The new, improved Maxima competed for our 1995 Import Car of the year award and drove away with the coveted Golden Calipers. After the ICOY victory was announced, we eagerly filled out the order forms needed to add a Maxima to our long-term fleet.

Being performance enthusiasts, we skipped the entry-level GXE and headed straight for the sports-oriented SE. Standard equipment on our executive class Super Black Maxima SE included air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, a four speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, cruise control, halogen foglamps, and a rear-window defroster. The SE's exterior treatment includes aluminum-alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler, black-out window moldings, a gray-accented front grill, and a chrome exhaust tip. To the $21,599 base price, we added several options including an uplevel Bose stereo system with dash mounted cassette and CD-player.

For $699, the Security and Convenience package brought keyless entry, a security system, an eight way power driver's seat, and variable intermittent wipers. To enhance the corporate image, we opted for the $1099 Leather Trim Package, which not only enshrouded the interior in sumptuous cowhide, but also included automatic temperature control. Unable to restrain ourselves, we checked the boxes for anti-lock brakes and a power sliding glass roof. Fully loaded, our Maxima rang up at $26484, a veritable bargain compared to numerous premium-priced automobiles. As on of our owner's survey respondents wrote, "It's definitely a luxury car at a reasonable price."

The main attraction to this special model for both us and our surveyed owners was its performance. With 0-60mph capabilities of under 7 seconds, this midsize sedan deserves to win Sleeper of the Year, as well. Beyond the empirical test data, the Maxima makes extraordinary use of its 190 horsepower, courtesy of a 3.82:1 axle ratio, delivering instant acceleration from its 3.0-liter DOC 24-valve V6. Not only foes the car scoot like it's hiding a bigger engine under its hood, but revs with the authoritative demeanor of a V-8. "I love blowing away sports cars," wrote one excited owner. Our black beauty elicited many surprised looks from embarrassed musclecar drivers who didn't think the sedan was a threat.

Despite praise for the powertrain, entries such as, "The clutch action leaves something to be desired," were sprinkled out throughout our long-term logbook. At 11,000 miles, our dealership checked the clutch and found it to be within factory specifications; nevertheless, it felt spongy to us.

When launched hard, the Maxima warns you about license-revoking behavior by delivering a jolt of torque steer. At idle or cruising speed, dip into the throttle and a melodic rhapsody emanates from the engine compartment. This performance symphony is best conducted with the five speed manual, which rewards the driver with thrilling response. It's no surprise that 98.9 percent of surveyed owners rated acceleration above average (The other 1.1 percent must have compared it to a Dodge Viper or some land rocket.) Beyond its satisfying acceleration, our Maxima showcased its high-speed threshold of 142 mph in our July '95 "Virtual Velocity" story, making it the least expensive way to transport five people at over 140mph.

As a driver's machine, the sport-tuned SE suspension balances ride comfort with road handling tenacity. Stiffer springs, firmer struts and shock absorbers, liquid filled compression bushings, urethane front bushings, and an electronically controlled engine mount contribute to the Maxima's aggressive handling talents. As one editor wrote, "the MacPherson front struts lack the sophistication of an A-arm setup, as rough pavements sections are quick to point out, but Nissan's decision saved both weight and cost. " Over 95 percent of surveyed Maxima owners rated the handling above average, which is supported by handling being listed as the second "most liked" attribute of the car. A woman from New York succinctly stated: "It's a comfortable, smooth-riding car"

Interior inspiration is seemingly drawn from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with the austerity of the dash and similar basic design. The white-face gauges add a sporting flair and change to a white-on-black look at night.

Several staff members noted the seat's inadequate side bolstering for aggressive driving and lack of lumbar adjustment ranked as the chief complaints of owners. The Maxima, nevertheless, comfortably accommodates five regulation-size adults. An owner from Texas wrote," I found only two cars that had more room for passengers: the BMW 740iL and the Lexus LS400."

The service history of our longtermer was unblemished, with the exception of the clutch query. Only regular oil changes were needed to keep the Maxima running in top form. Despite numerous performance test and the high mileage accumulated in its year with us, our Maxima remained as tight as a drum. the only evidence of wear was at the tires, which received more than their share of abuse from our hard-driving staff. Survey respondents also reported positive experiences with their cars: 96.2 percent rated quality as above average. Consequently, 98.4 percent indicated they would buy another Nissan vehicle, and fewer than one percent said they wouldn't recommend the Maxima. "This is the third Maxima I've owned. They simply spoil you with good looks and low maintenance.," stated one owner.

The first entry in our logbook reads. "As a lover of big-buck luxo-sedans, I'm shocked by how much I adore this new Maxima." This sentiment ran right through to the logbook's final entry:"A year later, the Maxima still can do no wrong. It should be on every sedan buyer;s shopping list."

Ninety-five percent of the survey respondents purchased, rather than leased, their Maxima, which makes perfect sense because this is the kind of car that deserves to be coveted. In light of our Maxima's reliability, it's a car we not only can endorse but one that makes us proud to have names it the 95' Import Car of the Year. Over the past 12 months, our Maxima SE proved to be a fast, fun, reliable sporty car masquerading as a sensible sedan. And that's the kind of formula that results in wholly satisfied customers.

Motor Trend - March, 1996