2000 Nissan Maxima

2000 Nissan Maxima
CHICAGO - The fifth-generation Nissan Maxima looks like the Impala that Chevrolet wanted to build -- but couldn't pull off.

From the front and in profile, the 2000 Maxima looks eerily akin to the front-drive Impala Chevy unveiled at the Detroit show. From the rear -- well, you be the judge. The new Nissan is longer than the car it replaces (overall length up by 1.1 inches, to 190.5), taller (up 0.8 of an inch, to 56.5), wider (now at 70.3, an increase of 0.6 of an inch), and with a longer wheelbase (at 108.3, an increase of 2 inches). These exterior increases translate to interior increases: more front legroom, more front and rear headroom, more overall passenger space and more trunk space than in the fourth-generation Maxima.

But those numbers don't matter much to fans of what Nissan once touted as the "Four-Door Sports Car." If only the all-new Maxima - or the new Impala, for that matter - could perform like the late, lamented rear-drive Impala SS. But alas, like Chevy's new Impala, the Maxima relies on a V6 for power. Unlike the new Impala, though, the Maxima's engine is a world-class, dual-overhead-cam unit.

Named by Ward's Auto World as one of the "10 Best Engines" for five years in a row, the 2000 Maxima's 3.0-liter V6 produces 222 horsepower (an increase of 32 horses) and 217 foot-pounds of torque (up by 12). This unit is mated to either a five-speed manual (standard on the GXE and SE models) or a four-speed automatic transmission (standard on the GLE).

Critics looked askance at first when the previous-generation Maxima turned its back on its sophisticated independent rear suspension for what Nissan calls its Multi-Link Beam setup. This change was viewed as merely a cost-cutting ploy that would greatly lessen the car's handling. However, attitudes changed once the car was driven and reviewers found there was little or no loss of prowess. Nissan has improved the Maxima's rear suspension for the new model. The front and rear stabilizer bars are thicker, the suspension's unique lateral link is now located behind the beam, and softer, larger trailing link bushings are utilized.

While Nissan considers all Maximas to be luxury sport sedans, there is a progression of equipment and amenities from the GXE, through the SE to the GLE.

The base GXE boasts ABS, keyless entry power windows and locks and a host of other touches as standard. The SE adds smoke-color taillights, dark grille surround, rear spoiler, a more aggressively tuned suspension (firmer springs, struts and shocks), 16-inch wheels (17-inchers will be optional) fog lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The GLE offers all the GXE's performance equipment plus leather seating surfaces, simulated wood trim, 200-watt Bose sound system, automatic transmission, fog lamps and 16-inch wheels, among other things.

The 2000 Nissan Maxima goes on sale in June 1999. Nissan officials said they expect to sell about 100,000 units.