All about cars

In my view, the last real Maxima was the 2001. After that, Nissan Ghosnized it. They first replaced the built-proof 3.0Liter motor with the VQ35 –Nissan’s new modular V6.

The sealed the deal in 2004. The Maxima stopped being a unique car… it became just an extension of the Altima chassis… production moved Stateside from Japan. The Maxima immediately lost its following.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why Nissan still makes this car. It’s too big, it’s ugly, its not particularly good to drive, it has a very limited following, it’s expensive, it doesn’t sell well… Perhaps it’s time to let go. The market originally occupied by the Maxima is now taken by the V6 Altima, leaving the Maxima’s purpose in life somewhat confusing and vague –much like what happened to the Acura RL.

Anyway, enough about the new car.

The 2001 Maxima is a cool car. It’s the rebel’s choice to the Accord V6, the Camry V6, or .. god forbid, the Avalon. However, it’s not impractical. The Maxima is a tough, reliable, handsome, safe, and comfortable car. I’m not at all surprised about its following.

It does have quirks. Plenty of them. Let’s review a couple.

It’s THIRSTY. The Maxima is a decently efficient car when driven normally. However, put the pedal down, and mpgs tumble. Got to pay for that locomotive-like surge of torque, I suppose.

The automatic transmission shifts weird if you’re used to Honda/Toyota gearboxes. It shifts out of first fast, and is very eager to downshift. Not really a quirk, per say –just takes some getting used to. Drive a Maxima for awhile, and Toyota/Honda gearboxes will feel weird.

The steering sure is light for a “sports sedan.”

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