2001 Nissan Maxima Trims and Specs

There are few changes to the base model mid-size luxury sedan after its redesign last year. The 2001 Nissan Maxima GXE is a front-wheel drive sedan with a powerful 3.0-liter, 222-hp DOHC V6. It comes standard with a 5-speed manual, 15-inch wheels, 4-wheel ABS brakes, automatic headlights, and dual front airbags. A 4-speed auto tran is optional, as are front-side impact airbags.

Roomy legroom and a 15.1 cubic foot trunk offer comfort and convenience. Standard features include power windows, locks, and mirrors, an alarm system, leather trim, cruise control, intermittent wipers, a cassette player, and keyless entry. If you want to really deck the sedan out in style, you can add heated leather seats and heated mirrors, a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, CD changer, remote garage opener, and a rear spoiler. A Meridien Package adds the heated seats and mirrors and side impact airbags. Gas mileage is respectable, but not great, at 21/27 mpg, and drivers love the extra power and pickup in the 2001 Maxima GXE, along with the ample passenger room and smooth ride. Complaints mention a cheap-looking interior, road noise, and some interior rattling.

Though it carries the same 24-valve, 3.0-liter, 222-hp DOHC V6 engine as the other Maxima models, the 2001 Nissan Maxima SE features a sports suspension, foglights, and 16-inch alloy wheels for both a sportier appearance and performance. The front-wheel drive luxury sedan seats four, with split-folding rear seats and a 15.1 cubic foot trunk. Transmission choices are a standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Dual front airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and automatic headlights are also standard, with side impact bags and traction control offered as options.

Inside, the 2001 Maxima SE resembles the GXE, with leather trim, power features, a CD player, a tachometer, cruise control, keyless entry, and a security system. There are plenty of add-ons, including heated leather seats and heated mirrors, power front seats, a remote garage opener, sunroof, CD changer, and automatic climate control. Mileage is respectable, estimated at 21/27, though owners wish it were better and that premium gas wasn't required. Drivers agree it's a fun ride with plenty of power, and is quiet, comfortable, and roomy -- a good compromise of family car and performance car. Common Maxima complaints include failed oxygen sensors and a continual check engine light problem.

A lot more luxury and convenience make up the 2001 Nissan Maxima GLE, the top-end offering for this mid-size luxury sedan that seats four comfortably. After an update last year, the 2001 Maxima GLE remains little changed this year. It has a much improved 3.0-liter, DOHC V6 that hits 222-hp, matched to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Riding on larger 16-inch alloy wheels, the front-wheel drive sedan features dual front airbags, 4-wheel ABS brakes, automatic headlights, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Traction control and side impact airbags are offered as an option. Its safety equipment earns it four-star crash test ratings.

Other highlights include full power features, including power front seats, leather upholstery and trim, cruise control, keyless entry, an upgraded sound system with CD player, and a security system. A sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, a CD changer, and a rear spoiler are all extra in the 2001 Maxima GLE. Owners admit that the sedan's ride is smooth and quiet, and the interior is comfortably roomy for a family. The V6 power is confident and responsive. But there are numerous mechanical problems, particularly with the oxygen sensors and early brake wear. Owners also report some rattling and wish the fuel economy (21/27 mpg) was better.

To celebrate 20 years of Nissan, a 20th Anniversary edition of the Nissan Maxima personal luxury sedan is offered this year. It gets five extra horsepower out of the 2.0-liter, 130-hp DOHC V6, hitting 227-hp with a standard 5-speed manual or choice of a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic. The 2001 Maxima 20th Anniversary Edition is a snazzier version of the SE, with more features only offered as options on the SE. It has larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited slip differential, and black-on-silver dash gauges.

In addition to a body kit that includes bronze-lensed headlight covers and carbon fiber interior accents, the 2001 Maxima 20th Anniversary comes standard with a sunroof, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver's seat, full power features, cruise control, CD player, keyless entry, and foglights. Dual front airbags are standard, and optional side impact bags and traction control help earn a 4-star crash rating. Other options are heated leather seats, a power passenger seat, automatic climate control, and a CD changer. Drivers of the 2001 Maxima 20th Anniversary Edition like its looks, standard features, precise handling, and comfortable roominess, but complaint about frequent repairs and poor customer service. Various sensor failure