatic, GLE	719	338
GXE requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
Power sunroof	GXE automatic, GLE	899	779
GXE requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
Floormats		79	58
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Rear spoiler	GXE, GLE	479	361
Splash guards		99	73

2001 Nissan Maxima	Pricing Effective: 06/20/2001
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
GXE 4-door sedan, manual	$ 21,249	$ 19,430	$ 540
GXE 4-door sedan, automatic	22,949	20,745	540
SE 4-door sedan, manual	23,849	21,433	540
SE 4-door sedan, automatic	24,349	21,882	540
SE 20th Anniversary Edition 4-door sedan, manual	27,149	24,342	540
SE 20th Anniversary Edition 4-door sedan, automatic	27,649	24,791	540
GLE 4-door sedan, automatic	26,449	23,769	540
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
GXE : 3.0-liter dohc V6 222-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release, air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, front console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, remote decklid and fuel door releases, map lights, theft-deterrent system, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers
SE adds: AM/FM/cassette/CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, fog lights, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, 215/55R16 tires, alloy wheels
SE 20th Anniversary Edition adds: 3.0-liter dohc V6 227-horsepower engine, limited-slip differential, 8-way power driver seat, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, floormats, aerodynamic body cladding, badging, 225/50VR17 tires
GLE adds to GXE: 4-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control, outside temperature display, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD player, universal garage door opener, power decklid release, fog lights, 215/55R16 tires, alloy wheels

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 58

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

2002 Nissan Maxima	Pricing Effective: 08/10/2001
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
GXE 4-door sedan, automatic	$ 24,699	$ 22,326	$ 540
SE 4-door sedan, manual	25,449	22,871	540
SE 4-door sedan, automatic	25,449	22,871	540
GLE 4-door sedan, automatic	27,099	24,354	540
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
GXE : 3.5-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release, air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release, map lights, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels
SE adds: 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/50VR17 tires
GLE adds: 4-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, driver seat memory, 4-way power passenger seat, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 215/55HR17 tires

Optional Equipment
Option Note: Postproduction options also available.
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Leather Trim Pkg.	SE	$1499	$1347
Leather upholstery, driver seat memory, 4-way power passenger seat, automatic climate control. Requires power sunroof, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer.
Meridian Edition	SE, GLE	399	346
Heated front seats, steering wheel, and mirrors. Requires power sunroof, front side airbags. SE requires Bose AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer. GLE requires traction control.
Powertrain
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Traction control	SE automatic, GLE	299	259
Requires Meridian Edition.
Safety
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Front side airbags	SE, GLE	249	216
Requires power sunroof. SE requires Bose AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Navigation system	SE, GLE	1999	1734
Requires power sunroof. SE requires Leather Trim Pkg., Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-trunk 6-disc CD changer.
Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer	SE	1099	953
Requires power sunroof.
Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-trunk 6-disc CD changer	SE	1099	953
Requires Leather Trim Pkg., power sunroof, navigation system.
Power sunroof	SE, GLE	899	779
Floormats		79	60
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Rear spoiler	GXE, GLE	489	371
Front and rear mudguards		119	85

2003 Nissan Maxima	Pricing Effective: 07/26/2002
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
GXE 4-door sedan, automatic	$ 24,899	$ 22,507	$ 540
SE 4-door sedan, manual	25,649	23,051	540
SE 4-door sedan, automatic	25,649	23,051	540
GLE 4-door sedan, automatic	27,549	24,758	540
Price Note:

2004 Nissan Maxima	Pricing Effective: 03/10/2004
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
SE 4-door sedan, manual	$ 27,050	$ 24,734	$ 560
SE 4-door sedan, automatic	27,050	24,734	560
SL 4-door sedan, automatic	29,300	26,792	560
Price Note:

Standard Equipment
SE : 3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunk release, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, glass roof panel, fog lights, cornering lights, sport suspension, 245/45VR18 tires
SL adds: 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass, xenon headlights, 225/55HR17 tires, (Deletes sport suspension)