Hey everyone, just like to say Hi to all the 6th generation owners. And my question is: Does anyone know why Nissan decided to make the SE a 5-speed auto and the SL only a 4-speed auto. Why didn't they just make the SL a 5-speed auto too?

 

That's a very good question. They obviously wanted to differentiate the two models a little more than just a firmer suspension and 18" wheels for the SE. However, the Maxima is in a class where a 5-speed auto is expected. Honda did it even with the Accord...why not the Max?

 

These days most cars that are in the 30k range come with a 5-speed auto. Hell BMW and Jaguar have gone to 6-spd auto w/some of there models. And I hear the 2004 Benz's equipped with V8's will come with a 7-speed auto.

 

For the life of me I have no idea why Nissan didn't put the 5-speed auto in the SL. Even where cost is concerned, economies of scale operate in favor of having just ONE automatic transmission to put in all models so-equipped. I understand that the SL and SE models are targeted at different buyers, but does Nissan actually believe that the SL-intenders prefer a 4-speed auto?

Jaeger

 

The 4 speed is supposed to be a smoother tranny with less and softer shifting. Yeah, it's gay, but thats the theroy.

 

I was thinking that as well. The other thought that comes to mind is that they are using an existing 4 speed and they didn't want to modify the 5 speed so it didn't include the sport shifter.

not sure if that is a possibility, but I figured I would through it out there