The first thing you should notice about the new Maxima is that it has an exterior appearance whose overall tone is supposed to be "more aggressive." Changes include the grille and front fascia, those HID headlights, side-sill spoilers, UV-reducing solar glass, new tail lights, revised badging, new 16- and 17-inch wheels, and dual chrome exhaust tips on some models.
There's also a different interior look, Kirrane says, with seat designs that are meant to be more supportive, titanium-coloured door handles and gated automatic transmission shifter, 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 a microfilter ventilation system for the climate-control system with a reusable and washable filter, a multi-position slide sunroof switch, power driver's seat with memory function and entry/exit feature, and an upgraded audio system.
Packaging for the different trim levels has also been revised, meaning each model will have more features than it previously did. At the moment, Nissan Canada can't supply details on that, but you can assume the new Maxima will be a greater value because it will have more features for the money.
While all of that will definitely be of interest to the Maxima buyer, the key issue will of course be the upgraded power numbers.
Enlarged from 3 to 3.5 litres, the 24-valve V-6 now supplies 260 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque. Those are increases of 38 and 29, respectively, and they should provide noticeably better launch since Maxima's weight hasn't changed that much with the revision.