The Maxima has always been Nissan's flagship sedan and quite popular with
sports sedan enthusiasts. Some might think the re-designed (and now
larger) Altima has temporarily displaced the Maxima. Not so if you look
closer at some of the differences. The Maxima still has some detailed
touches inside and out that the Altima lacks - which we'll cover in the
upcoming paragraphs.
We can trace back today's Maxima most directly to the third generation
Maxima which began to grow in size during the early 90s. Nissan
coined it as the "4-door sports car." In 1993, Nissan added a
short-run VE30DE engine to SE models good for 190 bhp. In 1995, Nissan
introduced a new fourth gen Maxima along with the new 3.0 liter V-6 VQ30DE
engine featuring an aluminum head and block along with micro-finished
camshafts and molybdenum-coated pistons. Output was rated at 190 bhp with
205 lb-ft of torque. While it looked good on paper, it even felt better
when driven. The VQ powered Maxima had amazing smoothness but brutal power
when pushed. Quite a few magazines were able to get 5 speed Maximas tested
at 0-60 in under 7 seconds. Ironically while gaining a world class engine,
the Maxima lost it's independent rear suspension in favor of a cost-saving
multi-link beam. Nissan claims their version of the torsion bar beam axle increases
stability during cornering by minimizing camber change during and improves noise
isolation. It also benefits packaging - allowing a spacious trunk and more
rear cabin room. While loosing the independent rear suspension was
disappointing, the engine was a tremendous upgrade and even then the well
developed suspension was still very capable of some
serious canyon carving.
In 2000, Nissan redesigned the Maxima with radically new styling performed
again by Nissan Design America. If the fourth gen Maxima was controversial
to many, then the fifth gen Maxima was almost shocking to some. Still
sales kept on pace because the word was out that Maxima was a luxurious,
fast, affordable, and reliable car. It probably didn't hurt that Nissan
kept the VQ30DE and even re-tuned the engine to gain an additional 30 plus
horses now at 222 bhp.
For 2002, Nissan made some detailed external cosmetic upgrades to the
Maxima front and rear. The Maxima now features a new front grille and aggressive front fascia with large air intake, new 4-bulb headlight design with High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights,
and standard side-sill spoilers. Add new 16" inch wheels for the base
GXE and two new 17" wheels for the sporty SE and luxo GLE models to
differentiate the line up. The rear now features clear tail-lights like
its Altima sibling and re-designed dual muffler tips.
Everyone knows that looks aren't everything and Nissan made sure to keep
the Maxima as the flagship for power bragging rights. Yes the Altima has
the same VQ35DE engine but the Maxima thanks to some engine computer magic
and better exhaust system is good for 255 horses versus the Altima's 240
bhp. Maxima SEs can also be had with a 6 speed manual available with an
optional helical limited slip differential while "lesser" Altima
3.5 SEs only come in a 5 speed manual with no limited slip differential.
The new Maxima also features drive by electronic throttle - without the
need for a mechanical linkage.
The Maxima retains it's independent front suspension and rear multi-link
beam suspension. In this regards, the new Altima with it's true
independent multi-link suspension is superior (for now). Like the Altima,
all Maximas come with standard four wheel disc brakes. Maxima does get
standard ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution while
Altima owners pay extra as options.
Sit inside the Maxima and you'll notice the difference against an Altima.
The Maxima appears to have better materials along with fit and finish
inside the cabin. The plastics seem to have a better finish and the panel
gaps are tight and solid. The Maxima now has an available GPS navigation
system utilizing Nissan's innovative 3D-like "Birdview" display.
All Maximas now feature one touch up/down front windows, automatic
headlights, power driver's seat, auto-dimming inside rear view mirrors and
keyless entry. If you are looking for sportiness, Maxima SE models
equipped with the 6 speed manual transmission get cross-drilled pedals and
titanium tinted insturments. For luxury minded drivers, upscale SE and GLE
models equipped with leather seats now have memory seats. As always GLE
models receive automatic climate control for those who always want to be
in the right climate. Throw in a premium Bose stereo system with a
sub-woofer and available 6 disc in-dash changer and you've got a great
cross-country touring sedan.
Perhaps the Maxima isn't as special as it was a few years ago but look in
the right places and it still has advantages over the new Altima. Although
the Altima's lower price point maybe quite enticing, we say give the
Maxima a quick look and test drive. You won't regret it.
Configuration:
Four door mid-size sedan
Front wheel drive
Models:
GXE, SE, GLE
Engine(s):
3.5L V-6 (255 bhp)
Base pricing:
$24,699 - $27,099
Changes for 2002
· Upgraded to larger 3.5
liter engine - at 255 bhp
· Electronic throttle control
· 6 spd manual on SE
models
· Restyled front and rear
· Standard HID headlights
· Available GPS navigation
· Three new colors
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