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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16251 messages,  Last post on Jun 18, 2013 at 7:02 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 984 of 1626

#9827 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [habitat1] by xrunner2

May 02, 2007 (6:48 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (May 01, 2007 5:59 am)
1. Nissan (1995 Maxima SE)
2. Honda (2002 S2000) / Porsche (2005 911S) (tie)
4. Toyota (1983 Supra)
5. Acura (2004 TL 6-speed)
 
Perhaps Habitat needs to keep 04 TL to same amount of miles as his Max to see how it stacks up.
 
Don't think that current Maxima is considered entry level lux perf, but I will add my 2 cents on it along with current gens Acuras.
 
Have a 97 Maxima SE with 181K miles on it and it has been mostly bullit proof. Recently had 2 oxygen sensors replaced on it. Other than normal maintainence (tires, batt, etc) it has been an outstanding car. Probably the best ever in my life. Also have a 2004 TL (80+K Miles) and it has had absolutely zero problems. Don't know if we will keep till 180K miles to see how it stacks up to Maxima.
 
Have some other vehicles including an 07 TL. Guess that is a comment on selecting from current crop of cars in this class. Did not consider 07 G35 or any other RWD because FWD for winter driving very important to us.
 
Years ago, we did consider and test drive 01 Max SE and later the redesigned 04 Max SE. We test drove those without sales persons on back roads and both wife and I concluded that our 97 Max handled better than the 01 or 04. Granted the 04 had a lot of HP, but it was too much HP for the chasis. One word to describe the 04 Max - ponderous. In both cases we opted for Acura TL - 01 and 04. The 01 TL had zero problems at trade-in with 70K miles.
 
Think that 95-99 gen of Maximas had higher quality, fit and finish, than later and current gens. Believe they were built in Japan and had higher levels of materials including the paint. When at Nissan dealer for oil changes over the years, would notice a lesser quality of paint finish and cheaper looking interiors on Maxs compared to the old 97.

#9828 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [xrunner2] by habitat1

May 02, 2007 (7:20 am)

Replying to: xrunner2 (May 02, 2007 6:48 am)
Your perception that the generation 4 Maxima (1995-1999) was higher quality than later generations is absolutely true. They were the last to be built in Japan. In the case of my 1995 w/ 155k miles, with a good wash and wax, it's finish looks better than just about any 2-3 year old American product. And, unfortunately, probably better than my US-built TL will look at 5-6 years, if I keep it that long.
 
Rocky, I would put my 1995 Maxima SE 5-speed as a relatively better car, for it's era and the price, than my 2004 TL 6-speed. No doubt the TL has a lot more gizmos, do-dads, updated interior etc. But when it comes to long term reliability and structural build quality, I think the 4th Generation Maxima, especially the 1995-1997 model years, were exceptional. Far superior to their competiton of that era - US built Camrys and Accords - and better than the TL of that day. I would even say, FWD notwithstanding - that they were competitive with the 189 hp 328i in performance. Unfortunately, Nissan screwed up the current Maxima so horribly that it bears no resemblence to the "4 door sports car" of 1995.

#9829 of 16251 Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [habitat1] by jiamin

May 02, 2007 (9:04 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (May 02, 2007 7:20 am)
I 100% agree 1995-1999 Maxima is better. I had 96 GXE rear ended and totaled by some junk Ford Escort, otherwise I would keep it forever. I had it for six years with absolutely had nothing wrong with it. Compare it with recent year's this and that features. it is simple but very solidly built.
 
If Nissan would build the exact same 95-99 Maxima, I would buy it.

#9830 of 16251 Chiming in... by blueguydotcom

May 02, 2007 (9:15 am)

The two best cars I've ever owned: 91 Stanza and 03 Protege ES. Far better built and more dependable than my Jetta, BMWs and probably Cooper. I totally believe Habitat as the 90s Nissans were rock solid, IMHO. Somewhat sporty, could take a beating and maintenance was infrequent and very cheap.
 
ELLPS - quality:
 
Lexus
Acura
Infiniti
 
***Giant gap***
BMW
MB
Audi
***basement***
Anything american

#9831 of 16251 Re: Edwards [fedlawman] by johnny420

May 02, 2007 (9:25 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Apr 26, 2007 7:42 pm)
"In my experience, driving the "RWD line" in a FWD car gives you abundant understeer as you try to apply power while cornering. You can't accelerate and turn in a FWD car like you can with RWD, so the key to fast lap times with FWD is to keep the steering wheel pointed straight as long as possible through the corner (imagine the peak of a triangle superimposed over the corner to illustrate minimal time spent turning). The entry side of the triangle is longer and bends deeper into the corner because you're (trail)braking (more traction in front and even some oversteer in a more neutral FWD car). The exit side of the triangle is shorter and arrow straight so you can get on the gas sooner and harder."
 
You're going to have to show me how to do this sometime.

#9832 of 16251 Re: Chiming in... [blueguydotcom] by xrunner2

May 02, 2007 (9:51 am)

Replying to: blueguydotcom (May 02, 2007 9:15 am)
I totally believe Habitat as the 90s Nissans were rock solid, IMHO. Somewhat sporty, could take a beating and maintenance was infrequent and very cheap.
 
Maybe Carlos Ghosn cut back on engineering and quality of parts to cut costs. Nissan was a good engineering company in past, which was great for us enthusiasts, but perhaps they did not price cars to recover costs properly. They were at price levels to compete in their segments, but costs got out of hand?
 
Interior and dashboard of our 97 SE looks, feels very good after 10 years. Original exhaust sys also, with 181K miles. Mentioned 97 Max paint before and think that it's shine/depth just as good, maybe better than our 04, 07 TLs. Changed air filters a couple of times (other times dealer does along with oil, trans oil, plugs, etc) and remember that I was impressed about the sound engineering of the parts assoc with attaching the filter. Have always done my own brake jobs (pads, rotors/calipers as reqd) and was pleased in the engineering done there also.
 
And, the famous V6 engine, still runs strong, miniscule oil consumption, and sounds great on acceleration, kind of a low growl. Nissan somehow got rid of this growl starting about year 2001. Sometimes think the sounds coming from 97 Max engine are more fun/enjoyable than that from the 04/07 TLs.
 
Have not test driven a G35. If they use VQ V6 in that car, does engine have a nice growl on acceleration, or has it been muffled as on the recent Maxs.

#9833 of 16251 Re: Chiming in... [xrunner2] by jiamin

May 02, 2007 (10:13 am)

Replying to: xrunner2 (May 02, 2007 9:51 am)
And, the famous V6 engine, still runs strong, miniscule oil consumption, and sounds great on acceleration, kind of a low growl.
 
Exactly what I forgot to mention. When accelerating, I was so satisfied with this "V8" sound. It is not the quietest car but that sound level is definately not a noise to me.

#9834 of 16251 rockylee [rockylee] by hauss

May 02, 2007 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: rockylee (May 01, 2007 10:03 pm)
Rocky,
 
You may have biased opinions toward GM products but you rarely flat out debunk any vehicles and you certainly never say anything bad of the posters on here. In any event you are right that everyone on here has some sort of bias and for some of us that bias is strong. Stick with your opinions and being yourself - to me you add value to these forums.
 
Ed

#9835 of 16251 Time a Changing by andres3

May 02, 2007 (3:37 pm)

1. Lexus/Acura (Tied)
Infiniti
Audi
BMW
Cadillac
Porsche
Bottomless pit/Infinity - the number/#:Mercedes Benz

#9836 of 16251 Re: Time a Changing [andres3] by blueguydotcom

May 02, 2007 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: andres3 (May 02, 2007 3:37 pm)
Porsche isn't an ELLPS maker and Porsche is among the most reliable brands on Earth.

Messages Page 984 of 1626

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