2016 Lexus ES 350 vs Nissan Maxima
#16
Lexus Test Driver
I agree, it is a misnomer. However, it shows what Nissan's intended market is/was for the Maxima. It is pitched as a sports sedan, not a luxury sedan. That was kind of my original point. Whether is succeeds as a sports sedan, that's another story.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
I agree, but sometimes (Gasp!) the ads can actually be correct...or if not, very close to it. Good examples include the BMW "Ultimate Driving Machine"......which I did find pretty much true of the earlier-generation models (not the latest ones), and Hyundai's "Driving is Believing" slogan that they adopted, following the bad old days, when they stopped making junk.
#19
I wouldn't buy a Nissan that's made in the USA. I know people who work(or have worked) for Nissan, both of them say their factory in Smyrna TN and Canton MS are poorly run and their cars aren't very well engineered(their CVT transmissions are notorious for early failures in all their models). Nissan ranks up there with Fiat/Chrysler in terms of quality IMO.
#20
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
there's 'marketing' and there's reality.
the ES is obviously super smooth and refined and has a good 'image' (as what i call 'sensible luxury' ). the maxima, previously marketed as the '4 door sports car' is kind of a joke from a marketing standpoint but it's definitely a nice car. has more 'look at me' (funky) styling than the ES and although i've not driven either latest models, i expect the maxima to be a sportier better handling driver.
the ES is obviously super smooth and refined and has a good 'image' (as what i call 'sensible luxury' ). the maxima, previously marketed as the '4 door sports car' is kind of a joke from a marketing standpoint but it's definitely a nice car. has more 'look at me' (funky) styling than the ES and although i've not driven either latest models, i expect the maxima to be a sportier better handling driver.
#21
Lexus Champion
there's 'marketing' and there's reality.
the ES is obviously super smooth and refined and has a good 'image' (as what i call 'sensible luxury' ). the maxima, previously marketed as the '4 door sports car' is kind of a joke from a marketing standpoint but it's definitely a nice car. has more 'look at me' (funky) styling than the ES and although i've not driven either latest models, i expect the maxima to be a sportier better handling driver.
the ES is obviously super smooth and refined and has a good 'image' (as what i call 'sensible luxury' ). the maxima, previously marketed as the '4 door sports car' is kind of a joke from a marketing standpoint but it's definitely a nice car. has more 'look at me' (funky) styling than the ES and although i've not driven either latest models, i expect the maxima to be a sportier better handling driver.
#22
I lived with both for a few days each. The ES was extremely smooth and refined. Steering was finger-touch light, and the interior was good from the upper half (lower half of dash and doors was cheap-feeling). Maybe it's b/c it had a beige interior, but I felt like a senior citizen driving it. The Maxima (mid-range model) really impressed me. It's a sharp looking car, and the interior is well-built, high quality for its class, and had a sporty design. It was relatively engaging to drive for a "mainstream" car. I really don't have anything negative to say about that car.
I think your decision should come down to (a) which one you like better after test drives and (b) how much you value having the luxury "badge"
I think your decision should come down to (a) which one you like better after test drives and (b) how much you value having the luxury "badge"
#23
Then they had the nerve to become SJWs and lecture us about "equal pay." After such a huge ethical scandal, VW/Audi should be the last company preaching and acting like they have great morals.
#24
I wouldn't buy a Nissan that's made in the USA. I know people who work(or have worked) for Nissan, both of them say their factory in Smyrna TN and Canton MS are poorly run and their cars aren't very well engineered(their CVT transmissions are notorious for early failures in all their models). Nissan ranks up there with Fiat/Chrysler in terms of quality IMO.
Re topic, clearly as an ES300h owner we would take ES over Maxima every time (although considering my BIL discount, I came close to getting an Infiniti M37 when we bought the ES). In my opinion the vehicles are meant for different target markets. As a result, I believe that if this topic were posted on a Maxima forum, everyone there would be positive for the Maxima.
#25
I lived with both for a few days each. The ES was extremely smooth and refined. Steering was finger-touch light, and the interior was good from the upper half (lower half of dash and doors was cheap-feeling). Maybe it's b/c it had a beige interior, but I felt like a senior citizen driving it.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
The Canton plant had a long history of quality problems, but, hopefully, by now, they have been addressed.
They probably wouldn't have the sheer number of posters (and posts) that we do on Car Chat, though. This forum is remarkable for its size. Plus, the Maxima itself, in the American market, does not sell in the numbers that other Nissan products do, like the Altima, Sentra, Rogue, and Murano.
I believe that if this topic were posted on a Maxima forum, everyone there would be positive for the Maxima.
#27
Lexus Champion
Personally I'd no longer worry about quality. I think it's better now and they have several highly ranked cars.
My my sister has a 15 Murano that's been rock solid so far.
I'm driving a 17 Rogue while my Highlander is getting fixed. I don't care for this Rogue at all but it seems pretty tight.
My my sister has a 15 Murano that's been rock solid so far.
I'm driving a 17 Rogue while my Highlander is getting fixed. I don't care for this Rogue at all but it seems pretty tight.
#28
Lexus Champion
C&D ranks the Maxima #1 in the Full Size Sedan segment as they see it. Ahead of Cadenza, Avalon, Impala, Lacrosse etc.
They rank the ES much lower in its segment, but it's all over the place with the models they list it with and doesn't make much sense to me.
They rank the ES much lower in its segment, but it's all over the place with the models they list it with and doesn't make much sense to me.
#29
They probably wouldn't have the sheer number of posters (and posts) that we do on Car Chat, though. This forum is remarkable for its size. Plus, the Maxima itself, in the American market, does not sell in the numbers that other Nissan products do, like the Altima, Sentra, Rogue, and Murano.
#30
No one has mentioned what is an equally important aspect of owning a Lexus... the service. You will not get the type of service with a Nissan that you will with a Lexus. Even the showrooms/waiting rooms are more downmarket for Nissan. If anyone has had a different experience please feel free to share.