Nissan Maxima vs. Honda Accord

loonee2n · March 2001

As well as every other high performance part for a car, Team Stillen makes a supercharger for the Maxima. They claim 90 more horsepower for the 2000 Max. That's 312hp. They also have high flow intake and other goodies. You can check it out at www.stillen.com.

speedracer3 · March 2001

When I was shopping I was looking for a good V6. In the list were two coupes and two four doors. They were as follows: Toyota Solara V6, Honda Accord V6 coupe, VW Passat V6, and Nissan Maxima SE.

I will only comment on the Honda and the Maxima, because they are the cars in the topic, but this is how they stacked up in my book

#1 Nissan Maxima SE (which I got)
#2 Volkswagen Passat V6
#3 Camry Solara V6
#4 Honda Accord V6 Coupe

The Honda's leather seats were terrible, extremely hard and uncofortable. The Maxima seats are soft and confy. The shifting in the Honda is very jerky especially between first and second..the Maxima can bring in the power quick with smoother shifts. The Honda does not feel sporty, lots of body roll. Test drive them hard, and the Maxima is the only one up to task. The Bose in the Maxima is light years ahead of anything in any of these cars. The Honda Accord is a fine car, but not much fun to drive. Also, not a huge issue, but I trust the integrity of Japanese made car better than American made ones.

Speed <--- Drivin!

boatman7 · March 2001

Good morning! Well after looking at EXv6's,Passat
used S70's and some american junk I just bought a
01 Max Gle w/roof and changer. It's grey luster
with grey leather and gorgeous. We chose the Max for it's power, unique looks, (too many accords on the road)it's warranty and reputation. The VW
warranty was a joke and the Honda people were very hard to negotiate with (so were the VW folks)
Drive these cars and you will go with the Max for
it's seat comfort, rear leg room,and general dash
layout. The engine purrs and the tranny shifts much better then the other two contenders. Best of all was the price. $29K list/paid under $26k.
We saved enough $$ to order 4 Borbett H's and snows from the Tire Rack to ride out the rest of NY's winter. If you want to deal with a GREAT dealer, try Serafini Nissan in Vestal, NY. Super people to do business with!

gerapau · March 2001

The top speed of the Max SE is about 143mph but this can only be achieved under ideal conditions. Most would be lucky to get it over 135mph. As far as limiters are concerned, there are none on the SE with 17" wheels. The SE with 16" wheels does have a limiter due to the fact that the tires are H (130mph) speed rated. The 17" tires are V (149mph) speed rated and are more then capable of taking the Max's top speed.

madwolf · March 2001

HELP !! I'm interested in a '01 Max SE. The problem is after test driving for 15 or so minutes I get an ache in my outer left thigh where the seat hits it. Any advice? Any one else have problems with the seats? Other than that the Max is a great car.

kevinw5 · March 2001

I just went shopping today for a 2001 Max SE with all of the goodies except leather and traction control. My first question is can anyone tell me what a good price for this car and if anyone has purchased this car for 450 or less with 1500 down. I really fell in love with this car today but want to know if anyone has gotten this car for 450 a month with 1500 down. Am I dreaming or is this possible with this type of car. Second, question... is the traction control worth the extra money? Thanks for your help!!

Kevin

sebb · March 2001

Kevin...
If you get everything (Bose, 6-disc, microfilter, wind deflector, C+C pkg, splash guards, floormats) your sticker price should be around 28,800 with an invoice of 25,800. Most people seem to be getting a few hundred under invoice...so let's say you can get the car for 25,300. (Your good price you asked for) Putting 1500 down will take you down to 23,800. Financing at a good rate of 6.9% will be bring your total cost to purchase to about 31,000. This is figuring 6% sales tax and destination charges. Dividing that over 60 months and you get $500/month. The only way I see bringing that down is going with a 72 month loan...or getting a better deal on the Max. (not likely...plus 6.9% is a pretty nice rate). Maybe if you drop about 1500 in options you will be in for 450 a month. Anyone see errors in this logic?

About the traction control. It doesn't come in to play very often...but it is nice to have if you live in the northern US. I find that accelerating on a slick surface is much easier..as is turning sharply on slick pavement. For only 300 bucks...I find it to be a pretty good value. Good luck! Hope it all works for you.

gottajibboo · March 2001

Hey everyone, I also am interested in a Nissan Maxima SE. I just totaled my 1990 Maxima when I hit an Ameritech truck (I was having really bad phone service). I love the new Maxima's and would like to find a 4 door Sedan under 24,000. I am also considering an Accord or a Passat.

So first of all, what do you think between the 3 choices. I would even consider a 4 cylinder Honda or VW to lower the costs. A Maxima would definitely give me a great V6 engine, but I would likely have to cut down on the options to keep my prices below 24K.

I was also wondering about using premium fuel for the Nissan and VW. Is this a an absolute necessity? Is this a reason to steer toward an Accord? Am I just being cheap?

Finally, does anyone know if Nissan is giving manufacturer's rebates during April?

antonk · March 2001

My dad just drove the Honda Accord EX-V6, and was absolutely appalled at how much he disliked everything about it. He now owns a 95 Maxima SE and has driven the 2000 Maxima, and the Accord does not even come close to either one.
I would definately go with a Maxima SE.

gretel1 · March 2001

I am buying a car for the first time on my own. Have tested several and narrowed it down to the Honda Accord EX with V6 and the Nissan Maxima GLE, Meridian edition. The Honda dealer wants $23,465 and the Nissan dealer wants $27,125. They both said these are near invoice prices. Are these good deals, or are they out of line? Also, anyone know how they compare?

sebb · March 2001

Hi Gretchen...the price on the Honda seems ok. I believe invoice is around 22,700 or so...you may be able to get the car at lower than the 23465 you quoted. However...I have no idea what accesories (foglights/splashguards/rear spoiler etc) may be on it. If it is just a regular EX-V6 with Leather...22,700 is invoice for that car. On the Maxima...again depending on options/accessories...the car you describe (GLE with Meridian only) would invoice for about 24,700. However, if you start throwing in rear spoilers, floormats, sunroofs etc...your invoice can get up into the 26k area real quick.

As you describe it, the Nissan price seems high but I don't know what is coming on these cars. I have driven a 2000 GLE extensively (with Meridian) as my in laws own it and we have driven it on long trips. A very nice riding car. Roomy and comfy...and the heated seats are worth every penny the Meridian edition charges!!! I test drove the Accord EX-V6 when we bought our Max SE and the Honda is a very nice car no doubt. But the amenities in the Max feel more luxurious, the ride is "softer". I thought the Accord felt a little cramped...with bland styling. The Max is a little bigger with more trunk and passenger space...and you have more options with the Maxima. (Bose, Homelink, etc..) But...these are just my opinions. Both are excellent choices. Good luck!

jdimotta · March 2001

Just bought an SE for 25k in Silver Mist w/ SE package and Bose system,mats ,micro,deflector,and had them throw in the mirror with compass,list is at 28k...this is just an outstanding car and a looker...we got a thumbs up from a few folks on the highway..is this a good price?..Thanks...Joe D.

kagedude · March 2001

Hi, I'm so happy. After reading your posts, I finally decided on buying a new 2001 Maxima SE auto with all the options except the 6 cd changer. I got the silver mist with black leather. I must say, the interior is very luxurious. I got more that what I expected. I paid $25,963 ($28,343 with 8.25% taxes and registration) with 6.9% financing. I actually had a shouting match with the finance guy because they thought they will make more money trying to jack up my interest rates to 9.9%. Anyway, the car is awesome. So much power that I can't wait after the break in period. My last car was a 95 bmw 325i so the first thing I noticed was the handling. The steering is light and effortless. The max's ride is also a bit choppy and I do notice that long radius on turns. On a smooth highway however, man, I'm going 80 at 2500 rpm and the car feels like its just coasting. I think that is where it stands out - Comfort on those long drives. About the stereo, I don't understand what the big deal is with the bose. I find it having way too much bass for listening purposes. The clarity is also not up to par with some good systems out there.

Sadly, I have to bring my max back to the dealer this week due to a wheel alignment and headlight adjustment. Also, I've noticed on a couple of occasions that it wont start on the first and second try. I waited 5 seconds and then it started. Don't know if its a problem but it did happen a couple of times so that makes me wonder.

Just have a question. Has anyone gone to the carwash with those 17 inch rims? I heard from someone not to bring it cuz the tracks on the carwash scratches the rims.

Thank you.

borisgudonov · March 2001

That is a problem I wouldn't mind having. You have a sub in your Maxima, right? Does it have variable output? Can you adjust the sensitivity? What size is it? What kind of power is supplied to it and from what source? When I testdrove an SE 20th Ann with the Bose system, the stereo sounded great to me. It had a sub in between the two back speakers. It sounded great. My main listening interest is classical, though, and I hardly ever can get enough bass with that.

gnl · March 2001

I can't speak to the Honda, but the price for the Maxima seems high. I bought a GLE with the heated seats/side air bags, sunroof, traction control last summer for $26,300, including destination. Unless you're quoting a price that includes tax, title and tags, seems like too much.

Suggest you try another dealer. You will love the car if you buy it! One plus the Maxima has over the Honda in the convenience dept. is the split folding rear seat. We use that a lot, put the dog's crate/bed flat on the smaller part of the fold-down.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

dhinindiana1 · March 2001

I recently bought a pristine '95 Max from an individual and am deliriously happy with the
deal and the car. The seller said it is an SE but I see no markings inside or out or on
paperwork which indicate the trim level. Can this be determined from the VIN number?
Help! Deliriously Happy in Indiana.

hvan3 · March 2001

I think it would be great if Nissan (Infiniti) comes out with a performance vehicle that competes against BMW 3 series. Lexus IS300 has done it. However, when it comes to performance and handling, I think Nissan is light years ahead of Toyota and Honda.

dklanecky · March 2001

Maxima's in 1995 model year were GXE, GLE, and SE.

The easiest way to determine the three models is by the outside door handles. Only the SE has body colored handles. The other two have chromed handles.

The GXE and SE could also be had with 5 speed manual transmissions while the GLE was automatic only.

I have a 95 GLE with 180,000 miles on it that still runs great. Good luck with yours!

speedracer3 · March 2001

Nissan has already come up with a BMW 3/Lexus IS300 fighter. The code name is XVL, and it will arrive shortly under the Infiniti badge. Here's what it looks like.

http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/nissan/xvl/images/xvl01.jpg

hvan3 · March 2001

Thanks for the photo! After taking a closer look, I still think it looks bland...just like all other Nissan designs. Why can't Nissan design sporty looking cars? I think in order to make it a Beemer fighter, Infiniti needs to design a nice looking coupe with horsepowers and great handling.

liposlim · March 2001

I have had two "Nissans" ("Datsun 280-ZX" and "300-ZX") . I was extremely happy with both cars, and I can tell you that "Nissan" IS a great company! Do you know that they issued a "Recall" for my 1995 "300-ZX" for a small problem with the "Fuel Injectors" (Hardly even noticable!) in 1996 (OVER 10 YEARS LATER!)! They replaced all of the "Fuel Injectors" at a cost of over $700.00 per car! NOW, Check this out! On my car, I wasn't happy with how it was running (It was bogging), they replaced the "Fuel Injectors" THREE TIMES, at no cost to me! This IS a great company! However, between the "Nissan Maxima" and the "Honda Accord" I go with the "Honda" "Hands Down" over the "Nissan"! I have the "Honda Accord", I love it, and I just do not like the "Maxima" in particular! Sorry "Nissan", I really am! I feel bad saying that, but I am being honest.
__________________________________________________

Now, on a different note, I have a bit of a problem, which I need some advice on.

Here's the deal: I bought a "Honda Accord EX" (6 Cylinder VTEC) in 1998 (My first). I think we paid like 28,000.00 including all costs (I could be wrong) however we did trade in a piece of junk and got $4 grand on it! (It is actually leased -- $320.00 per month) Now I am a guy who has had nothing but "Sports Cars" ('67 "Mustang Fastback," "1982 Datsun 280-ZX," "1985 Nissan 300-ZX, and a "1989 Porsche 944") my whole life! I NEVER would have believed I would own a "Honda," and I would NEVER believe I'd say this, but "I LOVE THAT CAR!" I mean it's a beautiful car! It has every amenity, and a set of balls to boot! My wife and I love the "Gold" color (Exterior), and gold "Leather Interior"! I even threw in a $5,000.00 "Audio Video System" (Sounds, and looks awesome! The "TV" keeps the kids busy too, so the wife and I can concentrate!) My wife is blown away by it! My biggest problem I have right now is that the lease is up next month! ("April")My problem is this: I need to decide whether I should keep this car, or lease a new 2001! I believe it is basically the same car, right? I also don't know if they have the "Gold" color on the new ones, which I would like to get again,although the "Gray" is sharp too! Anyone know if they do still have the "Gold"? Anyway, I need some advice here! (No doubt I would get another "Accord" and another, and another!) What should I do guys? (Keep in mind I would need to move all of the "Audio Video" equipment, which could be costly! and the car IS in "Mint" condition both inside and out!) If I do get a new one, which color do you all suggest I get?

Thanks Guys (and Gals)

PS - I must admit, I DO sometimes miss that "Porsche"! (lol)

From "Liposlim.com"

speedracer3 · March 2001

Keep in mind that the XVL you see in the pic is a concept car, it's not the final version of the car. I happen to like it though, it looks like a mini-Merc.

borisgudonov · March 2001

My SE doesn't have the trim designation either. But I think GXE's that were fitted with spoilers have a brake light in the spoiler and at the bottom of the back window. If it was an SE it would never have had a brake light at the bottom of the back window. The wheels and sunroof and other stuff could be on any Maxima. The only other thing I can think of is the chrome door handles, as mentioned.

gnl · March 2001

If you've got a car that's running great, you love, your wife loves it, you've modified it with the AV equipment to suit you - then keep it! You will be so much better off financially, unless the residual is set higher than the current value of the car (unlikely, considering lease deals in 1998 in general). Pay it off, keep it another three years after the pay off but continue making "car payments" to yourself, and you'll be in a position to pay cash for your next car. A great feeling, not having car payments.

edwardsa1 · March 2001

Is there a "reason" you use so many "quotation marks"? It is, well, "distracting" to "read".

maxhunt · March 2001

I have both the 01 GLE and the 01 V6 EX. Both are great cars. The Accord is my wife's, so you can guess as to which car I think is better! I enjoy driving the Accord, but LOVE to drive the Maxima.

Anyway, Color. Our Accord color is the Naples Gold Metallic. Beautiful color - get that color!

I've had two Maximas and my wife has had 5 Accords. We've had great luck with all of them.

yaob · April 2001

The 2002 Altima might be a good competitor to the Accord,
anybody know when it will be avaiable????

thanks!

speedracer3 · April 2001

The 2002 Altima will be shown in the upcoming New York Auto Show (April 11 is the debut), and should hit Nissan dealers in the fall.

Hope this helps

Speed

pbhatti · April 2001

The Skyline is Nissan's answer to the lexus is300/bmw 3. It's 2.5L V6 with 280hp and AWD. They only sell the car Japan for about 50k. Check this site out for more http://www.carview.co.jp//Vip/Overview/NISSAN/SKYLINEGT-R/new.asp

speedracer3 · April 2001

The Skyline is really a sports car, not a sedan like the Lexus IS and BMW 3s. The most attrative version as you pointed in your link is the GT-R, which is a probably for the money one of the best sports cars in the world. A company in the U.S called Motorex http://www.skylinegtr.com will sell you one for $80K. Too bad Nissan will probably never bring the Skyline GT-R in its current form to the U.S., because at around $26K (it's selling price in Japan) it would have a lot of buyers here. Shucks!

anilpunjabi · April 2001

ON a 2001 honda accord ex - v6 sedan, i negotiated a price of 22975 and a down payment of 2000, and i wANT A 36 month lease, and the local sales tax here is 6%, please respond quickly thanx

curtnheidi · April 2001

It depends on where you are in this great nation of ours, but all over Honda has great lease deals right now.

The host CarMan quoted me a money factor of .00213 and 57% residual on 15,000 miles/39 months. The dealer confirmed this, except he said the residual is 56%.

On the EX 6cyl, It gives us us a payment in the 325-330 range with no money down. This is excellent for a 25000 car with V6, leather and all the luxuries.

Something worth considering, Can anyone touch this deal in a maxima?

Curt

speedracer3 · April 2001

I have a 48 mo. (no cap cost reduction other than first month and sec. deposit) lease for my $26K Maxima SE with Confort and Convenience package and auto.

I pay $354 per month with tax. Remember that the Maxima is more expensive than the Accord, but you can get a Maxima below invoice.

Good luck

Speed

srgz · April 2001

Hi all,
I am a new buyer.I have never owned a car before.
I have three cars in my mind, Accord Exv6,Camry Lv6 & Maxima se or gle.
I dont know which one to go for.I almost decided on maxima,
but i saw so many starting problems in the discussion .I know there culd be many
probs with camry or honda as well.If any had experience with all the three,pls
give me some advice as to which one to go for.
other than frequent starting probs is there any major prob with max?
Thanks in advance,
srgz.

anilpunjabi · April 2001

actually i heard the best way to deal on a lease is first negotiate a buying price and base ur lease on that price, and i got a deal so far with 2000 down 289 for 39 months, the 2k down include all tags taxes etc or with 3000 down 261 a month

speedracer3 · April 2001

Go with the car you like. You really can't go wrong with the Accord or the Max, they are both great cars. I drove the Accord, the Solara, and Maxima. The Maxima sold me outright...mine will be two years old and it has been perfect. No problems, true joy to own and drive.

Good luck!
Speed

gnl · April 2001

Agree with speed 100%. I had a Camry in the mid-90's, reliable as they come. But my current Maxima is my fourth Nissan, love it. It's just sportier, more fun, less seen on every corner. And equally as reliable if not more so, by the way. The Camry had a problem with burning out one taillight at frequent intervals, can't remember why.

By the way, you guys might get a kick out of going to a site called www.badgirlswirl.com Click through it a little bit, there's a list of what cars say about the guys who own them. A BMW is saying "I bought my wife," an Acura "I'm too good for German cars," a Porsche - well, you'll have to find out for yourself what a Porsche means!

mattanders1 · April 2001

When you load up an SE with leather, CD changer, moonroof, etc., it prices out between an Accord V6 EX and the Acura TL, matches the Acura horsepower (much faster and better handling and breaking than the Accord 200 hp), and is bigger inside than both. I think the TL looks nicer and maybe has a better resale/reliability track record. Doesn't the TL/Maxima comparison make more sense?

speedracer3 · April 2001

Actually, a better comparison is the TL vs. the Infiniti I35. Since they are both the luxury versions of their respective divisions. Even a loaded Maxima can be had for thousands less than a TL.

kevinw5 · April 2001

Quick question...Has anyone had any luck with leasing a car and then buying the car once the lease is up. I can't afford to buy a maxima but can afford to lease one but I know that I will rack up the miles and wanted to know if this could be a possible option for me. Can anyone tell me the downfalls to this plan. I'm looking for words of wisdom!!! Thanks KW

pat · April 2001

For Maxima specific questions, you may want to look into our active discussion at this link: Nissan Maxima.

And you can find lots of good information on leasing in the discussions taking place on our Finance, Warranty & Insurance Board.

Good luck.

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

runner1954 · April 2001

I have been reading all these posting and I am more confused than ever. I need to buy a car this week and end have been comparing the Accord EX V6 to the Maxima SE. I can get the Accord for 23160 at a 4 year loan at 4.9% I can get the Maxima SE with Meridian,Comfort/Conven and leather for 26300 at 4 year 3.9%. My dilemna is what to do. Is it worth the 3300 to get the Maxima. I am concerned about resale, repair costs, reliability. I have had an Accord and it was great but I wanted something a little faster.
Help!!!

speedracer3 · April 2001

Bargain!, a Maxima can be had for invoice or below.

mattanders1 · April 2001

The numbers just don't add up. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

vikif · April 2001

I just get MaximaSE with Comfort/Con., sunroof ,17 in., no leather for 23850, 3.9%- 5 years.

speedracer3 · April 2001

Maxima SE with confort and convenience pkg. and automatic. Nothing else. I got it for around $23K

vikif · April 2001

85 of 98 Curt by speedracer3 Apr 11, 2001 (07:12 am)

I have a 48 mo. (no cap cost reduction other than first month and sec. deposit) lease for my $26K Maxima SE with Confort and
Convenience package and auto.

I pay $354 per month with tax. Remember that the Maxima is more expensive than the Accord, but you can get a Maxima below
invoice.

Good luck

Speed 88 of 98 srgz by speedracer3 Apr 11, 2001 (07:24 pm)

Go with the car you like. You really can't go wrong with the Accord or the Max, they are both great cars. I drove the Accord, the
Solara, and Maxima. The Maxima sold me outright...mine will be two years old and it has been perfect. No problems, true joy to own
and drive.

Good luck!
Speed 98 of 98 That's what I have.... by speedracer3 Apr 26, 2001 (03:04 pm)

Maxima SE with confort and convenience pkg. and automatic. Nothing else. I got it for around $23K

How many Maximas do you have?

speedracer3 · April 2001

One Maxima SE. MSRP was 26K, I got it for $23K with confort and conveiniece package and automatic. I have a 48 month lease and pay $354 a month. I hope this clears up your confusion.

newbie5 · May 2001

And knew I wanted Maxima SE. I am shooting for base SE and I know about the extra standard features the Accord EX has over that car (power seat, leather, cd changer etc). Others may definitely be persuaded when looking at this. As far as style, I like the Maxima much better. Next comes quality/reliability and one needs to do their homework on that. SE base is plenty of car for me and I can cut my cost a bit by not adding options to it (except mats, mud guards and microfilter. The SE in sterling mist has me dreaming at night!! I like the ride and interior design of the SE. Hondas are a great car and I have had two (hatchback and a Prelude) with no problems whatsoever. However, I did not buy a Civic over my present day Saturn SL2. Darn fine job on that car and I had NO problem with it so far. It rides like a dream. Good luck on your decisions, folks!

borisgudonov · May 2001

Don't you just love that new Maxima commercial with the guy that races in toward the west in his 5-speed Maxima (presumably SE) to see the sun set twice in one day? Man that makes me wanna just blast off down the highway, except that the gas mileage suffers then (which, of course, happens the faster you drive any car.)

Nissan Maxima vs. Honda Accord

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