Yes, my dealership had ONE. It was black, and had EVERY option. I was ecstatic. As I pulled off the lot, I was dumbfounded at how "floaty" the car was. I figured the suspension would be tighter, but it felt like I was in a bigger car...(which they ARE.) The shifter and clutch worked effortlessly, although I'd have preferred them both to be much stiffer, more sports-car oriented. But, the Altima is a four-door, so I let it slide. The steering wheel was placed MUCH better than the 93-01s, it actually came out far enough to be comfortable (since I need the seat all the way back, I usually find most steering wheels at full-arm's length.). The interior is quite pleasant. I knew it was no Lexus, but it was FAR BETTER than the current (old?) gens. The power: FUCK YEAH! It was bliss to drive with sooooooooo much new power under the hood! The exhaust (and the beautiful presence of a Y-Pipe) sounded harmonious at full-throttle. As we neared the last light before a mile and a half stretch, the salesman said, "Hey, you seem to know your shit, let her open. There's nothing for a while." Ummmmm. Okay. I didn't smoke the tires, but after a few yards I mashed it...Mashed it through 3rd and I was over a 100 in NO TIME. I shifted to 5th and slowed to 65, and gave it gas just to see what O/D had to offer. Sweet. Power in 5th, baby! As I got back to the lot, I spotted what will be my next car, though...
2002 Maxima GXE 5sp in the dark-blue metallic. Here's why:
Just for comparo, I asked the guy if I could take THAT one out. Immediately when I sat in, I could tell I was in the flagship sedan. Don't get me wrong; the interior of the new Altima is great, but no comparison to the Maxima. There was about the same amount of room, which was sufficient for my needs. The buttons, controls, and placement of the pedals were more strategically planned, and they outshone every aspect of the Altima's. The Maxima, even in GXE trim, felt MUCH more like a driver's car. The steering was more responsive, and the suspension communicated better with the road...giving me a far better feeling of confidence when tuning and changing lanes. I even got to open it up on the same stretch of road.
It's like when the younger sibling catches up in size and strength. You still always know who's older and wiser.
Out.
2002 Maxima GXE 5sp in the dark-blue metallic. Here's why:
Just for comparo, I asked the guy if I could take THAT one out. Immediately when I sat in, I could tell I was in the flagship sedan. Don't get me wrong; the interior of the new Altima is great, but no comparison to the Maxima. There was about the same amount of room, which was sufficient for my needs. The buttons, controls, and placement of the pedals were more strategically planned, and they outshone every aspect of the Altima's. The Maxima, even in GXE trim, felt MUCH more like a driver's car. The steering was more responsive, and the suspension communicated better with the road...giving me a far better feeling of confidence when tuning and changing lanes. I even got to open it up on the same stretch of road.
It's like when the younger sibling catches up in size and strength. You still always know who's older and wiser.
Out.
