Anyone read any performance specs on the '02? My guess is that we will still have an edge, but it would be nice to read something so we know what we're up against.

 

I've seen the specs, but can't remember them exactly.
Basically its got 255hp and 245ish lb/ft tq.
Interior dimensions are comparable to TL.
The auto is high 6s)-60 TL has a slight edge, but the Max with a MannyTranny will blow right by us.
Personally I don't care bc I still think its butt ass ugly.
Within the next couple years Nissan is going to up the price to $30k and make the car larger, and add a couple more ammenities to better compete in the midsize entry luxo market.

 

Do a search, the '02 Maxima, it has been discussed many times. You'll find specs, 0-60 and 1/4 mile times, etc.....

 

i dunno man, i went to nissan to pep the new altima and the guy said the next max is gonna b huge, the size of a gs400 and will blow the tl away. i hope not but i think it probubly will judging from the new altima

 

Huge as a GS? The Gs is shorter than the Maxima and the Tl but it has a much longer wheelbase (which may make it seem larger).

 

u know what i am saying a gs looks way bigger than a damn tl get in one. the inside is much larger also. side by side a gs looks bigger . the tl is a skinny long looking car. gs has that big body look. i know u guys know what i am saying. i didnt research any of this i am just saying what a salesman at the dealer told me

 

This is what I had heard too. The Altima is stepping into the Maxima's shoes, and the '03 Maxima will be a larger car then it's current form which will step it up a class as well.....

 

The 2002 Maxima right now is just in the middle of a model facelift; nothing else has really changed besides the engine and a few cosmetic changes.

The next generation Maxima will compete with cars in the "near luxury" category, one of them the lame-ass Avalon. Basically, soon, the 4-door-sports-car will be no more, I guess.

 

So what is the purpose of the Infinity models, especially the I30/35??? Since the I30/35 is the entry-luxo sedan then why is the Maxima going into that territory. Damn Nissan is screwing everything up for Infinity.

 

You know what I don't understand?

The Altima will step up to the Camry/ Accord class. But it costs more and has more power. Right?

OK, now, the Maxima will be up with the Avalon/ (nothing from Honda), and it costs almost as much as the TL and the low end Infinity. RIght?

WTF, I am confused.

 

2003 maxima is the one i am talking about

 

Nissan is completely screwing up its line of cars. The Altima becomes the Maxima, competes with Accord's and Camry's, and steals sales from the Maxima. There aren't too much differentiation between the I35 and the Maxima. There is no car in between the Altima and Sentra in terms of size and price.

Toyota is not following the same strategy. The ES300 and Camry remain almost the same. The GS430 and LS430 continue to be the high performance sport sedan and luxury cruiser.

 

Speaking of the Camry, it seems their prices went up and HP went down. I saw their sport Camry @ the dealer the other day for the 2002 model. I do not like the interior, and the perforated leather looks cheap. The TL and TLs leather is way better. With the top of the line Camry sport infringing on the price territory of the TL, it should be a no brainer that th TL should get the nod.

How does Toyota get customers to pay the steep price for theit Camrys?

 

i have to disagree. The materials in the new camry are better than my 2000 TL. The dash looks classy especially the SE version.

The door handle is great too. Overall the camry now feels much more luxury than TL especially equipped with DVD-Nav. Camry feels quieter and smoother to drive. (sorry my TL tranny is not as smooth in shifting).

However, camry's price is ridiculously high. $30K for a loaded SE is beyond comprehension. The XLE version will list for more than $32K. That's 8k more than my 1993 Camry XLE ( fully loaded).

I also wished that toyota would increase the HP to 220 range. But did not happen. So my cousin bought a new altima yesterday.

 

both the new maxima and the camry are ugly...

i dont like the weird lites on the maxima and the camrys front end looks too much like a tauraus...