2001 Nissan Maxima Nissan Maxima 2001 Nissan Maxima GXE Sedan Sedan FWD Japan A 20th Anniversary edition includes the 227-horsepower version of the standard 3.0-liter V6 from the Infiniti I30, as well as goodies like bronze-lensed headlight covers, a body kit, ersatz carbon fiber interior trim, drilled metal pedals and a number of features normally optional on the SE. This special model also gets an exclusive color: Majestic Blue. A new Meridian package is optional on all Maximas, bundling side-impact airbags and a low washer fluid indicator with heated front seats and side mirrors, as well as special trunk lid trim. Adding optional traction control to the SE or GLE results in a Z Edition Maxima, for some zany reason. Silky and powerful V6 engine, sports car moves, room for the whole family Odd styling details, high price, rough ride quality Sometimes, a car doesn't have to be visually appealing to instill desire. Since 1995, the Nissan Maxima has been such a car. This self-proclaimed "four-door sports car" went from beauty to beast that year, but the mechanicals underneath the bodywork created a symphony no enthusiast could resist. A 1997 reskin helped in the styling department, but the real draw continued to be the stunningly smooth 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine, which Ward's Auto World dubbed "the best V6 engine available in America." Last year, Nissan released a redesigned Maxima with more of what was good about the car (luxury and performance) and more of what was controversial (odd styling cues ladled over a dull shape). Let's start with a discussion of the controversial. Wheel arches ripped off from Audi. A gaping, slat-toothed grille that would look right at home on a Buick Regal. Teardrop taillights with smoked lens surrounds (SE only) that appear out of place in a sea of body-color plastic and metal. Love it or hate it, at least Maxima is distinctive. Besides, from behind the steering wheel, you won't care one whit what the outside looks like. This car is sheer joy to drive. The V6 makes 222 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 217 foot-pounds of twisting force at 4,000 rpm. Helping to produce that level of motivational force is a specially designed exhaust system that reduces backpressure when the engine is revved hard. And rev it hard you will, regardless of whether you select the standard five-speed manual transmission or the available four-speed automatic. Handling is also a Maxima strong point, despite the lack of a true rear independent suspension. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes are standard, and traction control is available with the automatic gearbox. Inside, a sport-oriented theme greets occupants, with the usual luxury enhancements to make the cabin more appealing. Mid-level SE models get titanium-faced gauges, while all models have a 60/40 split-bench seat. A long wheelbase creates a large interior; rear seat riders get plenty of legroom, and trunk space measures 15.1 cubic feet. Maxima is available in four flavors for 2001: basic GXE, sporty SE, specially-trimmed SE 20th Anniversary Edition and luxurious GLE. Standard equipment on all Maximas includes air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and various power accoutrements. SE adds racy alloy wheels, special gauges, a sport suspension, fog lights and a rear decklid spoiler. Anniversary models get a high-output version of the V6 engine, special trim and a unique paint color. GLE models have fake wood accents, leather seats, a 200-watt Bose audio system, and automatic climate control. A power sunroof, heated seats, and side airbags can be added to any model, while GXE and SE can be equipped with a new Meridian trim package that includes heated seats with integrated side airbags. Select traction control for the SE or GLE and shazzam! You've got yourself a Z Edition. A treat to drive, the Maxima is an enthusiast's alternative to staid family cars from Honda and Toyota. Dodge Intrepid Honda Accord Toyota Camry Volkswagen Passat 336,000 560,000 5Unlimited NA NA NA 6 3 liters V6 222 hp @ 6400 rpm 217 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm 190.5 in. 70.3 in. 56.5 in. 3186 lbs. 108.3 in. 40.5 in. 37.4 in. 56.9 in. 56.2 in. 55.3 in. 53.7 in. 44.8 in. 36.2 in. 15.1 cu.ft. Standard Standard Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Rating = Not Tested Rating = Not Tested Good Good Not Tested Not Tested 18.5 gal. 22 mpg / 27 mpg 19 mpg / 26 mpg 407 mi. / 500 mi. 352 mi. / 481 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $19,430 $21,249 7.35% $540 N/A 3% of the Total Invoice GXE (5M): 3L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed OD manual transmission; battery with rundown protection; 110 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.82 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear non-independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 18.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully automatic headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" steel wheels; P205/65SR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 speakers, window grid diversity antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power doorlocks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote trunk release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 2 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar, trunk ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 8-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests, center armrest; height-adjustable frontseatbelts with pretensioners; premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, door curb lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and chrome door handles. SE (5M) (in addition to or instead of GXE (5M) equipment): Stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; sport-ride suspension; rear wing spoiler; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/55HR16 BSW A/S tires; premium AM/FM stereo radio, single-disc CD player, 6 speakers, radio steering wheel controls; driver's seat includes lumbar support; premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; black grille and body-colored door handles. SE 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE (5M) equipment): Viscous limited-slip differential, 3.82 axle ratio; express open/close sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; rocker panel extensions; monotone paint with badging; 17" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/50VR17 BSW A/S tires; carbon fiber gearshift knob, carbon fiber door panel insert and carbon fiber console insert. GLE (4A) (in addition to or instead of SE (5M) equipment): 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 3.79 axle ratio; air conditioning with climate control; 7 premium speakers, amplifier, automatic equalizer; garage door opener; additional instrumentation display includes exterior temp; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, simulated wood console insert, chrome interior accents; 1 seatback storage pocket and cargo net. 4AT Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic with OD $1,315 $1,700 G94 In-Cabin Microfilter $42 $59 J01 Power Sliding Glass Sunroof $779 $899 K93 Sunroof Wind Deflector $42 $59 L92 Floor Mats $58 $79 M94 Body-Colored Splash Guards $82 $109 N95 16" Chrome Wheels $928 $1,239 R92 6-Disc CD Changer $338 $459 S92 Rear Spoiler $360 $479 V01 GXE Comfort and Convenience Package $950 $1,069 W08 Meridian Edition $467 $539