1 week in SoCal in '03 Maxima SE

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

tell us more.

How did you enjoy the interior, the handling, SoCal itself.Sunroof/AC work well?

I know you are pampered, coming from a $60,000 car but still I wanna hear more.

Fred...:thumbup

Post by **Mayhem_J30** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Does the 2002/2003 max come with a rear sway bar? I remember the 4th gens not having one...and that stupid beam axle. (which i read was going away on the 2004)

Post by **Q451990** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Just got my March Car and Driver yesterday with a review of the 2004 Maxima. They dedicated about three paragraphs about how this car could have been a contender except for the terrible torque steer! The writers even commented that not taking the time to design the torque steer away could be cost cutting since Nissan is rolling out so many new models right now.... to listen to these guys it ruins the whole car it's so bad - let's hope not!

Guess the RWD G35 still looks pretty good!

Heath

Post by **greg_atlanta** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Just spent a week in SoCal in a 2003 Maxima SE... was hoping to get an Altima from Enterprise, but got Maxima instead.

I was VERY impressed with the drivetrain, both engine and transmission were buttery smooth. A lot more eager than the 2000-01 I30s I've driven a few times.

The handling was very good too, very sharp around corners. Whatever they do with the rear suspension seems to work (live axle beam?). But the ride on rougher roads is BRUTAL. A lot of the interstates in SoCal are concrete and have very pronouced joints... I'm sure all cars take a beating but the Maxima made things worse.

Not sure what's to blame... 17" wheels with 50 profile tires, the stiffer springs, the FWD (don't FWD cars have to have stiffer springs to support the added weight??). I drove a Maxima GXE (lux version) on a test drive a few months ago and it also rode very stiff, so I don't think the SE package is to blame.

Only other gripe is no telescopic steering wheel. Does new Altima have one?

BTW... torque steer can be FUN!!! (esp. when they're not your tires)

Post by **greg_atlanta** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Q451990 wrote:Guess the RWD G35 still looks pretty good!

But it's WAY too cramped inside (for me, at least).

Can't fit unless it doesn't have sunroof (space utilization, design is horrible -- same problem with Maxima). And my right knee rubs against the center console on G35 (not to mention my thigh on the seat switches). And, like the Maxima, no telescopic wheel -- which I've decided is a MUST for me (short arms).

I'd really have problems choosing my next car if I was 5'8"... could fit in anything! (I'm 6'2", and not all arms and legs like most tall people).

Post by **greg_atlanta** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

FRED!!! Move this back to Infiniti General forum. It's one of those "I'm glad I have a Q45" empowerment stories.

I know you want to diversify the forums, but reality is 95% of people stick to one forum and don't look elsewhere.

Thanks!

Post by **theTony** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Nissan calls the rear suspention on the 02/03 Maxima a Multi-Link Beam suspension. The SE models, which are the ones Enterprise uses in thier fleet adds a higer rate to the rear springs and a thicker stabilzer bar on the front. Personally, I like the stiffer ride, and I feel very confident entering and exiting on highway cloverleafs.

You are right... torque steer IS fun!

Post by **jEzTeR** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

greg_atlanta wrote:Only other gripe is no telescopic steering wheel. Does new Altima have one?

BTW... torque steer can be FUN!!! (esp. when they're not your tires)

Well the Altima does not have the telescopic steering wheel as far as I can remember (Ive had mine 1 year today the Nissan dealer sent my car a B-day card today:D )Just tilt.

The torque steer and trac control take some getting used to but I think ive got it down pat now(we will see at the march 8th meet:D )

Post by **jEzTeR** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

audtatious wrote:Oh, BS! Stock suspension sux! Torque steer sux! Lack of a SC/AWD option SUX!

Admit it!

Tony, I'll let you give mine a spin and see how good the stock suspension really is! :wiggle

For a factory suspension its very good!Sure AWD would be nice:D

Post by **jEzTeR** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Q451990 wrote:Guess the RWD G35 still looks pretty good!

Heath

YES it does!:thumbup

What couls Nissan do to get rid of the touque steer?(besides AWD/RWD) The traction controle option on my Altima helpsa little bit.

Post by **audtatious** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Oh, BS! Stock suspension sux! Torque steer sux! Lack of a SC/AWD option SUX!

Admit it!

Tony, I'll let you give mine a spin and see how good the stock suspension really is! :wiggle

Post by **audtatious** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

You're right, it's not that bad. Being that I put 80% highway miles on it, I grew to dislike the way it handled over bridge transitions, rough road and such. It was too "floaty". This car replaced a '93 Probe GT which was an awesome handler and had no torque steer at all. While the Max does not handle as great as the GT did, it is getting there and feels a whole lot better than it did

Post by **Mayhem_J30** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

I've copied this thread back into the Max section. You infiniti guys can discuss as you want in the Infiniti section, but this IS a maxima thread.

Post by **PrinzII** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 3:50 pm

Technically, the '02/'03s do not have a rear sway bar. In fact, the '00-'03s list the rear sway bar as one of the mods to have.

Many of the folks get the Addco but have issues with the brackets breaking. Others get the Stillen.

Me, personally? I am getting the Stillen.

1 week in SoCal in '03 Maxima SE

1 week in SoCal in '03 Maxima SE

Re: 1 week in SoCal in '03 Maxima SE

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