Faults:

Approximately 53,000 miles: The car almost broke down when 5 of the 6 ignition coils burned out. The Nissan dealership charged $850 to replace all 6 coils.

Approximately 60,000 miles: Replaced front and rear brake pads. Cost $481.00.

Approximately 60,000 miles: Replaced the brake light wiring harness because it chafed and shorted the brake lights and the tail lights. Cost $132.

Approximately 63,000 miles: Replaced the brake light wiring harness because of the same problem. Cost $200.

After 2 years: The motorized antenna sounds like a DC-9 when extending or retracting.

General Comments:

I purchased this vehicle new. In general, this is an overpriced and unreliable for a Japanese-manufactured vehicle. I would never purchase another Maxima unless I am receiving at least a 50% discount from MSRP.

The vehicle lacks performance (190 ponies, but Nissan rectified this issue with the newer Maximas) and handles slowly. Nissan should have borrowed the handling design of the Infiniti G20 for the Maxima. Additionally, the transmission tends to stay in second gear unless I come to a complete stop. Gas mileage is adequate--probably due to the weight of the vehicle. The interior wind noise level is acceptable (not as good as an Acura TL).

I should have spent the extra $5,500 and purchased the Acura 3.2TL. Would have been a lot happier.

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong with the car. The only thing that I have noticed is that if you don't come to a complete stop, the transmission stays in second gear.

General Comments:

This car is awesome. Its better than any other car I've ever had. It corners like its on rails, it leaves other cars in its dust. Acceleration is fantastic and braking is good too. Inside its very spacious and comfortable, heated seats are a must in the winter, even with cloth interior.

Faults:

Battery needed to be replaced after 2 years.

I hear a slight rattle from the front left wheel well after only 12K miles.

Disc brakes make a "slinking" sound after the car has been parked for a while. Most probably due to surface rust on the rotors.

A/C compressor starting to make unusual clanging noise.

Fortunately most items were replaced under warranty. But were they all necessary on a 12K vehicle?

General Comments:

The ride is smooth and comfortable.

Straight line acceleration was excellent. Engine is very smooth. I get almost 27 MPG on the highway.

BAD: Carves through curves like a boat. Rear end feels unstable if the road surface is uneven.

Installing a front strut bar made a world of difference.

Car depreciates like a U.S. made car, that is rapidly!

I sold it. I missed it. Until I drove my friend's stock 1999 Honda Accord LX Coupe. That car handled amazingly better than the Maxima, with the feeling of full confidence.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Car originally had too much lean and yaw for my liking. A front strut tower brace and rear stabilizer bar cured that. Comfort, performance, great amenities, handling and quality make it the nicest car I have ever owned.