2001 Nissan Maxima Review

The mid-size Nissan Maxima has been the top-selling imported V-6 sedan since it got a V-6 in 1984. So how come this Nissan isn't a household word like the Toyota Camry?

The front-wheel-drive Maxima matches top sellers in the huge mid-size market such as the front-drive Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus. But, although nearly 2 million Maximas have been sold here since the car debuted as a 1981 model, it lags far behind the leaders.

One major problem is that Nissan had too vague an image for too many years.

"We just weren't drawing enough people to showrooms to try out a Maxima," said Nissan spokesman Fred Standish. "However, our popular new Xterra sport-utility and Frontier Crew Cab pickup are attracting more showroom traffic."

Maxima sales also have been hurt by the fact that the car's prices are a few thousand dollars higher than those of rivals--and some car buyers don't consider that the Maxima has standard items that cost extra on other sedans.

Even the base GXE has air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette, remote keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, tilt steering column, split folding back seat, rear defroster and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Also, the Maxima has a sporty image with its potent V-6 and wide availability of a five-speed manual transmission. The mid-size market has many conservative buyers who feel the Maxima is a little too sporty.

Well, the Maxima does have a sporty edge, but all models have the roominess, comfort and durability of top mainstream mid-size family sedans. And you can get a responsive four-speed automatic transmission.

Styling is generally conservative, and the unusual taillight treatment is no more controversial than that of the Chevrolet Impala sedan.

The base GXE has a $21,249 base price, while the mid-range SE costs $23,849 and the top-line GLE lists at $26,449 with such things as a leather interior. There's also a new $27,149 20th Anniversary Edition model.

The SE is the sexiest model, with a sport suspension, wider tires on alloy wheels, rear spoiler, titanium-colored gauges, leather-wrapped wheel, killer sound system with cassette player and fog lights. But the SE still is a comfortable family car.

The three basic Maximas have a smooth 3-liter, 222-horsepower V-6 that whisks them to 60 mph in about 7 seconds, while the 20th Anniversary Edition has a 227-horsepower V-6 from Nissan's Infiniti I30. Fuel economy is decent.

The anniversary model also has big 17-inch wheels, a body spoiler package with side sills, simulated brushed-metal interior trim, perforated leather, anniversary badging and unique highly chromatic dark blue paint.

The 2001 base GXE I tested was fun to drive. It has a soothing ride, although there's no independent rear suspension to prevent the back end from hopping a bit on bumpy roads. Stopping power is strong, but the brake pedal is a little sensitive. Steering is quick and handling is above-average, although the GXE has more body sway than the SE when pushed hard through curves.

Maximas have a quiet interior with high-grade materials, although the GXE plastic inside door handles look cheap compared to the chrome ones in the GLE. There's plenty of room for four tall adults, but a fifth will find the center of the rear seat too hard for comfort.

Front seats are very supportive, gauges are easily read, cupholders are sturdy and the well-placed controls work smoothly. The large sound system controls are a welcome relief from the tiny controls in many cars.

The big trunk has a low opening, although its lid has manual hinges that eat into cargo space, instead of hydraulic struts. Flip the seatbacks down and you'll find that the pass-through area from the trunk isn't very large.

The hood opens with hydraulic struts and the engine compartment has easily reached fluid filler areas. The V-6 looks like a piece of sculpture and isn't covered by an ugly plastic cover that hides engines in even luxury cars.

What's wrong with owning a family sedan with some flair?