Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
08-22-2002, 06:20 PM
#1
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Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
I got the new Car & Driver issue today (October 2002) it has the new Accord on the cover. On page 148 there is a Short Take on the Maxima SE. When I started to read it, I knew this wasn't going to be a good article.
The very first paragraph says: "If you've ever found yourself speculating on famous names that have faded into obscurity-like, "Whatever happended to Bill Haley?"-you have a basic understanding of our feelings when we've strapped on recent editions of the Nissan Maxima: Whatever happended to the real Maxima?"
While they did bash the Maxima a little bit, because it has turned into more of a BMW then staying true to what it was orginally a "4 Door Sports Car". They still rung out some impressive times. 0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
Too bad the Maxima is going to be even larger, they should do a redesign of the Maxima but keep it the same size and bring back the independent rear suspension. Only 0.82G on the skidpad
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
It's a pretty interseting article. This issue also has every car and truck for 2003. They mention a sentence about how this is the last year for this body style. And that 2004 will have a new design, and that's about it for the Max.
The very first paragraph says: "If you've ever found yourself speculating on famous names that have faded into obscurity-like, "Whatever happended to Bill Haley?"-you have a basic understanding of our feelings when we've strapped on recent editions of the Nissan Maxima: Whatever happended to the real Maxima?"
While they did bash the Maxima a little bit, because it has turned into more of a BMW then staying true to what it was orginally a "4 Door Sports Car". They still rung out some impressive times. 0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
Too bad the Maxima is going to be even larger, they should do a redesign of the Maxima but keep it the same size and bring back the independent rear suspension. Only 0.82G on the skidpad
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
It's a pretty interseting article. This issue also has every car and truck for 2003. They mention a sentence about how this is the last year for this body style. And that 2004 will have a new design, and that's about it for the Max.
08-22-2002, 09:17 PM
#4
They have a point and obviously Nissan does too, when they dumped the 4DSC stickers from the Maxima after the 3rd gen. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE EVERYONE...
it is just too hard to beleive that an older car is...well nevermind...I will end it here.
it is just too hard to beleive that an older car is...well nevermind...I will end it here.
08-22-2002, 09:27 PM
#5
Originally posted by dmontzmax
They have a point and obviously Nissan does too, when they dumped the 4DSC stickers from the Maxima after the 3rd gen. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE EVERYONE... it is just too hard to beleive that an older car is...well nevermind...I will end it here.
They have a point and obviously Nissan does too, when they dumped the 4DSC stickers from the Maxima after the 3rd gen. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE EVERYONE...
it is just too hard to beleive that an older car is...well nevermind...I will end it here.
Mom: "The Best Gen. Why did they ever change it."
That's 1 for you 3rd Gens.-Cyrus
08-22-2002, 10:14 PM
#7
Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by 4DRSpeed
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
see Bill's quote in my sig
08-22-2002, 11:11 PM
#9
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Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by 4DRSpeed
While they did bash the Maxima a little bit, because it has turned into more of a BMW then staying true to what it was orginally a "4 Door Sports Car". They still rung out some impressive times. 0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
While they did bash the Maxima a little bit, because it has turned into more of a BMW then staying true to what it was orginally a "4 Door Sports Car". They still rung out some impressive times. 0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
Jesse
08-22-2002, 11:15 PM
#10
255hp with a 6 speed is powerful. But it still does not make it sporty. For example...a dragster is powerful, but does not go hitting the corners hard...dont get me wrong the 2k2 is just about right there as one of the sportiest Maxs made.
08-22-2002, 11:20 PM
#11
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Originally posted by dmontzmax
255hp with a 6 speed is powerful. But it still does not make it sporty. For example...a dragster is powerful, but does not go hitting the corners hard...dont get me wrong the 2k2 is just about right there as one of the sportiest Maxs made.
255hp with a 6 speed is powerful. But it still does not make it sporty. For example...a dragster is powerful, but does not go hitting the corners hard...dont get me wrong the 2k2 is just about right there as one of the sportiest Maxs made.
And the Lexus IS300 is quick around the turns but is slow in the straights. There is no sedan under 30k dollars that will do both well. And I believe there are quite a few IS300's over the $30k mark.
Whenever you put a price restriction on a vehicle there will ALWAYS be "shortcomings" or more specifically....b*tching.
Jesse
08-23-2002, 02:58 AM
#14
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Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by 4DRSpeed
I got the new Car & Driver issue today (October 2002) it has the new Accord on the cover. On page 148 there is a Short Take on the Maxima SE. When I started to read it, I knew this wasn't going to be a good article.
The very first paragraph says: "If you've ever found yourself speculating on famous names that have faded into obscurity-like, "Whatever happended to Bill Haley?"-you have a basic understanding of our feelings when we've strapped on recent editions of the Nissan Maxima: Whatever happended to the real Maxima?"
While they did bash the Maxima a little bit, because it has turned into more of a BMW then staying true to what it was orginally a "4 Door Sports Car". They still rung out some impressive times. 0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
Too bad the Maxima is going to be even larger, they should do a redesign of the Maxima but keep it the same size and bring back the independent rear suspension. Only 0.82G on the skidpad
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
It's a pretty interseting article. This issue also has every car and truck for 2003. They mention a sentence about how this is the last year for this body style. And that 2004 will have a new design, and that's about it for the Max.
I got the new Car & Driver issue today (October 2002) it has the new Accord on the cover. On page 148 there is a Short Take on the Maxima SE. When I started to read it, I knew this wasn't going to be a good article.
The very first paragraph says: "If you've ever found yourself speculating on famous names that have faded into obscurity-like, "Whatever happended to Bill Haley?"-you have a basic understanding of our feelings when we've strapped on recent editions of the Nissan Maxima: Whatever happended to the real Maxima?"
While they did bash the Maxima a little bit, because it has turned into more of a BMW then staying true to what it was orginally a "4 Door Sports Car". They still rung out some impressive times. 0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
Too bad the Maxima is going to be even larger, they should do a redesign of the Maxima but keep it the same size and bring back the independent rear suspension. Only 0.82G on the skidpad
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
It's a pretty interseting article. This issue also has every car and truck for 2003. They mention a sentence about how this is the last year for this body style. And that 2004 will have a new design, and that's about it for the Max.
08-23-2002, 03:33 AM
#15
Originally posted by 02MaximizedVQ
And the Lexus IS300 is quick around the turns but is slow in the straights. There is no sedan under 30k dollars that will do both well.
And the Lexus IS300 is quick around the turns but is slow in the straights. There is no sedan under 30k dollars that will do both well.
08-23-2002, 05:37 AM
#16
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Originally posted by dmontzmax
yup, the 2k2 is beyond excellent in its price category. I really dont know what they were thinking. I would take a 2k2 over a IS300 anyday.
yup, the 2k2 is beyond excellent in its price category. I really dont know what they were thinking. I would take a 2k2 over a IS300 anyday.
I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes. I made the comment about how the Maxima became more of a BMW. I'm not saying BMW isn't a 4 door sports car, I think they are really awesome cars. I was just saying that the Maxima has become more luxurious like a BMW, than staying true what it was set out to be. Infiniti has the I30/I35 that's the car(s) that should be competing with BMW. The Maxima should have stayed sporty like the 3rd Gen, IMHO. While the Max is still sporty, it's just not what it use to be.
08-23-2002, 09:50 AM
#18
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does C&D break in the car before testing it? doesn't the max perform better after breaking in first?
anyways, those times are respectable, but i guess i will have to get the mag and read it myself to see what they say. btw, what cars did they compare it to?
anyways, those times are respectable, but i guess i will have to get the mag and read it myself to see what they say. btw, what cars did they compare it to?
08-23-2002, 09:51 AM
#19
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Well, the mainstream press may have something to nitpick on, but I truly think the mainstream appeal of the Maxima is really taking off. Times have never been hotter for to get a Maxima. I remember my 1995 Trans Am with just Borla exhaust trapping 100.3 mph. Now we have an affordable 4-door trapping 97 mph?!?!? Sheez.
08-23-2002, 10:25 AM
#20
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Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by 4DRSpeed
0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
0-60 in 6.0 -- 15.7 to 100 -- and 14.7 @ 97 MPH through the 1/4 Mile.
08-23-2002, 12:16 PM
#21
Re: Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by Greg's2kGLE
Alright, let me see if I understand what you wrote. They did the 1/4 in 15.7@100mph and 14.7@97 mph? Something doesn't seem right.
Alright, let me see if I understand what you wrote. They did the 1/4 in 15.7@100mph and 14.7@97 mph? Something doesn't seem right.
)
08-24-2002, 07:25 AM
#23
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by Greg's2kGLE
I didn't read it correctly. I got it now.
I didn't read it correctly. I got it now.
They mentioned how sedans are becoming even faster each year. They used examples like the WRX, the TL Type-S, and few others. I don't have the article in front of me at the moment.
08-25-2002, 12:35 PM
#24
Re: Car & Driver finally tests the 2002-03 Maxima 6-SPD!
Originally posted by 4DRSpeed
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
What's sad is that the last time the Maxima placed first in a comparo was in August 1992.
5th place- Toyota Camry V6 XLE
4th place- Ford Taurus SE
3rd place- Pontiac Grand Prix GT
2nd place- Honda Accord EX V6
1st place- Nissan Maxima SE
"...the Maxima was everyone's choice for gobbling up stretches of twisting caynon road, with the least understeer and best grip, promoting high driver confidence."
08-25-2002, 05:01 PM
#26
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Originally posted by JUDE
Dang, it gets to 97mph in 14.7 seconds, but takes a full second to reach 100 at 15.7 ??
Dang, it gets to 97mph in 14.7 seconds, but takes a full second to reach 100 at 15.7 ??
As to the 14.7 et for the 6-spd I wouldn't read to much into it. I'm happy to see a sub 15 second et in a printed publication. You don't know the weather conditions, how much gas was in the tank, where they using premium gas.....the list goes on.
08-25-2002, 06:41 PM
#27
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I agree with what you said 4DRSpeed, however, nissan was not profitable from 93-99..... Granted a new president was named in 2000 (finally) and business operations, etc. changed; but money is the name of the game, and if a 4dr luxury car makes money and a 4dr sports car doesn't.... well which one would you make?
08-25-2002, 06:49 PM
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this thread reminds me of having read somewhere about C&D taking $$ from car companies for biased articles. Somehow, i never completely trusted car mags since then (yes,regrettably including such less financially endowed/prestigious mags like "Wards auto world". All-in-all, although its difficult to do, I try as hard as i can to ignore for the most part, those mags that potentially have interests other than giving the sole subjective opinion of the editors themselves.
geez, in these days, even the olympics arent so sacred anymore.
geez, in these days, even the olympics arent so sacred anymore.
08-25-2002, 07:37 PM
#29
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Originally posted by $tillen$ux
this thread reminds me of having read somewhere about C&D taking $$ from car companies for biased articles. Somehow, i never completely trusted car mags since then (yes,regrettably including such less financially endowed/prestigious mags like "Wards auto world". All-in-all, although its difficult to do, I try as hard as i can to ignore for the most part, those mags that potentially have interests other than giving the sole subjective opinion of the editors themselves.
geez, in these days, even the olympics arent so sacred anymore.
this thread reminds me of having read somewhere about C&D taking $$ from car companies for biased articles. Somehow, i never completely trusted car mags since then (yes,regrettably including such less financially endowed/prestigious mags like "Wards auto world". All-in-all, although its difficult to do, I try as hard as i can to ignore for the most part, those mags that potentially have interests other than giving the sole subjective opinion of the editors themselves.
geez, in these days, even the olympics arent so sacred anymore.
08-25-2002, 07:47 PM
#30
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I don't mean to interject something totally OT, but I thought this might be worth mentioning (and before I offend someone, I should mention that I'm a huge maxima fan, and would love to own a 6-spd).
W/ that said, a recent issue of C&D nearly put the CL-S 6-spd FWD coupe OVER the 330Ci .. a car they've revelled over for YEARS... The CL-S lost by a point, after having read that article, I've been a little more trusting of C&D reporting. However, Acura may also have invested a good amount of money into that article to produce such great journalism (on behalf of Acura).
W/ that said, a recent issue of C&D nearly put the CL-S 6-spd FWD coupe OVER the 330Ci .. a car they've revelled over for YEARS... The CL-S lost by a point, after having read that article, I've been a little more trusting of C&D reporting. However, Acura may also have invested a good amount of money into that article to produce such great journalism (on behalf of Acura).
08-26-2002, 04:34 AM
#32
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Originally posted by PeterUbers
I don't mean to interject something totally OT, but I thought this might be worth mentioning (and before I offend someone, I should mention that I'm a huge maxima fan, and would love to own a 6-spd).
W/ that said, a recent issue of C&D nearly put the CL-S 6-spd FWD coupe OVER the 330Ci .. a car they've revelled over for YEARS... The CL-S lost by a point, after having read that article, I've been a little more trusting of C&D reporting. However, Acura may also have invested a good amount of money into that article to produce such great journalism (on behalf of Acura).
I don't mean to interject something totally OT, but I thought this might be worth mentioning (and before I offend someone, I should mention that I'm a huge maxima fan, and would love to own a 6-spd).
W/ that said, a recent issue of C&D nearly put the CL-S 6-spd FWD coupe OVER the 330Ci .. a car they've revelled over for YEARS... The CL-S lost by a point, after having read that article, I've been a little more trusting of C&D reporting. However, Acura may also have invested a good amount of money into that article to produce such great journalism (on behalf of Acura).
08-26-2002, 05:05 AM
#33
Blah Blah Blah
Originally posted by Frank Fontaine
imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep.
imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep.
08-26-2002, 05:07 AM
#34
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imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep
08-26-2002, 05:54 AM
#35
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Originally posted by nforg
I agree with what you said 4DRSpeed, however, nissan was not profitable from 93-99..... Granted a new president was named in 2000 (finally) and business operations, etc. changed; but money is the name of the game, and if a 4dr luxury car makes money and a 4dr sports car doesn't.... well which one would you make?
I agree with what you said 4DRSpeed, however, nissan was not profitable from 93-99..... Granted a new president was named in 2000 (finally) and business operations, etc. changed; but money is the name of the game, and if a 4dr luxury car makes money and a 4dr sports car doesn't.... well which one would you make?
Will see.
08-26-2002, 06:06 AM
#36
Originally posted by Frank Fontaine
imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep.
imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep.
08-26-2002, 08:48 AM
#37
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Originally posted by Frank Fontaine
imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep.
imho attention to details does matter. It doesn't matter if the 2k2 Max has a trap speed of 108 mph and does 0-60 in 4.5 sec, it still looks as it does, very unmodern and skinny. Stuff like the fact that the rear windows don't go all the way down, why do they miss details like that? the 2k2 Camry has rear windows that go all the way down. Take a look at the CL/TL, the rear windshield. It's mounted the old way, 1998 technology. Doesn't matter to most, matters to car enthusiasts. Like dating a girl who is not good-looking but has a good job. Some say I don't care about looks and they go for it, others do care and look at the "total package." Looks will always matter in my mind even if they're only skin deep.
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