I had a 2K max, which is the same as the 2001. I loved it. It had torque steer as well, if you floored it at low speeds. Put another 43 HP and more torque in it, with the larger 3.5 litre and you would be guaranteed to aggravate that. (Would you expect less with more hp?)
A friend has a new Max and has noted that if you stomp on it and aren't paying attention, the engine/hp can launch you in an undesired direction, so this confirms that it's more of a problem. So we need an AWD Maxima.
Other than that, and the "tinted" part of the chrome bumper constantly peeling, even with replacements, he's delighted with it.
The only thing I hated about my Maxima, was the taillights. I remember picking the colour that was the least offensive with them.
Other than that, I loved that car. I don't like the looks of the new one as much and would probably look at a G35 if I wanted a car now.
After the money I've poured in to GM products and VW's in the past, they're not getting me as a customer again. Well, OK, I'd take a Corvette... Or something Muscle Car era.