'95 Nissan Maxima SE
One of the first '95 models in our long-term fleet is the Nissan Maxima SE. This ultra sports car dressed in sedan clothing is quickly becoming the darling of the staff. Its stealthy black-on-black treatment makes it perfect for highway hops to Phoenix or just breezing up the coast for some fresh air. We've only put a few thousand miles on the Maxima, but the logbook is already overflowing with praise. Remarks cover everything from the refinement of the package to the excellent Bose sound system to the sumptuousness of the interior, even comparing it to a Lexus ES 300. Performance is what stands out most-is a family sedan supposed to be this much fun? We're talking 6.6 seconds 0-60 mph and a slalom run at over 65 mph with the five-speed manual transmission. The only criticism so far centers on the exterior. Some editors feel it's a touch bland, but as one driver wrote: "Any $27,000 sedan that can go 0-60 in under 7 seconds, handle like a BMW, and brake like a sports car can look as bland as it wants, and I'd still stand in line to buy it."
Base price
$21,599
*Price as tested
$26,484
*Total mileage
3825
*Test mileage
3389
*Fuel consumed
157.1 gal
Fuel cost
$212.09
*Average mpg
21.6
*Additional oil/cost
None
*Routine maint.
$22.56
*Additional maint.
None
Previous maintenance
None
*Problem areas
None
*Total operating cost
$234.65
*Operating cost/mile
6.9