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Nissan Maxima v. Mazda Millenia

fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
edited September 2014 in Mazda
I started this thread as an outlet for the people who come to the Millenia board wanting to compare the virtues, or lack thereof, of the Nissan Maxima as compared to the Mazda Millenia.

Please feel free to exercise your opinions on this comparison here as opposed to the MM discussion.

Thanks
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Comments

  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    here are some Millenia advantages...

    1. Millenia has an independant suspension. the max does not....they did in the past but they de-contented the max to a semi independant suspension which is sub par compared to the mazda multlink.

    2. traction control is std on the 'S' and avail with the four seasons pkg. on the 'P' millenia. The max does not offer this feature on the GXE model and it is an extra cost option on all other models

    3. Moonroof is standard on all Mil...optional on all models of the Max.

    4. Leather is standard on the Mil...not even offered on the GXE max and optional on SE max.

    5. both Millenia offer an 8 way power seat for both driver and passenger, standard. Max only offers a less versital 4 way pwr pass. seat. on GLE model...again not avail on GXE model and optional on SE.

    6. both model Millenia's come with a power tilt steering wheel with memory. Max has a manual tilt, like an sentra.

    7. both model millenia's have automatic climate control...not avail on Max unless you buy top of line GLE...optional on SE...GXE is out of luck again.

    8. side air bags are standard on both millenia's...only offered on GLE max std....if your in the SE its an option and GXE drivers are killed in a side crash. no side bags.

    9. Millenia has a longer bumper to bumper warranty.

    10. Millenia offers free roadside assitance

    11. all mazda buyers are entitled to a loaner car for warranty work...you buy a maxima you walk when your car is in for service.

    give me a few minutes and I will come up with some more.

    12.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    These are observations of mine, having driven all models of both Millenia and Maxima before deciding on the Millenia. I own a 2001 Millenia "P".

    An X indicates what I consider an advantage. If both have an X, I feel they are about equal in that catagory.

    Catagory -------------- Maxima ------- Millenia
    Horsepower -------------- X
    Styling ---------------------------------- XXXXXXXX
    Quality of materials ----------------------- X
    Quality of assembly ----------------------- X
    Quality of paint ----------------------------- X
    Paint Application -------------------------- X
    Ride Quality -------------------------------- X
    Noise Intrusion ---------------------------- X
    Rear Suspension -------------------------- X
    Repair History ----------- X ---------------- X
    Standard Features ------------------------- X
    Handling ------------------ X ---------------- X
    Real World Price --------------------------- X
    Depreciation ------------ 1/2x

    =========================================

    I copied this over from the Millenia thread to help get this one going. Part of it duplicates the above post by audia8q.
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    Again, as some of you know I own both. They are two cars with totally different personalities. If you want a sport sedan go Maxima, if you want a luxury cruiser go Millenia. I love my Maxima because it is fast and has the best V6 I've EVER driven. My wife loves her Millenia cuz, she gets luxury and style at a fraction of the price.
  • nvedraninvedrani Member Posts: 58
    How many Maxima's do you see driving around daily?....now, how many Millenia's do you see driving around daily......hmmm, follow the crowd in a Maxima; or stand out from it (and above IMO) with a Millenia (S).....

    For me this was a no-brainer, I wanted something attractive and or appealing to the eye, which as we ALL know, the Maxima is NOT - leaving me with a 2000 ME S...... still no regrets when I see all the Max's driving around day in and day out!!
  • tonyg35tonyg35 Member Posts: 52
    You gotta be kidding me with this comparision. Anyway I 'll humor you and start off with a little news.


    http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/20886.htm#highlights


    "Though little changed since introduction and never that popular, Mazda's U.S. flagship sedan some managed higher sales in 2001, up a healthy 35.3 percent year-over-year through the third quarter. Even so, industry informants say Millenia is doomed. Why? One reason is a design based partly on Mazda's last-generation 626, leaving Millenia an uneconomic manufacturing "orphan" within Mazda and parent Ford Motor Company. More urgently, Ford needs to slash expenses to pull out of a big sales and earnings slump, and that makes the misfit Millenia an obvious candidate for the axe. Does this mean Mazda will get out of the near-luxury market altogether? Sure looks that way to us."


    Stay tune for the 6 o'clock news.

    Tony,

  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    We are all fully aware that 2002 is the last year for the Millenia. It is being replaced partly by the Mazda6, and partly by the RX8.

    That does not change the ability to compare the Millenia to the Maxima, which is also a several year old design. The Millenia is equal to or superior to the Maxima in every way except engine power.

    Thanks for your input.
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    "That does not change the ability to compare the Millenia to the Maxima, which is also a several year old design. "

    FYI...The current 5th Generation Maxima was born in 2000, so it's not that old and it is totally different than the 4th Gen Maxima. A 6th Generation Maxima will be here in 2004 and will share the Altima platform.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    I am not a Maxima specialist. But my understanding from what I have read, is that the 5th generation uses the same platform as the 4th, but revamped to add about 30% more rigidity. The interior was also redone.

    For the 2001 model, Mazda also added about 30% more rigidity to the Millenia chassis, and the interior was completely redone.

    The Maxima also has used the same drivetrain for years, except for dropping the independent rear suspension for a beam axle in 1999, and tweaking the engine to add HP.

    Millenia still has a fully independent rear suspension, but Mazda has not entered the HP war with the 2.5L V-6. That is being done with the new Mazda6, and RX8.

    Automakers frequently say "all new" when it is not quite true.
  • tonyg35tonyg35 Member Posts: 52
    My intention is not to disrespect current or potential buyer of the Milenia. However, I want potential buyers to be informed.

    Knowing that this would be the last year model for this car, why would you still want to buy it?

    Don't even think about resale value, because it would even be worse because there is no newer Milenia model to spark interest or passion in the car for future buyer in the Used car market.

    Ok, so you may say that well, "I plan to keep my car for many years, so resale value means nothing to me" Well, I say think about availability of the parts when the Milenia gets old and you need new parts, water pump, alternator, etc... How easy would it be for you to obtain that part?

    Traditionally, Nissan is more reliable than Mazda products, so if you plan to keep it for a long time, Nissan should be your obvious choice.

    I will not go into details about performance/handling stats because we all know the outcome will favor the Maxima.

    Tony,
  • kw1964kw1964 Member Posts: 7
    The Maxima beats the Millenia in only two areas. Horsepower and Sales. The Maxima handles worse, has an ungodly harsh "sport" suspension, way fewer standard features,way too much interior noise, a cheap looking interior with sub quality leather and an exterior that nobody's Mother would love. The Millenia is light years classier inside and out. The Maxima couldnt win a beauty contest with a Subaru. Wouldn't this Nissan be better compared with the Pontiac Grand Am?
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    1 - Many of the very best cars have been last production year models. This is far preferable to a first year model. Mazda is merely doing as all carmakers do, and discontinuing a model. They ARE NOT going out of business.


    2 - To the ones of us planning to keep our cars in excess of 4 years, the difference in depreciation is more than offset by the huge price advantage of buying a Millenia instead of a Maxima. Also, if all I were interested in was the resale value, I would not buy a Maxima. There are other cars on the market that hold value better.


    3 - Parts, including performance parts will be no more of a problem to obtain than any other out of production model. The exact same engine was used in the Ford Probe (it is a Mazda engine, not Ford), and parts are readily available. It is also the V-6 used in the Mazda 626. It will not be an orphan.


    4 - ("Traditionally, Nissan is more reliable than Mazda products") There is that fairy tale again.


    Here are two links to disprove that: Be fair and click on the red and white x marks for the Maxima (Millenia has none of these bad marks) to find the truth. Overall, they are both excellent mechanically, but by Carpoint, Millenia holds the advantage.


      http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/UsedRelOver/Nissan/Maxima/Used.asp


    Click on the yellow and black exclamation points for the Millenia, and you will find the only repetitive problem was a easily and inexpensively repaired spark plug wire problem, only on the '95 and '96 2.5L.


    http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/UsedRelOver/Mazda/Millenia/Used.asp


    Also read Consumer Reports April issue of any year. Check their charts. The 2002 April issue on page 55 points out that the Millenias repair history has been "OUTSTANDING".

    5 - Quote: "I will not go into details about performance/handling stats because we all know the outcome will favor the Maxima."

    Maxima excells only in "straight line" acelleration, if you don't count the torque steer of an overpowered front wheel drive car.

    Millenia accomplishes it's handling without riding harshly, and with far less road noise. It also has a far more expensive and sophisticated all independent multilink suspension.

  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    kw,

    The Maxima handles worse?...you gotta be kidding!. The Millenia is a luxury cruiser, the steering is overboosted and the suspension is too soft to be a sport sedan. Beam axle and all, the Maxima will outhandle a Millenia without a flinch.
    Let's face it folks, we own Millenias because it is a car that failed and Mazda is literally giving it away. At $28+ it was getting its butt whipped by other luxury brands. I have a Millenia because it was a great deal at $22K, but I would not have given it a second look if it was selling anywhere near MSRP.

    Fwatson,

    The 5th generation Maxima is longer and wider thant he 4th gen.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    Quote speedracer3: "Let's face it folks, we own Millenias because it is a car that failed and Mazda is literally giving it away."
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    The slow sales of Millenia had nothing to do with the desirablilty or quality of the car. It was a complete failure on the part of Mazda to properly advertise and promote this car.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    "it was a great deal at $22K, but I would not have given it a second look if it was selling anywhere near MSRP"

    This statement-----"I would not have given it a second look if it was selling anywhere near MSRP"----holds true not only for Millenia, but expecially for the Max on my part. It is simply way overpriced. $28000 to $30000 for a nice engine, and no other advantage is simply out of line.

    That said, The same is true for virtually every car sold in this general class of Japanese branded cars. I walked away from Max GXE offered at below dealer invoice, in favor of the Millenia that I feel is a superior car. The bargain prices on the MM also make Camry, Accord etc very poor buys in comparison.
  • nvedraninvedrani Member Posts: 58
    Not to stir you up any further, but: don't you have the "P" model?? I think it is fair to say that you cannot make a comparison like that unless you drive the "S", especially an '01 or '02 daily....there is a handling difference between the "P" and the "S" (more power,sway bars, larger wheels, better grip).....this is just IMHO.....
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    I drove an S and to be honest the only thing I noticed was more power. After driving them P and the S back to back I found the differences in handling negliglble. Anyway...I still think the Maxima SE handles better than the Millenia S.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    I have driven all three versions of the Max, and both versions of the MM. I feel the difference in handling among any of them is negligible. What I did notice though, is that even the GXE/GLE Maxima's have such stiff suspensions that they pitch back and forth on normal city streets as if they were crossing a railroad track. And the SE was even stiffer. The Millenias IMO ride far nicer, and still corner beautifully. I am sure a BMW 540 would outhandle my P handily. But that did not seem to be true of the Max's. I don't have a skid pad to test that, but on public streets under legal driving conditions, I could see no handling advantage for any model of the Max over either Millenia.
  • kw1964kw1964 Member Posts: 7
    Fwatson,
    As you stated, the Millenia is a luxury cruiser and the Maxima is not. I agree totally.

    "The Millenia is a luxury cruiser, the steering is over boosted and the suspension is too soft to be a sport sedan."

    That said, and agreed, the Millenia concedes nothing to the Maxima in terms of sporty styling and handling. Millenia wins hands down. Nissan knows that only way to market a car with a primitive suspension and dangerous torque understeer is to over compensate it's shortcomings with a big engine and label the whole sub par package as being "sporty".
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    KW,

    Primitive suspension?...the Maxima uses a twist beam suspension which is NOT primitive. The beam keeps the rear wheels straight while taking turns so body roll while turning is neglible. The Millenia rolls a LOT more under a heavy turn. The only time the twist beam is noticeble is when you hit a bump, instead of each wheel bouncing indepedently the rear wheels bounce together. So unless you are taking your Maxima offroad or have really bad streets you will never know you had a twist beam for a rear suspension.

    Dangerous Torque steer?...please, you are reaching here.

    Probably a better comparison here would be the MM vs. the Infiniti I35, since they are both considered luxury sedans.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    Oops, You quoted speedracer3 and attributed it to me.

    Quote speedracer3, from post #13: "The Millenia is a luxury cruiser, the steering is over boosted and the suspension is too soft to be a sport sedan."
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    Quote speedracer3: "Primitive suspension?...the Maxima uses a twist beam suspension which is NOT primitive."

    You will notice though that Nissan is bragging up the all independent multilink suspension on the new G35. Guess which car in this discussion is equipped with that type suspension.
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    The G35 deserves bragging, its suspension is derived from the Skyline GTR supercar. I'd be first one to admit after driving it, that the G handles like a dream.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    You seem to have missed my point, which is. If a beam axle is such a good rear suspension, why would Nissan/Infinity not just tweak it and use it on the G35? Oh, and my other point was that Nissan/Infinity are bragging on the very type suspension the Millenia uses. The type of suspension that according to you gives the Millenia inferior handling to the beam axle on the Max. And it does have antisway bars on both ends of the Millenia S.
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    I never said that the "suspension" gave the Millenia inferior handling. I did say that the suspension is tuned too soft, and the steering is way overboosted, which makes the Millenia drive like a luxury car, not a sport sedan. The Maxima has a better tuned suspension and more communcative steering.
  • oilers1oilers1 Member Posts: 17
    The Maxima and Millenia aren't in the same class. The Mill should be compared to the Avalon or the I35, otherwise known as Japanese Buicks. I like Mazda, especially the Protege and Miata, but to me the Millenia has no profile (ie bland). I agree that the suspension on the Maxima SE is quite firm but, again that's why people buy the car and not an Avalon, Millenia, etc. As for the features, I paid $33K for a Max and the Millenia is $41K. There's no free lunch. Hyundai as loads the XG300 with features. Millenia, yawn, zzzzzzzz
  • oilers1oilers1 Member Posts: 17
    July '98 C&D. 7 Near-luxury car comparison test. Millenia 7th place out of 7 cars.
    "..the Millenia comes off feeling bare bones. Fake wood has replaced real walnut, and the doors slam with the sound of a 1970s Datsun."
    "Rear seat lack the legroom, toe space and shoulder width..."
    They did give it good marks in the "fun to drive" catagory.
  • nvedraninvedrani Member Posts: 58
    Have you ever actually looked at the exterior styling of a Maxima and it's lines.......yawn, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

    Personnally I enjoy owning a car I can look at day to day and smile, and not have the only thought on my mind being 255hp @ 7000 rpms with an ugly [non-permissible content removed] to boot....IMHO

    Also what are you doing using a comparison from 4 years ago?????
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    I am curious how they could report on anything having to do with the 2001/2002 Millenia in 1998.

    All you have to do is go to a Mazda dealer and look inside. It is a highly luxurious and impeccably finished interior. While you are there, close a few doors and listen to the very satisfying thud of a very solidly built vehicle.

    As far as interior size is concerned, the styling and design of the rear seat area is very obviously for two occupants, with the possibility for a third if they don't mind the hump in the middle.

    And yes, it is fun to drive. Especially after the 2001 chassis stiffening.

    Quote: "I paid $33K for a Max and the Millenia is $41K."

    I can see you are in Canada, but I suggest you check on rebates anyway. I paid $21680 for my MM"P". That is about $35000 Canadian, depending on exchange rate on a given day. A long way from the $41000 you quote. An "S" would have run me about $37000 Canadian.

    $33000 Canadian is agout $19800 US. Sounds like they ar doing some huge discounts on Maxima's up there. Even if that is a GXE.
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    and tip my hand right now. I just took delivery of a Maxima two days ago. I never even looked at the MM because of it's reputation as an 'oldie' car... a reputation Nissan just barely avoided with the Max but hit square on the head with the Altima, IMO.

    Anyway, call my silly, but I used Edmunds to compare the Max and MM side-by-side and the MM is *not* by any means superior. It does not have more options than the Maxima, the crash tests averaged out to identical... well, let's let edmunds tell the story:

    (actual quotes from the comparisons)
    MM: "Never a standout in terms of design"
    MM: "Millenia's 170 horsepower is a bit wanting"
    MM: "exhibits an excessively floaty ride"
    MM: "Mazda considers the Nissan Maxima...to be the Millenia's primary competitors. That's heady company"
    MM: "...given the Mazda's age, basic luxury amenities, interior packaging and dearth of performance capability... cannot arrive soon enough"

    (those are not compliments, by the way)

    Max: "lot of bang for the buck"
    Max: "Maxima is more of an entry-level luxury sedan than a family sedan"
    Max: "little reason to buy the Maxima's more expensive cousin, the Infiniti I35"

    (those are)

    Styling isn't worth talking about. The MM looks like my grandmother's car if you ask me, but since it's all opinion, it doesn't matter.

    Let's stick to facts. The options are similar, warranty same, crash test... too close to decide. So it comes down to reliability, engine, suspension, and preference, and according to edmunds the MM finished 9th, yes dead last, in the "Luxury Sedan" comparison while the Maxima SE (that's mine!) ended up "most wanted sport sedan under $30k." I also don't mind getting 0 to 60 almost 2 seconds quicker.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    Good to see another Max owner jump in.

    Your post is extremely biased, but that is fine, and I also am biased to the Millenia.

    Now you might try looking up the Edmunds owner ratings. Millenia owners give their cars an overall 9.3 out of 10. While Maxima owners give theirs 8.6 out of 10.

    It has been my experience over 60 years, at least 45 of those as a car nut, that car tests invariably favor the hot rod cars. Living with a car is a different matter, and is reflected in the owner ratings of their own cars.

    You have one swinging granny if she is driving anything as stylish as a Millenia.
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    She is a happenin' granny, thanks.

    I wasn't going to comment on the consumer ratings because at 62 I didn't believe the Max had received enough 'opinions' to make it valid. But, it's *WAY* more valid than the 6 the MM has received. I guess what I'm trying to say is...

    1. online polls are too biased to be of use. For example, jettamannc put "You HAVE to get one! " but rated it a 5.0. Another gave it a 3 because he thought the warranty period should be longer. I would *never* trust an online opinion....it's always coming from someone with baggage (good or bad).
    2. if I were to look at an online opinion, anything less than a few hundred opinions is too few to even consider. The MM only has 6... with 2 more login names I could push that over 9.5 (but I won't). See how easy it is to fudge the system?
    3. the guy who put a '1' for 'fun to drive' in the Max needs a kick in the head. I'm having a BLAST and I'm still in the break-in period so I haven't taken it over 3k rpm.

    Of course we're all biased so, in the end, enjoy your car. I'm enjoying mine. And if someone says "mine's better because..." then he's got penile issues.
  • nvedraninvedrani Member Posts: 58
    your'e comparing to a Millenia "P" and there, I agree, there is no comparison, think "S".....you never, although, mentioned anything about interior noise intrusion???...hmmm..wonder why???
    Now, I'm not a Mazda enthusiast by any means, but am simply killing time with my 2000 S before my, (dealer held), RX-8 arrives next year. So I'm curious to know if when that arrives all you Maxima power nuts still going to say the Maxima has it beat b/c it has 5 more ponies (RX-8 supposed: 250hp)???
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    I guess it's a matter of taste and not to get too far off the subject...but I'll take the 350Z over the RX-8.
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    I'm half deaf in one ear and the other is going, so the back window could blow out and I *might* notice.

    I keep finding "...supercharged v6 is whiny" and "0-60 in 8.2". Please let me know what the whiny supercharger can do 0-60... and the 16.2 in the 1/4 isn't too impressive either, so post a 1/4 mile time, too. I believe you'd be hard pressed to find a serious Maxima person who believes *any* magazine numbers. Get your RX-8 and take it to the track, or pull up next to one of us at a light a rev a little, then we'll see (just make sure I'm past my 1000 mile break-in!!!).

    Until then, we all have penile issues (if that doesn't make sense, see end of post 31).

    By the way, "noise intrusion" at the level that's happening in either of these cars isn't high on 90% of people's list of things to worry about. What's the decibel difference between my Max and your MM? If it's off by more than 4 dB I'll be surprised, and that's easily overcome by turning the radio knob one more click. I chose the SE knowing the suspension was going to transfer a little more road noise. I could have bought a GLE with softer suspension and different tires and had less 'noise intrusion' but I'm in the 90% on this one.

    Seriously, since this is edmunds there must be some respect for them in their town hall. Read about 2001/2002 MM and Max in their reviews and you'll get the feeling Mazda could stop production of the MM and nobody would notice, while they *love* the Max. Really, read it, then come on back, ya-hear!
  • oilers1oilers1 Member Posts: 17
    Also what are you doing using a comparison from 4 years ago?????

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Hmm, you'll have to ask Mazda why they really haven't changed the car in much in 4 years.

    fwatson, there is no 'P' here, just the S, and I just checked Mazda's website, it lists and $42.5K, no thanks. My Maxima is an SE an lists at $33900+freight. Leather and sunroof is an extra $3K. I really wouldn't have considered a Millenia since its not available with a manual.
    The Millenia was a good mid 90s car. RIP.
  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    Quote oilers1: "The Millenia was a good mid 90s car. RIP."

    This confirms your own statement that you did not even take the time to check out the Millenia. If you had, You would know it is a beautiful and impecably finished car that just did not enter the horsepower war. Other than losing a drag race to the Max, it is in every way as modern mechanically and all other ways as the Max. Unless you are one of those who require a Navigation system. My road maps still work fine.
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    Watson, we have a problem! I'm using what edmunds has for Maxima (2002) and MM (2001)... that's the most current I can find. I keep finding words like "lacking, liability in the twisties, bland, disappointing, whiny, outdated, nothing especially enthralling, quality wasn't as good, creaks, perplexing, rattles, adequate..." in reference to *2001* MM. These aren't compliments, people.


    Read for yourself:

    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/spin/45921/article.html


    Also, in the original thread in the MM section (before the moderator asked to move it here) someone posted links to reliability... if you compare the 1994 Max to the 1994 MM, you're right, MM wins. But since then it's all green lights for the Max. That's just bad debating skill, baby; you're giving me ammunition *proving* the Max has at least as high and maybe higher quality that the MM.

  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    Direct from Edmund's review:

    -We last tested the Millenia S in 1999 and, like most of Ben Affleck's movies, found it to be a forgettable experience.
    -"Millenia's suspension manages to ride roughly over pockmarked surfaces and wallow like a Buick over larger bumps and dips." It was almost as if Millenia couldn't decide whether to direct its efforts toward being a luxury or a sport sedan, so it ended up performing competently as neither.
    -Our test vehicle's automatic transmission likewise behaved sluggishly; whenever we hit the gas for a spurt of speed, there was a disheartening lag as the tranny struggled with the moral dilemma of whether or not to downshift. While neither the insufficient low-end torque nor the tardy transmission were glaring enough to induce a panic attack when attempting to weave through traffic, they certainly detracted from Millenia S' claim to be a sport sedan.

    I hit the gas in my Max and heads snap back. The suspension is excellent, and I've never seen a Ben Afleck (who's he?) movie but I'm assuming that's not what you'd call 'praise.' I know that one was from 1999, but it was prominently placed right up front so I had to throw it in. The rest of the comments are about the 2001.
  • ralphwiensralphwiens Member Posts: 1
    Hey all,
    I own a 2002 Maxima SE and a 2000 Millenia S (ME) Both are great cars. I love the looks of the Mazda, but enjoy driving the Maxima a lot more. This is my 2nd Mazda Millenia S and both times I considered the Maxima, but the horsepower difference at the time did not justify my buying the Maxima. The fun factor now with the increased HP is threefold over the Mazda. Also the 6 speed wieghed heavily on my decision. I gave my wife the Mazda, but now she wants me to sell that and buy her a Nissan Maxima also. If looks with decent power is primary concern then the Millenia S is the way to go. But if the "smile" factor is primary importance the the Nissan Maxima 6 speed is the one.

    Buy the way a 2000 Millenia S Millemium Edition (Red) for Sale 60k miles, 100k extended warranty, excelent shape $15,800

    Ralph
  • nvedraninvedrani Member Posts: 58
    oh my gosh...we give...all you Maxima owners have the BEST car EVER manufactured in every way imaginable!! happy now.....good b/c I paid $22k for a fully equiped 2000 Millenium Ed. S w/ 3,000 miles on it (and that was w/ Edmunds negative bias)....now go find me a Maxima SE w/ same...all we are saying here is that the Millenia is a FAR superior value over any Max and day....do you not think anyone who bought a Millenia couldn't have easily also afforded a Max???
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    There are better cars than the Maxima... I'd trade it for an M3 (or M5... Mmm, M5) in a heartbeat. But I wouldn't trade it for any other 4-door sedan on the market today (needs 4 doors to qualify in my 2-kid household).


    I guess you'll have to trust I'm not lying. I got 2002 SE 6-speed, limited slip, Bose 6-cd in dash, airbags, heated/electric everything, sunroof, leather...basically every option except Navigation. $26,200 with 6 miles, not 3,000.


    I'm not saying it's the "BEST car EVER manufactured" (well, the engine is, http://www.carseverything.com/content/article/1389/, but that's a different story) we're trying to defend against the biased attacks against the Max.


    The MM is a good car, I already said that, but is it a better value? NO! For an extra $3,000 you could have at least as good as what you got in most areas, and better in all the rest, brand new. That's an extra $55/month financed at Nissan's 3.9% over 5 years. I could have left off some of the options and been under $25,000 ($33/month over your used MM). So you tell me:


    new, bigger, more comfortable, NEW, faster, as reliable, as safe, NEW for less than $2,000, or;


    used, smaller, less comfortable, slower...


    Basically I'm reading the Edmunds reviews to you. Go read them and *you* decide which someone should buy based on what they wrote. Try to find a negative in the Max review, and try to find more than 5 positives in the MM review.

  • fwatsonfwatson Member Posts: 639
    First, a small nitpick. There was no '94 Millenia. Secondly, click on the marks on the Carpoint charts for the reason the cars received either an X or !. The Millenia had only one repetitive problem in '95 and '96, spark plug wires. Very cheap and easy to repair.

    The Maxima's engine problems were more severe. Maxima also had additional problems with Heating & AC as well as Accessories. The fact they showed up bad after a period of a few years speaks to how well a car holds up as it ages.

    Secondly, I have not said nor implied that the Millenia is superior to the Maxima in all ways. They are as I have repeatedly said both very good cars. The fact is though that Millenia has at least as many catagories in which it outperforms the Max as the other way around. I have said before, that I set out to buy a Max, so obviously I do not condider it an inferior car. I do find the Millenia much preferrable for my uses than the Maxima. I value that quiet comfortable ride over a 6.7 second 0 to 60 time for one thing. I have previously listed others.
  • nvedraninvedrani Member Posts: 58
    ok this is my last post as I really don't care that much (RX-8 eat your heart out),

    1) 3,000 miles doesn't qualify as "used" 5,000 and over does...I only bought used so I could dodge the terrible depreciation this car has....still full factory warranty buddy!!!

    2) EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHERS DRIVE A MAXIMA

    end of story - and comfort - puhhhleassssse - that's a stretch!! adios
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    I'll put my $0.02 in later... and "last post"... all I can say is "thanks goodness."
  • silverbullet6silverbullet6 Member Posts: 1
    Okay, we are comparing to closely matched cars.

    One car (The Maxima) is more performance oriented, the other (Mazda Millenia) more luxury oriented.

    Now, if I wanted a Luxury car, the MM would be on my list to look at. It's a very nice design of a car, but it defintely could use a bit more power. Mazda discontinued the MM after this year for reasons of not selling. The Millenia had its time, and now its past, there are alot more cars out there than are cheaper that will smoke the Mazda in all catagories.

    The new 2k2 Maxima is a sharp car, and well worth the bang for the buck. 255hp, 6spd even, or auto, more room than the Mazda, and better crash protection. We use to own a Mazda 626, car was dead on power, but it was very reliable. Mazda is known for tranny problems in the history, but they make great engines.

    They are quiet as well for sound, but the way they make the windows, allows more wind noise to come in. I still think the Mazda was better on wind noise than the Maxima. The Maxima has a TSB out for wind noise on the back windows. I had this done when I owned a 2k1 Maxima. It helped but it still was noisy at 70mph. I now own a Acura, and this car is dead silent at 70mph.

    The Mazda does handle like a boat compared to other cars in its class, but at least it doesn't have the BEAM suspension in the back like the Maxima does. Personally Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti make some of the best cars. Mazda (shall I dare say, FORD), has a lot of catching up to do.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Let's do this politely. Obviously everyone chose the vehicle that best met the needs, priorities and wishes of the buyer at the time.

    Just as obviously, we all have very different needs, priorities and wishes. Were this not the case, I guess they'd only ever have to make one vehicle to satisfy us all, eh?

    There is absolutely no need to be rude or attacking to another member because that member's opinion differs from our own.

    Either discuss the differences between these two vehicles in a civil and respectful manner, or withhold your comments altogether.

    Thank you.

    Pat
    Sedans Host
  • 2k2wannabe2k2wannabe Member Posts: 23
    Hmm, if it was me, please let me know because I don't think I wrote anything offensive. If something was deleted, let us know. Other places I post the moderator lets us know a no-no post was deleted while scolding us.

    I'm back... I went back to carpoint to check out the issues and click the links. The issue with the Max for 95 and 96 looked the same so I don't know why they're different severities.

    Also, using that as a gauge, the Max and MM have THE EXACT SAME rating since `95. Since both Max issues are the same, I'd mark them both as yellow, the same severity as both MM issues... and the Max issues are just as easily fixed as the MM spark plug issue... so you can stop using that as a MM good point.

    I agree with a lot of what's been written. They're both good cars. One is more sporty, one is trying to be more luxury. Read the reviews all over (I chose edmunds but other reviewers said similar things - yes for Max, unimpressed for MM).

    I take issue that people are claiming the Max is not as reliable - PROVE YOUR POINT, and carpoint doesn't do it. Carpoint proves MY POINT, that they have the same reliability.

    Now for the "bang for the buck" issue... again, max wins. I've been thinking about what nevderani said and it doesn't make sense... he waited and bought a used car (6 miles compared to 3,000 - come on man, admit you bought used) and could have paid $2000 more for brand new, more features, bigger, etc (you know my argument). That DOES NOT make it a better value.

    Compare apple to apple, I can get a demo 2001 Max with less than 5,000 miles for less than you bought your MM. You got a bargain on the MM, but you didn't get the biggest bang for your buck.

    And Pat, seriously, if it was me who was being naughty, please let me know.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    The new Maxima was severly beaten by the ugly stick. It used to be a sharp looking car. Regardless of how fun it is to drive, the looks and the Dodge Caravan-esque rear suspension are enough to make one not want to buy it. I think the Millenia looks super smooth, but you can't get a manual transmision. Price wise, they are an excellent alternative to a V6 Camry/Accord. I'm into manual transmissions and cars that handle well though. If I were shopping in this class, I'd probably check out the new Altima (that dang interior) or the upcoming Mazda 6.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    The tone of a number of posts here has been far less than civil. That needs to change. That's all there is to it.

    If anyone wants to pursue this specific issue, please feel free to email me.

    Otherwise, let's go forward with a polite and reasonable comparison of these vehicles.

    Thank you.

    Pat
    Sedans Host
  • kw1964kw1964 Member Posts: 7
    One last post and I'll step out of the fray too.
    I don't wish to get in trouble with Pat, so I'll try to use the most PC words that I can. One big issue for me in choosing the Millenia over the Maxima (in addition to the mechanical issues I discussed earlier) was sheer appearance. I found the Maxima to be very "unappealing visually".
    It appeared one design team did the front end, while another did the back. The results are sort of interesting, but I found it to be way "visually unappealing". I don't take any pleasure in telling someone that the car they own and love is tragically deformed, but to fail to mention the issue out of kindness isn't really fair either. A lot of people are turned off by the sheer appearance of the Maxima, and I'm sure that Nissan would sell many more of them if they weren't so " visually unappealing".
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    But kw1964, you are speaking of your own personal reaction.

    My point is that we ALL are entitled to differing personal reactions - and none of us should be slammed for viewing the situation in our own unique way.

    Pat
    Sedans Host
This discussion has been closed.