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I had concerns about side impact crash worthiness the first time I saw a pic of the 6th gen. That was in early December of 2002 (I am aware Nissan did not actually release an official pic until Jan 5,2003).
The reason for my concern was the very high arching 'B' pillar. That length leaves a very long 'stretch' to be protected between the roof and the beams along the bottom of the car.
In looking at the structure of the 6th gen (which I did by removing a few mostly cosmetic interior parts), I feel collisions at the 'A' and 'C' pillars would be handled much better, as the length from the roof to the bottom beams is much shorter for both those pillars.
But, with money limitations, the only side testing ever done on any car is at the 'B' pillar, because it is the one nearest the driver's head.
And the results were about what I expected.
I'm just thankful the frontal crash test results for the 6th gen were excellent, and the 'active' head restraints (they move forward and upward during impacts from the rear) give Maxima passengers extra protection from neck injuries during rear end collisions.
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