Nissan Maxima

Name: 2003 Nissan Maxima
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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First Take

A redesigned 2004 Maxima went on sale in March. It's larger than the old model and, typically equipped, is priced in the low-$30,000 range. Its best feature has always been a smooth and powerful V6, now good for 265 hp, which makes it a very fast sedan, resulting in pronounced torque steer. The new car has a spacious, airy cabin and better handling than the outgoing model. The ride is stiff and the five-speed automatic isn't as smooth as in the previous model. A wide turning circle is a nuisance in everyday maneuvers. The new Maxima is built in Tennessee alongside the Altima, upon which it's based. An optional navigation system and power tilt/telescope wheel is available.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

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2009

2010

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2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2003 Large cars Ratings

2003 Nissan Maxima

$3,100 - $3,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Impala

$3,175 - $3,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Crown Victoria

$3,075 - $4,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Taurus

$2,900 - $3,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai XG350

$2,850 - $2,900

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

$3,425 - $6,250

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercury Sable

$2,900 - $2,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Bonneville

$3,350 - $4,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Avalon

$4,425 - $4,525

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

3.5-liter V6 (255 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2016-2023

2016 Redesign Year

Redesigned for 2016, the Maxima continues to use the smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V6, which is a highlight of the new car. The continuously variable transmission works well for loafing around, but it saps any aspirations of sporty driving. Handling is mundane and the ride is too stiff for a sedan that costs $40,000. The Maxima has a plush interior, a number of high-tech safety and connectivity features, and uses a fairly straightforward infotainment system. A low roofline inhibits access and visibility. Controls are simple to use, and the front seats are very comfortable and supportive. The rear cabin, however, is rather cramped. An SR version with a stiffer suspension is available, but it lacks a sunroof. For 2017, Apple CarPlay is added to the infotainment system. Updates for 2018 included standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Changes for 2019 include new exterior styling, and revised interior trim. Nissan's Rear Door Alert system, giving drivers messages on the driver instrument panel, and multiple horn honks as a way to remind drivers to check the rear seats after they park, is now standard. For 2020, all models come standard with blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Updates for 2022 include standard heated rear seats added to Platinum grade.

2009-2014

2009 Redesign Year

Model year 2009 brought a fairly successful redesign of Nissan's flagship, though some of our testers felt the car still didn't say much beyond what the Altima was already saying at a lower price point. Still, the Maxima's ride is well composed, its cabin is quiet and the slick powertrain makes it very quick. Controls are simple and the front seats are comfortable. However, steering is oddly weighted, the low roof inhibits visibility and rear-seat legroom room is unimpressive. Quality interior materials give a good first impression. But a closer look reveals mold lines, mismatched textures and exposed screws.

2004-2008

2004 Redesign Year

Even though the Maxima is Nissan's sedan flagship, in many ways it finds a formidable challenger in the more plebian Altima. To counter this, 2004 brought a complete redesign with a strong 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. Expect 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. Despite strong acceleration, this version of the Maxima isn't a convincing sports sedan; it drives like a big car, coming up short in agility. The stiff and jiggly ride and wide turning circle prove annoying. Inside, there is generous room for three adults in the back seat, and the front seats are very comfortable, but cabin finish falls short of being luxurious. There are some nice features for the time, like a heated steering wheel and power adjustments for the steering column. A freshening arrived for 2007, with a revised dashboard featuring easier controls. The addition of a CVT improved acceleration, but fuel economy remained stalled at 21 mpg overall.

2000-2003

2000 Redesign Year

With the Maxima, Nissan tried to offer German sports sedan performance and luxury at a Japanese price point. Model year 2004 brought a complete redesign with a strong 3.5-liter V6. The ride remained stiff and jiggly, handling wasn't so agile, and the interior was just ordinary. The rear seating was very spacious, though. A CVT and a general freshening arrived for 2007. The 2009 models brought another redesign. The ride is composed, the cabin is quiet, and the slick powertrain makes it very quick. Controls are simple and the front seats are comfortable. However, the steering is oddly weighted, the low roof inhibits visibility, and rear-seat room is unimpressive.