Maximum dissapointment

[**DONOTDELETE**]

First off, let me state that I am on my fourth Maxima- there may be a fifth, but it sure as hell won't be a 2004. I have seen photos from all angles now... a painful experience. I hate rounded off designs as they make everything look the same and the 2004 has this element in spades. In the past, if I had fallen on my head and lost all sense of good taste, I would've bought an Ion (or any GM product)...maybe even a Jetta if I was feeling 'sporty'- now add the Maxima. Nissan's Infiniti division had huge problems in sales due to their lack of design ability... apparently Nissan has punished those designers by transferring them to the Nissan Team.

My suggestion to Nissan? Back to the drawing board... and no copying bathtubs this time.

[GroovinGTR]

Infiniti designers? You are aware that Infiniti's are all JDM Nissans and none of them (excluding the FX) have been designed by Infiniti.

The Maxima IMO is like the new 7-series (although not nearly as bad) - odd in pictures, much better in person, a technological and performance tour-de-force. Seeing as how the 7-series has had a record selling year I guess this is the right direction.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yeah, I know that about Infiniti- I just like to pick on "them". I hope you are right about the "in person" perspective. I hate to see this model go to the dogs.

[GroovinGTR]

I'm not saying that its beautiful, but then again neither was the last generation. I disliked the last generation much more when I saw it for the first time. Unfortunately Nissan has to follow the market. The new Altima was a major blow to the Maxima, but nevertheless it had to be done. I'm surprised the Maxima turned out so performance oriented, I was expecting an Avalon with a VQ. Considering the tiny segment the Maxima has to work with (not too nice for fear of G35, but nice enough to justify spending more than an Altima) I thinks its a great job. The tooth is still odd though.

[limits_at_infiniti]

Personally, im hoping that the new Maxima carries a design that has to grow on me. Just like the 2003 clk, it grew on me.

[6speeder]

Reserve your final judgment until you see it in person. My reaction was luke-warm when I first saw the '04 in the mags, but when I saw it in person at the Philly auto show, I liked it a lot more. I knew it wasn't the car for me(which is why I bought an '03 Max) but it was interesting enough to get people talking without being downright offensive. I think it will grow on people as time goes on, and it's growing on me, but I can understand somebody having issues with the styling of this particular model based on magazine pics.

[kinkymax]

I too am not real pleased with Nissan but styling wise they have come out with some of the best on the road as of late.
The new Altima is the finest looking 4 door on the road. I was not impressed by photos of it before seeing it in person though. My problem is not styling or equipment. They both appear top quality.

But how can little brother Altima burn me off the line. Motor Trend's times for 0-60: Altima 5.9 sec. Maxima 6.3 sec. Nearly half a second? An Altima owner could stop and tie their shoes before I show up at the finish line. How can u call it your Flag Ship and allow this to happen? http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[6speeder]

The Acura RSX is faster 0-60 than the base TL and the RL but I don't think that has affected sales of the other two(well the TL at least). I don't think Nissan is worried about their flagship hitting sixty in a 'lethargic' 6.3 seconds. Although I guess I'm one to talk since I hopped on one of the remaing '03 SE 6sp(0-60 in six seconds flat).

[**DONOTDELETE**]

. Nissan's Infiniti division had huge problems in sales due to their lack of design ability... apparently Nissan has punished those designers by transferring them to the Nissan Team.





Why don't you look up who designed the new Maxima before pinning the blame on Infiniti. The new Maxima is designed by Nissan Design America in California - the same team that came up with the design of the 350Z. (No idea how they managed to turn 180 and created something like the Maxima http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) Infiniti is the upscale division of Nissan, it's car designs are handled through Nissan Design of Japan.

btw: I still don't think the Maxima is a good looking car. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Oh, look, as PREVIOUSLY stated, I just like to pick on Infiniti (sorry- I just think they are chEE-Zy). I don't care who "designed" the thing or whether it came from Japan or Cali. It's really irrelevant since it's allNissan anyhow. The reason I drew the correlation is that the Max now shares that rounded design I love to hate. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SHIFT_6speeds]

My suggestion to Nissan? Back to the drawing board... and no copying bathtubs this time.



I am sorry, I think the 5th gen max is more "round" and more like a bathtub. This Gen 6 has alot more straight lines and sharper angles.

Nissan can send their design team to "Grille School" however. That grille...not talking about the "tooth", the entire grille size, shape and details...ugly grille.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Having owned a '98, '99 and now '03 Max, I need to see it in person and test ride it before forming a buy/no-buy decision but upon first impression I can live with the style and price. What I do have concerns about is the quality trend of Nissan products over the last few years especially since Renault and agressive cost cutting came into the picture. I am weary of spending every other week at my dealer's service dept where techs don't even read TSBs and Nissan Corporate has become indifferent to the resulting warranty issues. Add this to a total model makeover and a move in production to another country, while I may indeed be a 6th Gen Max buyer, it won't be the first year of production or until I can confirm I won't be wading through an array of 'issues' and drinking coffee and eating doughnuts at my dealer on a routine basis. Yes, all cars have new and existing model TSBs, but in relative terms, it has gotten out of hand with Nissan products, IMHO. So, raise the price and I'll gladly pay it, but lets see some better quality and reliability in return.

[jielwh0]

well having now owned 2 facelifted generations of maximas i hated..ill wait till 2006 when they change head/taillights and the grille like the 2000/02 models and the 96-97 models were diffrent from each other in the same generations...i would never buy the new model of the generation neway...too many problems..thas why i have a 02 maxima and not an 02 altima.... http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[G35cFan]

Maxrrrma, what is your point about Infinitis being Nissans?? I suppose you like acura and lexus. Well, hate to tell you, but they are just hondas and toyotas. You must have a bimmer then?? I think the G coupe is one of the best looking vehichles out there under 60K. Not too impressed with the new Max though.

[jaak]

Saw the Maxima at the Toronto Auto show today.... Wow!!! That front end is even uglier in person than I thought!!!! What the heck were they thinking???

[Cheque]

Oh no, this is definitely bad news for me. I haven't seen it in real yet and was hoping that it'd look nicer than it did in those pictures.

How about the new Acura TSX, jaak? Did it look alright?

[squid]

Just replace the grill, if you don't like it. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif I did see the SL trim line at the Chicago auto show. I think it'll do fine. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif The "tooth" doesn't actually look bad.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

I think that just like the previous model Maxima, people are going to realize that you can't see a grill from the driver seat.

[r32guy]

Well said.

[jaak]

Well, I had a 5th gen, and I never liked the taillights, so I agree, you have to get in it and drive it to really see what your feelings will be.

The other thing I did with the 5th gen was stand behind a row of them and figured out which colour helped make the taillights look the least hideous. So I would suspect the 6th gen needs a bit of the same. Some colours will look better than others.

I really had a hard time liking the front end. The rest of the vehicle looks great!

I bet it's sweet to drive... I was looking at everything when I bought the 2K Max. It was the drive that sold me. I loved it. So much so, that when I decided I needed something with more room for big boxes, I bought a Murano, because it reminded me of how the Max drove. But there seems to be a common handling style in the Nissan's. I had an Altima rental car for a week and it was similar to the Max handling as well.

But when I saw the Maxima at the show, I liked it from every angle except the front. Maybe it was just the colour. We can always hope! I recall I didn't like the grille or the Goofy tooth and it seemed worse to me in person, than in the pictures.

But don't worry about what I think, you have to look at it. You might really like it! (That's why all the cars don't look the same. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

Oh, and as far as the Acura goes, I didn't really have a look at it, so I can't comment. I must admit, I haven't looked at them since I looked at Hondas. I really liked some of the Hondas from the outside, but they always felt cheap once I got inside. I was severely dissappointed, as I know Honda makes an excellant product.

You've got my curiousity now... I'll have start looking inside some Acuras and see how they're styled. I disqualified Acura unfairly, as they're made by Honda.

[stotty203]

The issue of some colors looking better is true. The chrome "tooth" stands out much more in some colors, and the background of it changes with the different colors of cars. The dark blue and balck look really good because the "tooth" blends in better. As for the overall package, I think Nissan will have a hit. For the money, you cannot get anything (Acura TL-S aside) that will perform as well or have as many interior features, or that will stand out as much as an 04 Max. The interior is awesome, as is the 6-sp manual. I was very unsure of the front of it when I first saw it, but the more I look at it the more I like it. If I did not need my Xterra to haul my labs around it would definately be my next car.

[Donatolla]

I spent what seemed like an eternity gauking at the Max at the Toronto car show this weekend. There were three set up. Silver, Puke Orange and another that I can't seem to remember.

I was iffy about the car when I saw the pictures. Now I like it. A LOT. There was a demo there you could get in and check out. The interior is definately better than the 02 Altima. Aesthetically, I actually don't like the tail lights much. The front end doesn't look bad in person. But the tail lights look too small. (Then again, I didn't too much like them in the previous gen either)

Overall, I think that Nissan has something here. I can't wait to drive it.

~ciao

[ALTOWNER]

You all will like this car a lot, it is much better in person and it will grow on you. As for handling, nissan is using the same suspension in both the altima and maxima, but the maxima has a more substantial feel than the altima. This is because the altima is nissan's volume car and maxima is for more 'upscale' consumers. This is really a great car to drive, you all will be pleased.

[jaak]

You will like it, yes, you will, we have ways of making you like it. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I can only assume that the description of "Puke Orange" is from experience. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I agree the Sunlit Copper did look totally wrong on the Max. Funny how that happens, as it looks good on the Murano, the Z and the FX! But then again, I've only seen it in the funky show lighting Nissan had.

The lighting was really strange in the Nissan booth. It was extremely blue, which really skewed the looks of all the colours. The Infinity display was very well done, however...

[CoolJ101]

I just got the book for the new 2004 Max from the dealer in the mail. At first when I saw the New Max I was kindly like http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif on the looks. But the more and more I look at the new design the more I start to like it. I'm not to big on the tooth but the over all look is well done. It took time for the 2000 Max to grow on me also. I think Nissan will surprise many that think this car is not up to par. Seeing is beliving. Go see for yourself.

[Gauis_Caligula]

I think that just like the previous model Maxima, people are going to realize that you can't see a grill from the driver seat.



Yes, but you do have to stare at that dashboard. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung/wuerg/vomit-smiley-015.gif

BTW, "Maximum Disappointment." LOL.

And true too.

[jfon]

Saw and sat in the 04 Maxima this weekend at the Kansas City Auto show. I thought it was pretty good looking from the rear and sides, but what is with that seriously ugly front end? It looks like an Olds Ciera on steroids. Were the front and rear designers cloistered from each other?

I'm not too crazy about the styling on my '03, either, mostly because of the unfortunate-looking rear end. Hey, there's an idea... graft the front of the '03 onto the '04 and get a Maxima that hasn't got a bad view!

[CoolJ101]

First off, let me state that I am on my fourth Maxima- there may be a fifth, but it sure as hell won't be a 2004. I have seen photos from all angles now... a painful experience. I hate rounded off designs as they make everything look the same and the 2004 has this element in spades. In the past, if I had fallen on my head and lost all sense of good taste, I would've bought an Ion (or any GM product)...maybe even a Jetta if I was feeling 'sporty'- now add the Maxima. Nissan's Infiniti division had huge problems in sales due to their lack of design ability... apparently Nissan has punished those designers by transferring them to the Nissan Team.

My suggestion to Nissan? Back to the drawing board... and no copying bathtubs this time.



Well I have to disagree with you on this. This maybe my second Maxima after seeing and driving the car in person for the first time last night. Pictures does this car no justice. (Unlike the M45) I don't care how many angles you may have seen the best angle is the up close, in person and on the road. I'm still kindly so-so on the tooth but the over all lay out of the car is well design and well done. The dealer only had two in and they were both SL. One fully loaded and one base. The interior design is better than before. I was hoping Nissan would add the Alumium trim around the Bose cd and tape deck area but the wood is well layout in the SL. The Bose sounds great. The seats are very comforable. Driving is smooth, quick responds, excellcent braking, (not as good as the G35) The rear seats are comfortable with the Elite package. Can't see what C&D was talking about with the Toque Steer, you can hardly tell. Maybe that because C&D got a new Max without the VDC on it. Other than that the car is a hit. Think that some of the recent 03 guys may have a change of heart are seeing and DRIVING the 04.

[squid]

C/D's comments on torque steer were from pounding the crap out of a 6-speed. The manual transmission Altima is where that comes into play also. I'm sure one with an automatic won't be an issue. Yet again, the only people who would experience torque steer will either be those of us who don't mind or the aged wanna-be euro-snobs writing for the car mags. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Screw'em, lets just go do burnies in a Camero! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[CoolJ101]

I drove the auto but both can have the opition of having th VDC. The car that C&D tested did not have the VDC and there is a big difference between the two. That info came from the Dealer that I'm dealing with now. How true is that info who knows. I test drove the one with the VDC, I will go back and try the one without the VDC and see if there is a big difference with the Toque steering.

[CoolJ101]

No sorry just the auto have VDC

[jfon]

My overall take, as an '03 guy who has seen the '04 in the flesh but not driven it...

The appearance of the '04 is much more attractive, except for the front end, which only its mother could love. Its interior is at least as nice (I didn't see the Elite version), and seemed roomier to me; if I had one I'd probably end up liking the inside better than the '03... especially if a sunroofed version has more headroom... my car is very tight with the S/R. Apparently torque steer is still there with the six-speed, so that's a draw, and as someone above pointed out it only occurs when you're standing on it anyway.

So, unless a test drive showed up something I absolutely hate, I'd probably choose the '04 and just not approach it from the front. Out of sight, out of mind.