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Consumer Test Drive - 1999 Nissan Maxima
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 18:07:49 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | Ryan Pierce |
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Description:
Overall Rating:
Comfort Rating:
Performance Rating:
Quality Rating:
Appearance Rating:
Favorite Feature:
Combination of sporty performance and luxury for the price.
Least Favorite Feature:
The tan leather seems to mark easily. But I'll live with this because it is cooler than black in the summer.
Advice to Buyer:
Get them now, before the new model comes out, while the discounts are lower.
Detailed Review:
Smooth and powerful. This car seems to have it all. It is powerful, nimble, and responsive like a sports sedan should be. It is also as comfortable and impressive to sit in as a near-luxury car like a Lexus or an Acura. Having only owned sport coupes in the past, I was looking for a reliable, roomy (made necessary by my two new kids), four-door car that could be driven hard. I wanted little goodies like leather seats, a CD player, and a sun roof, ... and I needed to buy it for under $25,000. I looked hard at the Oldsmobile Intrigue (sporty enough, but not as luxurious or proven reliable). I liked the Honda Accord EX-V6 (not exactly sporty handling, but a great engine and solid as a rock). But, the Honda dealer actually laughed at me when I asked for $500.00 off of the sticker. In terms of luxury feel and drivability, the Maxima is in every way superior to the Accord. It feels more plush, less 'Japanese' in character, and takes hard turns much faster than the Honda. With Dealer discounts and cash back from Nissan, I paid much less than what I'd have paid for the Accord or Oldsmobile. This was partly because the new model will come out later this year, but I am leasing, so resale value is of less concern to me. What I also like about this car is that it is considered more 'upscale' than the Accord or Camry, and is not usually included in comparisons with those 'family appliances', which are available in four cylinder, basic transportation versions. It is a luxury car that is fun to drive, and with discounts, the price is right. What more could you ask for?
Also Considered:
1999 Honda Accord
1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1999 Toyota Camry
Vehicle Purchased:
1999 Nissan Maxima
Reviewer Information:
Name - Ryan Pierce
Location - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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