I bought a used 2000 Nissan Maxima SE two years back, and having done so, I am continuously impressed by this car. It contains all the luxury items that you’d expect from a full-sized sedan, but also exhibits performance more like a sports car. And to top it all off, the 2000 Maxima has the reliability you’d expect from a Japanese car. All-in-all, this car has proven itself time and time again to be one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. The body style for this car was brand new for 2000, and was a stellar leap over the previous generation. 17″ alloy rims, Bose sound system, and blacked-out taillights; this car may have been designed as an executive cruiser, but it still has a little racer inside of it. On that note, the engine is Nissan’s VQ engine, a power-plant that has been winning awards ever since it was first conceived. For 2000, Nissan made a few improvements for their power-plant, allowing the Maxima to acquire 225hp and 207lb/ft of torque. This allows the car to zoom to 100km/h in just under eight seconds from a standing start and push onwards to a top speed of around 210km/h. The car also handles remarkably well for a front-wheel drive car. Torque steer is almost non-existent, and the car feels nimble and light despite its nearly two-ton weight. While underpowered by today’s extreme standards, this car has more than enough. Highway passing is no trouble at all, because even at 120km/h the engine’s pickup and go is great, allowing for stress-free passing. Even when fully loaded with five occupants plus cargo, the engine never strains, but merely floats along, effortlessly pulling the car onwards. Inside, the car has comfortable leather seats which can have optional heaters for colder days. The air conditioning system is powerful and easy to operation, even with gloves on. The driver’s seat is fully power adjustable, as are the side mirrors. The steering wheel’s tilt can be adjusted, though strangely it cannot telescope. The optional Bose sound system seems to be transplanted from someone’s after-market street racer when cranked, although it doesn’t lack in refinement and the sound quality never lets you down. Because this car is a full-size, there’s plenty of room for all occupants, a necessity on long trips. The cabin admittedly does let in a bit of wind and tire roar, but not so much as to become annoying. However, large windows and an optional sunroof mean that the cabin also feels more open, and even with a dark interior plenty of light streams Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil
