I've been thinking of a 2001 Maxima GXE or GLE. I've heard that the Maxima's have a stiff suspension - you end up feeling almost every bump on the road. What do you owners of 5G GLE's and GXE's feel? How does the car feel over a bumpy road? Can you get a smooth ride over bumbs. Does the Maxima absorb bumbs well enough so that you get a comfortable ride? Or do you end up getting backaches over bumpy roads? Appreciate any input.

 

GXE and GLE have the same suspension. The base GXE will have a softer ride, due to higher profile tires. The GXE with the comfort and convenience package and the GLE have a softer ride than the SE, especially if the SE has the 17" tire option. Test drive and find out for yourself. I think the GXE/GLE is a little rough of a ride, but the handling makes up for it. Typically cars with soft rides handle poorly.

 

I love the ride of my 2K GXE (with C/C) compared to my father's 2K SE. His is nicer in corners, but mine for long distance drives (of which I seem to have a penchant for going on) is a dream. 8 hours in my car feels like 2 hours, whereas in my Acura 8 hours felt like an eternity. Even my 89 SE felt pretty nice compared to the Acura, but based on the 2K SE, I will take a softer feel for the comfort over cornering ability/stability

 

test drive them in the different configurations
1. GXE base (15")
2. GXE w/ c&c, or GLE base (16")
3. SE base (16")
4. GLE w/ 17" wheels
4. SE w/ 17" wheels

 

I don't think GLE comes with 17" wheels.

littledog
2k Sterling Mist GLE