I was just watching Dateline's story on the Insurance Institutes offset crash testing and they show the testing of the '95, '98 and the new 2000 maxima. Just a little background. The offset testing is done at 40 mph and tests a car's structural rigitity and how it protects the driver. Cars are purchased off dealers floors and these testings are sponsored by auto insurance companies. It can score a Good(best), Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor(Worst).

The Scores:
'95 Maxima: Poor
'98 Maxima: Marginal
2000 Maxima: Acceptable

Personally, I own a '95 and a little bit surprised but I do understand that the '95 is the first year of the redesigned model. But it's good to see that Nissan is improving on their safety and not just standing still...

 

My 92 SE did the offset guardrail test at 65 with me in it, and I thought it did pretty well, I'm still here after all.

Any idea what the 3rd gens score in that kind of test?

 

All that testing is CRAP. There is almost no real life data you can get from the testing those companies do. The offset testing is a bit better than the straight on stuff, but it still assumes you are hitting another vehicle of the same size as the one you are driving. They can give Honda Civic's 4 stars all day long, but that car will still end up squished if it goes up against an Escalade.......