Saturn Ion and '04 Maxima: Who copied who?

[Sack35]

Max and Ion: One and the same?





Comments?

[Zydeco]

Nissan is the leader of the pack.

[MrEous]

6th Gen Maxima follows a LOT of lines from other current and past Nissans.

[Bubba1]

You're right, they are similar. Ion was introduced first in the US but it's ugly. Maxima's lines are far more refined. For example that angled spear in the Ion's side is tacky. The Ion's wheels look like they came off a Chevette. And Chevies always have to have a dumb spoiler lip on the trucklid so they can market it as "sporty".

[Nathan]

Wow, they do look very similar. I think the new Ion Quad Coupe's look really nice though for an economy car. If I had to choose an economy car it'd either be an Ion or a Sentra.

[MrEous]

You're right, they are similar. Ion was introduced first in the US but it's ugly. Maxima's lines are far more refined. For example that angled spear in the Ion's side is tacky. The Ion's wheels look like they came off a Chevette. And Chevies always have to have a dumb spoiler lip on the trucklid so they can market it as "sporty".

Don't forget the trunklid 'lip' that comes on Audis and G35s. It's not only a Chevy thing.

[Sack35]

I actually want to put one of those M3 style lips on my G Sedan. I hope it looks better than on the Saturn.

I also have to agree - the Max is much more sleek than the Saturn. Just looking at it I can hear the tin can clunk of the doors closing.

[krazy skwerel]

I say maxima, but really dont care for either. Though with a different grill the maxima would be quite nice.

[skydragoness]

Bah, i like the previous generation Maxima, that was gorgeous. Nissan messed up the new Max and the new Sentra re-design is atrocious! what is it with these crappy grey plastic things running down the grille? WHY?

And the Ion looks creepily similar. They're two ugly cars, IMO. Only difference is that the Maxima sells.

[Onizuka]

Don't forget the trunklid 'lip' that comes on Audis and G35s. It's not only a Chevy thing.

the G35's aero package actually reduces air drag

Im partial to 5th gen maxima styling myself, but the 6th gen got balls so it is OK in my book.

[AZhitman]

Bah.

I came *this* close to buying a 2000 Max SE when they came out.

After driving a few used ones lately, I am SO glad I didn't. Not half as fast as the G sedan, and torque steer is just plain sucky... I don't think I'll ever own FWD again.

Quality car, but NOT againg well. I'll reserve judgement on the new one until they make it RWD (soon).

[SmithSR]

RWD Maxima? Would this then be....

350z / MaximaG35c / G35sport sedan

I mean, is that the idea?

PHIL--call me master of the obvious!