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Nissan For 2001 |
By Carey Russ |
Nissan is in the midst of a strong comeback. A restyled and revamped Frontier pickup, all-new Sentra compact sedan, and revised Pathfinder sport-utility have been available since mid-2000. A special model celebrates the 20th anniversary of the midsize Maxima sedan, and a new "Limited Edition" luxury package is offered for the slightly smaller Altima. The Quest minivan has freshened styling, and the Xterra SUV has a new instrument panel.
Frontier
For 2001, the Frontier has gotten a major restyling, with a bold, futuristic look. The interior has been revised as well. And, there is a surprise under the new Frontier's bulging, industrial-look hood: a healthy power increase courtesy of an available supercharger for V6 models. Look for the "SC" badging, and find 210 horsepower, an increase of 40. It's offered in both extended cab and crew cab form. The "Desert Runner" is a two-wheel drive Frontier built on the four-wheel drive chassis, and offers the look and ground clearance of the 4x4 "King Cab" model with less weight for better performance. The supercharged engine is available for even better
performance.
Pathfinder
Nissan's premium SUV now has serious power in the form of a 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6, closely related to the 3.0-liter engine in the Maxima.
Sentra
The fifth-generation Sentra made its debut last February, and offers performance and luxury in the small sedan class. It has a close resemblance to the larger Maxima, and is the first Sentra designed exclusively for North America.
Maxima
It's been 20 years since the introduction of the first Maxima, and Nissan celebrates with the "SE 20th Anniversary Edition." It adds exterior and interior enhancements, more power from the 3.0-liter V6 engine, and a viscous limited slip differential to make better use of that power.
Nissan Specifications 2001 Frontier ENGINE 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder Peak horsepower: 143 @ 5200 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 154 @ 4000 rpm 3.3-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 170 @ 4800 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 200 @ 2800 rpm 3.3-liter supercharged V6 Peak horsepower: 210 @ 4800 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 246 @ 2800 rpm DRIVE TRAIN Front-engine, rear- or four-wheel drive 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Body-on-frame construction Front suspension: independent double wishbone Rear suspension: solid axle with leaf springs BRAKES Disc/drum, antilock optional EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 22/26 to 15/18 depending on model Fuel tank: 15.9 or 19.4 gallons Pathfinder ENGINE 3.5-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 250 @ 6000 rpm / 240 hp automatic Peak torque, lb-ft: 240 @ 3200 rpm / 265 auto DRIVE TRAIN Front-engine, rear- or four-wheel drive 4 - speed automatic 5 - speed manual CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Semi-unit "Monoframe" construction Front suspension: independent strut Rear suspension: solid axle with coil springs BRAKES Disc/drum, antilock standard EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 16/19 Fuel tank: 21.1 gallons