In 2002, Nissan's flagship Maxima sedan once again raises the bar for all sports sedans. A new 255-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6, available 6-speed manual transmission and numerous exterior, interior and feature refinements further enhance the unique balance of performance and luxury which has helped make Maxima a top-selling import-brand V6.
Other key additions include Brake Assist, Electronic Brake force Distribution, standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, standard LCD trip computer, heated seats and steering wheel. The new 2002 Maxima went on sale in August 2001.
"For the 2002 model year, we've turned up Maxima's appeal many degrees in both performance and luxury," said Ian Forsyth, director, marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. "It continues to be true to its 'Maxima-ness' - which we define as the heart and soul of the performance/luxury sedan - but it's now an even bigger cut above the competition."
The original Maxima was introduced as a 1981 model. The popular fifth generation Maxima, created at Nissan Design America (NDA) in La Jolla, Calif., was introduced as a 2000 model and serves as the foundation for the new 2002 Maxima.
Distinctive Style
Maxima's exterior style has been enhanced in 2002 with a new front grille and aggressive front fascia with large air intake, new 4-bulb headlight design with High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, standard side-sill spoilers for a low, aggressive look, standard 16-inch (GXE) or redesigned 17-inch wheels (with different designs for SE and GLE models) and new UV-reducing solar glass.
The rear view continues to leave a strong visual impression with new rear taillights with clear lenses and revised vehicle badging featuring the new Nissan logo. Dual chrome exhaust tip finishers (SE/GLE) provide the finishing visual touch.
Two new exterior colours are available on 2002 Maxima - Tungsten Blue and Glacier Pearl, all chosen to complement the exterior enhancements made to the vehicle.
255 Horsepower with a Driveline and Suspension to Match
Since 1995, Maxima has been known for its V6 engine superiority. Its innovative 3.0-litre powerplant, part of the VQ engine series, has been named one of the "10 Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World for seven consecutive years. Ward's editors have written that it is "simply, the best V6 engine available in America."
For 2002, the VQ engine has been enlarged to 3.5 litres. This DOHC 24-valve V6 now produces 255 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque, increases of 33 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque over the 2001 Maxima's 3.0-litre engine. Besides the increased displacement, other enhancements made to the engine include a silent timing chain and electronically controlled throttle.
The engine also features a modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, a resin intake collector, digital knock control, six individual coils (one per spark plug) and a cross-flow coolant pattern. An equal-length tuned exhaust with a variable capacity muffler derived from the one on the high performance Nissan Skyline GT-R reduces exhaust system backpressure, adds power and gives Maxima a quiet, yet throaty, sound.
Additional features of the engine package include an engine control module located inside the passenger compartment for reliability, a thick radiator and a four-point engine mount design with liquid-filled (manual transmission) or electronically controlled fluid (automatic transmission) mounts to reduce vibration. Double platinum-tipped spark plugs give Maxima a 160,000-kilometre tune-up interval, providing a lower projected cost of ownership. And, all Maximas are low emission vehicles (LEV).
A new large engine cover with the Nissan logo completes the engine compartment of the 2002 Maxima.
For the first time on Maxima, a close-ratio 6-speed manual is
standard on SE models (available 10/01). This transmission optimizes the powerband of the new 3.5-litre engine and is geared towards the serious driving enthusiast.
All 2002 Maxima GXE and GLE models come equipped with a standard 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (optional on SE), which has been strengthened for use with the
3.5-litre V6. The automatic features a gated shifter for better transmission control and a traction control system is optional on GLE and SE models with automatic transmission.
Maxima's innovative rear Multi-Link BeamÔ suspension, which offers precise handling and outstanding stability by minimizing camber change during cornering, was refined for the fifth generation Maxima through use of thicker front and rear stabilizer bars, adoption of larger, softer trailing link bushings and a relocation of the system's unique lateral link to behind the rear beam. SE models feature special sport tuning for maximum handling prowess.
SE and GLE offer large 17-inch wheels with model-specific designs and H-rated (GLE) or
V-rated (SE) tires. GXE features 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels as standard equipment for 2002 (up from 15-inch steel wheels) for a sportier look and better handling.
The Maxima's "cut above" performance is reinforced by a refined engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering and enhanced 4-wheel disc brakes with 16 millimeter larger front discs and
4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Brake system upgrades for 2002 include two advanced systems - Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) which optimizes braking force depending on passenger and cargo load and Brake Assist, which ensures maximum braking capacity is utilized to aid in hard or panic braking situations.
An Enhanced Cabin
Maxima's luxury, like its performance, takes many forms, starting with its stylish "wave" instrument panel design with a sweeping console, striking instrument panel and special attention to driver ergonomics. The 2002 Maxima's interior features numerous improvements, including new, more supportive seat designs, new titanium-colour gated automatic transmission shifter and titanium-colour inside door handles, redesigned audio system faceplates, a new gauge package and a steering-wheel controlled multi-function trip computer with outside temperature display, distance to empty, fuel economy and drive time counters.
Other refinements for 2002 include standard HVAC microfilter ventilation system with reusable, washable filter, multi position slide sunroof switch, power driver's seat with memory function and entry/exit feature (GLE, opt. SE) and an upgraded 7-speaker 200-watt BoseÒ audio system with
in-dash 6-disc CD changer, radio data system (RDS) and speed-sensitive volume control (GLE, opt. SE).
The Maxima GXE also features enhanced content for 2002 - many items that were formerly on the option list have now become standard equipment. This includes an 8-way power driver's seat with manual adjustable lumbar support, height-adjustable centre console lid, premium 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, cargo net and HomeLink™ Universal Transceiver. Other luxury touches include the extensive use of noise, vibration and harshness countermeasures, isolation of wind and road noise, generous storage space (including room in the centre console for 16 compact discs), "one-touch" auto up and down driver's window, auto on/off headlights, a second 12-volt power outlet and 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with anti-theft lock function.
Maxima SE models feature sporty seat cloth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, titanium-colour gauge faces with black numerals and drilled metal accelerator, brake and clutch pedals on helical limited-slip differential-equipped SEs. GLE models feature standard leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever and wood-tone interior trim.
The 2002 Maxima is available in three interior colours.
Safe and Secure
Maxima safety features include an impact dispersion body side structure which includes reinforced roof side rails, B-pillars and side sills, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams, dual-stage front supplemental air bags, 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front-seat active head restraints, an emergency inside trunk-release latch, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchorage system and available front seat side-impact supplemental air bags.
Tailored For Discriminating Drivers
The 2002 Maxima is available in three models: the well-equipped GXE, the luxurious GLE and performance SE. An optional Leather Package on SE, includes leather-appointed seats, 4-way power passenger's seat and power driver's seat with memory function and entry/exit feature, power glass sliding sunroof with tilt function, traction control system (opt. SE automatic; standard on GXE and GLE) and Bose® audio system (SE, standard on GLE).
