Luxury sedan is a solid ride

From pag: 29

seven seconds, very quick for a luxu-
car.

The four-speed automatic trans-
mission is a perfect match —
‘although there is a momentary gear-
changing hesitation when the throt-
ue is epplied. The fioor transmission
: shift lever has an on/off overdrive
* burton to manually shift fom fourth

to third or viet versa

The Maxima is one of the few
Cars in its class Jiae’s suii available
with a manual transmission.
However, I wouldn’: recommend
this manual transmission. It’s not as
slick as the rest of the car.

Noteworthy mechanical features
include disc brakes at each corner
with optional ABS (surprising in a
car of this price), a non-independent

multi-link beam suspension at the
wear that keeps the tres uoright
when cornering and is designed to
provide more passenger and trunk
room, front and rear stabilizer bars,
engine-speed sensitive variable
power steering, and 205/6SR-15-
inch radials.

The Maxima’s hardling is on the
soft side, even in the sporty SE
model. Though there’s some body

lean, the car stays planted once into
a corner and vehicle dynamics are
good. Excellent visibility, a smooth

powertrain, and easy steering make
this a pleasurable car to drive.

The Maxima’s interior is roomy,
bright and well-finished. Rear
legroom and headroom are gener-
ous. With the sunroof installed,
front passengers over six feet tall
tay find minimal headroom. Dual

- airbags are standard, and side airbags

will e offered on 1998 GLE and
SE models with leather upholstery.
The 14.7 cubic feet trunk is not

the biggest in its class, but it has a
sensible square shape, flat floor, low
liftover height, an a pass- through
opening through the center rear
armrest. A fold-down rear scat is not ©
available.

The Maxima has proven reliable

"over the years. In 1995, it won the

CAA’s annual id Used Car
Performance Award for durability:
As far as import hixury sedans’
go, the Maxima offers excellent
value and a rewarding ownership -
rience. The GLE is the best
alae.

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