Nissan
Maxima SE 20th Anniversary Edition (2001)
by Carey Russ
Nissan is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its
mid-sized Maxima
sedan with a special 20th Anniversary Edition of
the sportiest Maxima, the SE. Call it the "Maximum
Maxima," because the 20th Anniversary Edition SE
shows why the Maxima has been and continues to be a
benchmark in the mid-sized import sedan class.
The Maxima differs from its competitors in two
important ways. It's positioned more upscale, with
no entry-level four-cylinder models, only three trim
levels powered by a very impressive V6. And it has
always been sportier than any Japanese or domestic-
nameplate competitors. Early Maximas used the same
basic
engine as was used in Nissan's 280 and, later,
300ZX sports cars. The Z is gone, for now anyway,
but the Maxima still offers a standard five- speed
manual gearbox in a class where most competitors
have only automatics. And the SE model's sport-tuned
chassis is unlike that of any other midsized
Japanese-brand family sedan.
The current-generation Maxima was introduced for
the 2000 model year, and so is little changed for
2001 with the notable exception of the Anniversary
Edition SE. "Entry-level" is a poor description of
the GLE, as it is very well-equipped. The GLE
handles any customer demand for luxury, and the SE
is one of the best front-wheel drive sports sedans
available, from any manufacturer. The Anniversary
Edition adds special body and interior trim, the "SE
Comfort and Convenience" equipment package, and
extra engine power and a limited-slip differential
as standard fare.
I've been driving a 20th Anniversary Edition
Maxima SE for the past week, and it's been a very
pleasant week. The car combines performance that
bests many sports coupes with the comfort and luxury
of a more expensive entry-luxury sedan. A good
interior layout and plenty of space for its size
make any Maxima a great car; the SE has the added
benefit improved performance.
APPEARANCE: The current Maxima builds on
the design of its immediate predecessor, but with
better-defined, more assertive front and rear
styling. The 20th Anniversary Edition adds an "aero
kit" consisting of a small front spoiler with
matching side sills and rear under-spoiler,
bronze-tinted headlight lenses, and 17-inch six-
spoke alloy wheels with low-profile sports tires.
Unlike some sports bodywork kits, this is very
understated, befitting a sport-luxury sedan. A
discreet amount of chrome trim adds a luxury touch.
Body panel fit and finish is first-rate.
COMFORT: The current Maxima's standard
interior is spacious, functional, and very
comfortable if not overly fancy. The windows,
mirrors, and door locks are power-operated, and the
driver's window operates with one touch down and up.
The 20th Anniversary SE adds simulated metal trim,
drilled metal pedals, and black-on-silver gauges for
a very sporty look. The comfortably supportive front
sport seats have perforated leather upholstery when
the "SE Leather Trim Package" option group is
specified. Rear seat space and comfort are good, and
the 60/40 split adds convenience. There is plenty of
trunk space. Good soundproofing and high-quality
seat materials help to make the Maxima a quiet,
relaxing car, no matter which trim level is chosen.
SAFETY: The Maxima's chassis is built with
front and rear crush zones and standard antilock
brakes. Dual front airbags are standard, with side
bags available. All occupants have three-point
harnesses.
ROADABILITY: A rigid chassis structure and
firm but supple suspension tuning give the Maxima SE
a near-perfect balance of ride comfort and handling
ability. It's a bit softer than hardcore sports
sedan, but works very well in the real world of
questionably- paved roads. The 20th Anniversary
Edition package includes a viscous limited-slip
differential for improved traction. Rear beam axles
are commonly used to cut costs, and can have
less-than- perfect effects on ride and handling. Not
Nissan's "Multi-Link Beam Axle" rear suspension. Its
locating linkage keeps the rear wheels perpendicular
to the road, without camber change, for good
traction, and prevents unwanted lateral movement. In
almost any real-world condition, it's as good as or
better than any common independent rear suspension
system. Its compact design allows increased interior
and trunk space.
PERFORMANCE: With an engine like this, who
needs a turbocharger? Nissan's high-tech twincam
3.0-liter V6 makes beautiful music and has a
wonderfully flexible power delivery, with good
low-end torque and a healthy midrange that keeps on
building to redline. Thank the engine's low-friction
internal design, variable air intake control, and a
variable capacity muffler derived from the legendary
Skyline GT-R for that. Standard horsepower has risen
from the previous-generation Maxima's 190 to 222,
and torque is up from 205 lb-ft to 217 at 4000 rpm.
The SE gets a modified muffler that adds five
horsepower, for a maximum of 227 at 6400 rpm. The
five-speed manual gearbox is the way to go for
maximum performance, with great shift action and a
light clutch. The pedal arrangement encourages
enthusiastic driving.
CONCLUSIONS: The 2001
Nissan Maxima SE 20th Anniversary Edition
combines four-door sports car performance and
near-luxury levels of comfort.
SPECIFICATIONS
2001 Nissan Maxima SE 20th Anniversary Edition
Base Price $ 27,149
Price As Tested $ 30,456
Engine Type dual overhead cam 24-valve V6
Engine Size 3.0 liters / 181 cu. in.
Horsepower 227 @ 6400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 217 @ 4000 rpm
Transmission 5-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length 108.3 in. / 190.5 in.
Curb Weight 3,199 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 14.1
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
Fuel Requirement unleaded premium, 92 octane
Tires 225/50 VR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE92
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / disc, antilock standard
Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut /
multi-link beam axle
Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 22 / 27 / 23
0 to 60 mph 6.9 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 15.5 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.31