Model Comparison for Third Generation Maxima (1989 – 1994)

Member Credit: Bryan Tisc

All of the third generation Maximas feature many standard options.  The U.S. third generation Maxima came in two models, the SE and GXE.  The SE, targeted a sporty end of the market while the GXE emphasized more luxury features.  The SE features stiffer springs, sway bars, struts, strut mounts, and bushings.  Also, from 1992 – 1994, the SE had a high output DOHC engine with variable timing control.  Here are some standard features that both models share.

• Standard allow wheels- 6.5 inch on the SE, 6 inch on the GXE
• Four wheel independent suspension
• Power windows, locks
• Power/Comfort button for automatic transmissions
• Cruise Control
• Air conditioning
• Standard security system (ignition disable, doors, trunk, hood- no shock sensor)
• Rear window defrost

SE vs. GXE:

• Tighter suspension, thicker sway bars on SE, not GXE
• Dual tipped exhausts on SE versus a single tip on the GXE
• Black rear view mirrors on SE versus body colored Mirrors on GXE
• Rear disk brakes on SE, rear drums on the GXE
• 5 speed manual available on SE, automatic-only on GXE
• 6.5 inch rims on SE, 6 inch rims on GXE
• Driving lights standard on SE’s, no driving lights on GXE
• Spoiler standard on SE, no spoiler standard on GXE
• White gauges standard on SE, black guages on the GXE with reduced bolding.
• Sport leather steering wheel on SE, standard steering wheel on GXE
• DOHC high output engine on 92 – 94 SE models, SOHC on all GXE’s
• standard exterior door locks on SE, GXE’s standard with keyless entry

1989-1991 SE specific

• VG30E SOHC engine generating 160 hp and 182 ft lbs of torque.
• Standard Moonroof
• Standard Bose Radio
• Black rear lenses
• Split front grill with a small “Nissan” sign
• Standard with H rated tires
• lever to open trunk left of driver’s seat

1989 – 1991 SE & GXE specific

• hinged door under radio
• all speedometers at 1 25 mph
• all tachometers redline at 6000 rmps
• split grille with Nissan name

1991 changes   

• New Bose stereo face design started
• chromed wheels started
• Extended mirrors on SE models

1992 changes

• An extendable bin under the radio
• OD light is different in that it is spelled out instead of a separate light on the right
• SE’s now have a button to open the trunk instead of the lever.
• stronger transmission for VG30E
• plastic bezel around the radio/climate control changed in that there are no screws above the radio to remove.
• new steering wheels for each model.
• New mesh grille with Nissan logo.
• Black rear gone, SE’s have read rear lenses with a slight lens design change.

1992-1994 SE specific

• VE30DE DOHC engine generating 190 hp and 190 ft lbs of torque
• VLSD Viscous Limited Slip Differential) – if last letter on transmission code = V.
• Red rear end
• Meshed front grill with Nissan logo in center.
• Heated side mirrors
• Came standard with V rated tires (up to 149 mph)
• speedometer to 145 mph, tachometer to 6700 rpm redline