Q: I know the 1995-1998 maxima's are reliable, but i would like to know are the 2002-2003 as reliable? Any input?
A: Yes, the 95+ model Maxima's all have the VQ engine which has been on Ward's best engines list for every year that the list has been made (the only engine to accomplish this). Maxima's period are reliable. Every year they've been made they've had one of Nissan's best engines starting with the 240Z's 2.4 liter I6 in 1976. In over 30 years they have yet to stuff a bad engine in a Maxima. They do have plenty of other things to break though since they are a near luxury car. Everyone complains about that on BMWs and etc as well. My mom hated that our Maxima broke a couple window regulators but in 1994 how many cars even had power windows? I personally only like the 89-99 Maximas. They are much lighter than the overweight 2000+ models and have all the features I need.