The Nissan Maxima, the flagship of the six-vehicle 1999 Nissan lineup, receives a number of refinements for the new model year, including the availability of Nissan’s Traction Control System (TCS) for GLE and SE models equipped with automatic transmission and Deluxe Seating and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), an updated faceplate for mid-line and Bose® audio systems, four new exterior colors and an Ignition Immobilizer for enhanced security.

For 1999, Maxima continues to be offered in three trim levels: the popularly equipped GXE, performance-oriented SE and luxuriously equipped GLE, providing a wide selection of equipment and features to match the individual needs of each customer. All Maximas are offered with a standard 190-horsepower DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine, independent front and patented rear Multi-Link Beam™ suspension and 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes.

“The Maxima sets itself apart from its competitors by offering a unique blend of luxury, power, performance and unmatched quality,” said Michael Seergy, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “Maxima feels and drives like a much more expensive vehicle, with the quality and dependability you’d expect in a luxury car. Maxima sets the tone for our lineup of Nissan sedans.”

Exterior Design
Maxima’s distinctive exterior styling features clean yet muscular lines. Originally designed in Japan, Maxima received styling updates for the 1997 model year from Nissan Design International, Inc. (NDI) in La Jolla, Calif. NDI will design the next generation Maxima, due to appear as a model year 2000 vehicle.

Maxima’s styling is attractive and functional, with a 0.32 coefficient of drag (Cd). A low, sloping hood, rounded rear decklid and smooth sides contribute to this aerodynamically efficient shape. Unibody construction provides a tight, quiet platform.
Maxima is offered in four new exterior colors for 1999, including Sunlit Sand, Icelandic Pearl, Lakeshore Blue and Mahogany Pearl. Other available colors include Super Black, Sagemist Green, Sterling Mist and Deep Evergreen.

Interior Design
Inside, the Maxima offers ample dimensions front and rear, due in part to use of the compact rear Multi-Link Beam suspension (which provides less intrusion into the back seat and trunk areas than conventional suspensions). Maxima’s spacious interior provides nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, along with 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

Many comfort and convenience features are standard, including front bucket seats with a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, CFC-free air conditioning, power windows with driver-side auto-down feature, power door locks with selective unlocking feature, cruise control with steering wheel mounted switches, dual covered front cup holders and much more. Three interior colors are available: Beige, Charcoal and Sereno.

For 1999, the faceplate on mid-line and Bose audio systems has been updated, and models with wood tone trim now feature a slightly darker, satin finish.

Engine/Suspension
The front engine/front-wheel drive Maxima’s well-deserved reputation as a true performance sedan comes from its well-balanced combination of engine and suspension. Its powerful, yet refined, 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine has been named a “Best Engine” four times by Ward’s Auto World. It is one of the lightest, most compact engines for its displacement ever built for production use, producing a potent 190 hp at 5,600 rpm and 205 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Among the many technical highlights of Maxima’s engine are microfinishing of the camshaft and crankshaft, a digital knock control system and a cross flow coolant pattern. These attributes help enhance engine performance, reduce exhaust emissions and lower overall engine friction – resulting in excellent performance and fuel economy.

The Maxima engine also utilizes the Nissan Valve Timing Control System (NVTCS) variable valve timing and lift management. Electronically controlled sensors measure throttle position and engine speed to activate the variable intake valve timing mechanism to meet demands on the engine. The NVTCS system helps provide better performance at lower engine speeds, without sacrificing high speed power output or fuel economy.

The value-oriented GXE and sporty SE are equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. An electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on the luxury-equipped GLE and optional on GXE and SE.

Maxima delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22/27 mpg City/Highway when fitted with the 5-speed manual transmission, and 21/28 mpg City/Highway when equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission.

Maxima’s outstanding road manners are provided by Nissan’s patented rear Multi-Link Beam suspension, which offers precise handling and outstanding stability by minimizing camber change during cornering. This design provides a smooth ride as well. Suspension friction is reduced, and the system’s superior wheel control allows use of softer bushings, springs and shock tuning. A rear stabilizer bar is standard.

Maxima’s independent front suspension uses MacPherson struts with coil springs and a 21.0 mm stabilizer bar to provide optimum control in a variety of driving conditions.

Nissan’s Traction Control System (TCS) is offered on GLE and SE models, when equipped with automatic transmission, Deluxe Seating and ABS. The TCS uses sensors to monitor front wheel slippage. If both front tires are slipping, intermittent braking is applied through the ABS to the right and left wheels. At the same time, engine speed is automatically reduced until it matches the available traction. As a result, handling, control and safety are improved, whatever the weather.

Safety
Every 1999 Maxima features an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including standard dual supplemental air bags, 3-point front seat belts with height-adjustable front shoulder belts and 3-point ALR/ELR front-passenger side, rear outboard passenger seat belt system and 3-point center rear seat belt. Front-seat supplemental side-impact air bags are optional on SE and GLE models as part of the Deluxe Seating Package.

Other standard equipment includes front and rear crumple zones, an energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams. For added driver confidence and control, Maxima is equipped with standard power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is optionally available on all three trim levels (except GXE with manual transmission).

Model Availability
All 1999 Maximas come equipped with an unexpected level of standard equipment including: a multi-adjustable reclining front bucket driver’s seat, power windows with driver-side one-touch auto-down feature, power door locks with selective unlocking, dual power remote-controlled outside mirrors, digital clock and CFC-free air conditioning.

Other standard equipment includes a tilt steering column, cruise control, dual covered cup holders, 120W AM/FM/cassette audio system (optional on GXE) and center console with armrest.

The GXE model offers standard luxury seat cloth, large center console area with storage for CDs and cassettes, fold-down rear center armrest and 205/65R15 S-rated all-season tires.

For drivers seeking an extra level of style and performance, Maxima SE boasts a sport-tuned suspension with firmer shocks and struts, electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount (on automatic transmission models only), 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R16 H-rated all-season tires, a body-color rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, body-color door handles, blackout window moldings, sport velour seat cloth, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob and black-on-white analog gauges.

The luxurious Maxima GLE comes equipped with leather seating surfaces, wood-grain trim, aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-way power driver- and 4-way power front-passenger seats, automatic climate control, a remote keyless entry and Vehicle Security System, a Bose 6-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

A number of options and packages are available on Maxima, including automatic transmission, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt feature and sunshade.

Available option packages include: Security and Convenience Package (GXE and SE), with 8-way power driver’s seat, remote keyless entry and Vehicle Security System, electric remote trunk release and more (including HomeLink system with SE model); Deluxe Seating Package, with heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, heavy-duty battery and front-seat side air bags; and a SE Leather Trim Package, with leather seating surfaces, automatic temperature control and 4-way power front passenger’s seat.

Warranty
All 1999 Nissan models are covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile “bumper-to-bumper” Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a 5-year/60-000-mile Limited Corrosion Coverage and a Lifetime Limited Seat Belt Warranty.