I don't know if this has ever been discussed (and I'll be honest, I'm kinda lazy on doing the search for it, so please don't flame me!) but I've always wondered what it would've been like if Nissan had rolled out their 3.5 engine in just the 2001 AE Max's; I guess because it's kinda looked upon as the limited Anniversary Edition? Not only that, but had they kept their regular 3.0 engine for 02 and 03 Max, would half of us still be maxima owners, even if say, the 02 Alty came out with the 3.5?

I'm guessing it probably comes down to marketing schematics, and the hierarchy chain of which car will lead as the flagship sedan, but still.....to me, there's always that "what if" question? Any thoughts?

 

Would definitely make the anniversary edition more of a collector's item. As it stands, I can go down to my local Nissan Dealer and get all the AE parts to put on my car. If it was the only 5th Gen with a 3.5, then the 3.5 engine would certainly be a hard part to get. Really good question VQPowerSE!

 

i probably wouldnt be driving a maxima right now if they didnt have the 3.5L in the 2002s. i would probably be driving an S4 right now.

 

I hate to say it, but I'd be in an TL-S if that would've happened.

 

I definately would have been searching for an Aniversary Edition instead of buying an 02.

 

Yeah, no doubt, but more likely I'd be driving an Altima or WRX