Passat vs. Maxima

2150 Views 21 Replies 18 Participants Last post by halwelch, Feb 19, 2002

MiloLGJC

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2002

I have been reading the posts on this forum and the Maxima forum trying to get a feel for the owners reactions to their individual automobiles. I am trying to decide between a Passat 1.8T 5 spd and a Maxima Se 6 spd. There is quite a performance differential between the two vehicles,(with the Maxima at 255 hp) but I like the looks of the Passat better. My main concern, is the quality aspect of the Passat. It seems from the J.D. Power surveys and the comments on this forum, that the Passat has some quality issues. The Maxima gets much better ratings on quality overall......I guess what I am trying to do is justify getting a Passat without having to visit the dealer for repairs on a regular basis. My wife has an Acura RL (her 3rd Acura) and those babies are never in the shop.....I HATE THE SHOP!!!!

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AlphaPepper

· #2 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

It has been a while since the last "Passat vs Maxima" thread.
Here's one from last december:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=146434

Enjoy

!

..Alpha

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BZZZZ_02_1.8t_Passat

· #3 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

Your Acura may never be in the shop, which is great, trust meon that. But it is still a honda. My wife loves honda's, she regrets trading hers in ona Jeep, but, what a let down to drive. very few people i have meet (note not all, and only those i have met) don't got from VW to Honda, it really isn't an easy move, completly different cars. You could go to a honda from a Toyota\Nissan, because they are relativly the same cars. I like the fact that i am riding in an Audi for the price of a VW.

mauslick

· #4 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (BZZZZ_02_1.8t_Passat)

I'll attest to the fact that driving a passat FEELS like driving something more exspensive....the fit and finish are great.........smooth ride, like riding on rails.... I 've ridden in maxima once.. it was nice also...but, can you live with the looks? I ve driven many rentals and the american mid sizes are nice but don't feel like they will last.........I am a fan of euro cars anyway but have had mix........ford courier(first car) audi fox (drove well, but mechanical/electrical nightmare) '76 vw van (most depandable and trouble free) 89 corrolla s/w ( tranny dropped at 125,000) and the passat. so my experiance is limited

BBear

· #5 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

From what I remember, didn't they just overhaul the Altima for 02 and basically left the Maxima alone. My speculation is that the Maxima is due for either a majoy overhaul in 03 (since the Altima is now bigger than it) or they will drop the line all together. I also heard that the equivalent Inifinity is so very close to the Maxima that it's not worth the extra bucks.

Al Fresco

· #6 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

I have had both Japenese and German and I WILL NEVER , EVER purchase another car unless it is German.There is just a major difference in the engineering and design and Quality. Anybody that has one knows. Period.

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BigMikeman

· #7 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (Al Fresco)

Where is the Max forum? Anyone have a link?

speedracer3

· #8 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (BigMikeman)

Wow..this thead always comes up

Some comments from the other side....a Maxima owner.
Milo,
If you hate going to the shop, you are better off with a quality Japanese car. German cars tend to be quirky and very expensive to fix.
BBear,
Tha Maxima is ALMOST the same. The 2002 Maxima has a larger more powerful engine than the 2000 model. The 2002 Maxima has a 3.5L 255hp engine (also on the Altima SE). The Maxima will be re-designed and grow more poweful in 2003 by going into the new Altima platform...speculation is either RWD or AWD.
BigMike for Nissan and Maxima forums....
http://www.maxima.org
or
http://www.freshalloy.com

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santacll

· #9 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (speedracer3)

read my lips... you can't compare a maxima to a passat ...period. one is a nice refined high power conveyance of transportation (and ultimately and appliance), and the other is a love affair. and if you haven't got the love affair feeling, run to you nissan dealer, because the passat is not without it quirks and little problems. nuf said

[Modified by santacll, 6:23 PM 2-7-2002]

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mmmmark

· #10 · Feb 8, 2002

2

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (santacll)

It is difficult to get "impartial" opinions here on a Passat board. Since we own one we've been bitten by that addictive bug that only owners get. It IS a love affair and it grows deeper for most owners.
Having said that the Maxima is a nice car. I looked at one (very) briefly. A good friend got one with the new 3.5 motor. It has lots of low-end torque and is quick off the line. The interior is less than inspiring, doors tinny and styling somewhat hodge-podged.
Make sure you know what you want. If pure horsepower is your game, buy the Maxima. My friend with the "little man's complex" had to do just that.

But OTOH, if you want an all around well-appointed vehicle that will not disappoint in ANY area, consider the Passat. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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speedracer3

· #11 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (santacll)

Yeah, the Passat is a love affair which usually ends in divorce once the car spends more time at the dealership than at home.

TexasVWdriver

· #12 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (speedracer3)

quote:[HR][/HR]Yeah, the Passat is a love affair which usually ends in divorce once the car spends more time at the dealership than at home.[HR][/HR]

LMAO!!! So true! So true! I've had my Passat since July 2001. So far the only problems I've had was the washer motor going out which was replaced under warranty and the infamous winshield crack.
Didn't know about the Maxima having a 6 speed! When will VW finally wake up and offer a 6 speed over here on more than just the 24v VR6!
BTW, 255 hp IS impressive, but how much torque? The 30v V6 Passat is 190hp and like 181 ftlbs (maybe more, I don't know as much about the V6 as I do the 1.8T).

cscam

· #13 · Feb 9, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

I've owned both recently. I just traded my 2000 Maxima GLX for a 99 Pasat V6 GLS. Why? I admit I drove both before buying the Max new in late '99. I liked the power, the awesome Bose stereo, the leather, and the wonderful rear seat room. I added about every accessory they made. It ticketed at a little more than $30K. In late '99, the Passat almost seemed vanilla, but I continued to admire the car. I started to go through brakes on a quarterly basis. The Max was very comfortable but every piece of tar on the road was a jolt, and this was their lux model, not the SE with stiffer suspension. The GLX also had a lot of body role and wallowed in every corner. I got weary and traded it for a two year old, '99 Passat. That was a couple of months ago and I remain happy with my choice. Yeah, the German cars can be quirky, but are great road machines. I had no idea at the time of purchas that I'd end up in this forum on a daily basis. Lurking mosting, enjoying the offerings of the other members, but learning a lot too. Bottom line: Their both fine cars and I suspect you'll be happy with either. But then, I switch without regrets.

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DohRado

· #14 · Feb 10, 2002

my dad has owned two maximas, a 90 and a 97, and they are wonderful cars. they drive really nicely, with a comfortable ride. i'm a huge fan of vw's and german cars in general, but i've always loved the maxima. i really don't see much of an advantage with the passat. the passats i've been in had a lot of really tacky looking wood and chrome. the interior of the maxima always looked good and felt good. and then the maxima has a six speed...mmmm

TRYNTRUEA2

· #15 · Feb 10, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (DohRado)

The Altima SE doesnt have 255 hp Altimas only come with the 240hp 3.5L I believe they did that to keep the max upscale. I had driven a 2001 20th anniversary maxima 5-speed and it felt quicker than a v6 5-speed passat so the 6-speed should definitely blow the doors off any Passat .Next gen Max will move away from bein a sports sedan to more luxurious big, mature competitor to the Toyota Avalon , Altima will take the maxima slot.
If u want factory HID'S get a maxima
If u want navi system get a maxima

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rcaton1

· #16 · Feb 11, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

So far, 2 years... and a vacuum hose replaced (dealer picked up the tab)... I 've had no problems. Yes, a love affair. My brother owns a '97 Infinit I30 V6 5sp. Nice ride, but still doesn't have that feel that mine does. I guess that Japanese or any other make for that matter has never done it for me.

jhutton91

· #17 · Feb 11, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

FWIW: Been traveling a lot lately, and have been able to pick up a Maxima on a couple of occasions.
1. Cockpit is tight (as in uncomfortably snug, not as in "dat's ti-eeet") on the right side (I'm 6'8").
2. Accelerator and brake pedals too close (this is an automatic, folks

)
3. Interior finish...lots of monochromatic plastic, all you can eat.
4. Performance is very impressive. Smooth, immediate power; handles well.
5. Exterior is taking on that sport compact look with the round lenses (I know, like the 02 Passats).
All in all, I like driving the car, except for the right leg ergonomics; I just didn't like doing it in the daytime.
Just to compare, I got a Millenia the next week... what a stinkin' dog! It wasn't a Millenia S, but it was bad enough, that I wouldn't even rent one again, much less buy it.
[edit] If you want to know, I was able to pick up both cars at Hertz. Might be worth the cost to get some good drive time in the Maxima. Haven't found anyone that rents VWs. [/edit]

[Modified by jhutton91, 11:40 PM 2-10-2002]

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speedracer3

· #18 · Feb 11, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (MiloLGJC)

Don't forget that you can get a 6 speed and a sport suspension in a Maxima. No such thing in the Passat. I think the W8 will get those things but for nearly $40K.

zolik

· #19 · Feb 11, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (speedracer3)

If I was considering Nissan, I would go with the Altima. Much better looking than the Max. I don't know why they really need the Max anymore.
Even though the Max is bigger than the Passat, it does not have more usable room. You cannot fit more people in the Max than in the Passat. Also when I tested a 2000 Max, the headroom was less than the Passat and my legs were hitting the bottom of the Max's steering wheel. I can pass my legs under the Passat's steering wheel. I am 6'2". The Passat accomodates my body dimensions alot better. Also the Passat has a much more usable trunk since it uses hydraulic struts. The Max was using old fashioned arms that crush your luggage.

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speedracer3

· #20 · Feb 12, 2002

Re: Passat vs. Maxima (zolik)

QUOTE]If I was considering Nissan, I would go with the Altima. Much better looking than the Max. I don't know why they really need the Max anymore.
Even though the Max is bigger than the Passat, it does not have more usable room. You cannot fit more people in the Max than in the Passat. Also when I tested a 2000 Max, the headroom was less than the Passat and my legs were hitting the bottom of the Max's steering wheel. I can pass my legs under the Passat's steering wheel. I am 6'2". The Passat accomodates my body dimensions alot better. Also the Passat has a much more usable trunk since it uses hydraulic struts. The Max was using old fashioned arms that crush your luggage.

[/QUOTE]
Zolik,
I can tell you never sat in the back seat of the Maxima (helluva lot more space than in a Passat). Also, FYI even with goose neck hinges the Maxima trunk is larger.

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