been reading up on Maxima's a really thinking of getting an 96' or 97'5-speed. i really want a 97' but will settle for 96'. i know they all have the same 190hp motor right? but what does an SE get that a GXE (is the model under SE right)doesnt other than spoiler, diff rims, and leather?

also is one year 95-99 better than the other?

Thanx

 

the SE and the GXE are the same with a few minor differences..

if you are going to mod and change the suspension.. get a GXE
if you are going to stay stock.. get an SE

 

you get the white faced gauges with an SE

 

yea, gxe's are presummed faster over the se b/c of less weight.

the 97-99's have the easily cleared out taillight while the 95 & 96's are a pain unless you go to the pro on the .org! I can't think of anyother difference...

 

The US changed emission laws in 97 and the 97-99 maxima have to comply to them, so in theory the 95-96 should be faster

 

"should"

and the laws were changed for 96 - 99

 

I dont think u can get a sunroof in a gxe???

 

you don't "think" but yes you can get a GXE with a sunroof

 

 

SE's also have body colored door handles. GXE's have chrome handles.

 

well thank you for correcting me ... I "think"

 

A GXE is your basic Maxima (I say basic 'Maxima' and not basic 'car' because even the base, base Maxima comes handsomely equipped compared to the competition: V6, AC, P/W, P/L, P/M, etc., etc.). The GLE is your most loaded Maxima. Even without added available options such as heated seats and ABS, it still comes luxuriously equiped with Electronic Climate Control, leather, power seats, etc. Now the SE, which is technically supposed to be a sport edition but as soooo many manufacturers do, it is nothing more than a little tighter suspension and some cosmetic changes. However, where the main difference lies is in it's available options. You can get one as "stripped" as a GXE or as loaded as a GLE. So, if you want a stick, then yes, you need a GXE or an SE but depending on what kind of options you want/desire, should dictate which model you buy. I, for instance had ("had") to have sunroof and leather and Electronic Climate Control, etc. so if you are like me you will want a loaded SE - but I wish you luck finding one! (keep in mind though - as someone pointed out, a loaded Maxi. will make for a heavier car). If you are cool with cloth, manual climate control, etc. then you can buy either. Now for the cosmetic differences, here's what the SE has over the GXE/GLE that I know of: white faced instrument cluster guages, spoiler, fog lights, black (instead of chrome) window trim (sooooooo much better in my opin.), body color doorhandles (instead of cheesey chrome), body color grill (on the '97/'99s) instead of cheesey chrome and 16" rims. I think that's it. Oh and don't certain model GXEs have a speed limiter? Hope I helped. Good luck and happy shopping.

 

Also, 98s were the first to have the digital odometer and the 99s were the first to have the added security of a vehicle immobilizer.

 

GLE = "top-of-the-line" Maxima, comes with everything except spoiler and fog-lights (options).
SE = stock w/ spoiler and fog-lights. All accessories of GLE available as options (leather, Bose, moonroof, climate control, etc).
GXE = bone stock. Not available: leather, climate control, power passenger's seat, Bose radio.
'95 = Least emmissions control. Technically a little faster but hardly noticiable.
'96 = More emmission control but same shape as '95.
'97 = Front bumper changes, projector headlights, saftey changes (more safety), trunklid and taillights change a little.
'98 = Same as '97 but with digital odometer.
'99 = Same as '98.

I tried to sum it up as best as I can, maybe I made a few errors some other people will correct for me.

-Cyrus

 

dont forget se-l's...limited edition baby!!!

 

And SE-Ls with different badges, floormats, and different colors available I think.

 

95's weigh the least