Nissan Cefiro III (A33) photos

Introduced in late 1998 and produced until 2003, the third-generation Nissan Cefiro (A33) built upon the front-wheel-drive architecture of the A32 while featuring a stiffer body structure, a longer wheelbase, and more rounded exterior styling. Unlike the previous generation, the A33 was manufactured solely as a four-door sedan, as the station wagon variant was not carried over into the new body style. In the Japanese domestic market, the engine lineup centered on the smooth VQ-family V6 units: a 2.0-liter VQ20DE and a 2.5-liter VQ25DD equipped with Nissan's NEO Di direct fuel injection system, whereas export markets also received the proven 3.0-liter VQ30DE. Most variants were paired with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, with a 5-speed manual available on select trims. A facelift around 2001 updated the front fascia, grille, lighting clusters, and extended bumpers inspired by its North American luxury counterpart, alongside upgraded cabin materials. The A33 enjoyed broad international distribution, sold as the Cefiro in Japan and Southeast Asia, the Maxima QX in Europe, the Maxima in Australia, and the Infiniti I30 (later upgraded to the I35) in North America.