Here are some quotes I have assembled that describe the VQ30DE engine found in the 4th generation Maxima/I30, and other VQ engines that came after.

The original engine design has been around for nearly a decade, yet it still puts new power plants to shame. Ward's testers continue to praise the VQ, describing it as the "best-revving V6 ever" and referring to its "absolutely uncanny lack of vibration".
The three-litre VQ engine was introduced into the United States in the 1995 Nissan Maxima and the 1996 Infiniti 130. Some of the award-wining features include micro-finishing of camshafts and crankshafts, a digital knock control system, and a cross-flow coolant pattern.
According to Ward's evaluation team, "We have said it before, and we will say it again. There isn't a better V6 in all of automobiledom - regardless of price. In fact for Nissan's engineers to develop such an extraordinary design for a series-production engine, may be one of the company's most under-appreciated engineering triumphs."
Ward's Auto World magazine

GARDENA, Calif. (Dec.15, 1999) -- For the sixth year in a row, Nissan's 3-liter, V-6 VQ engine has been chosen by editors of Ward's Communications, Inc. as one of the "10 Best Engines" available in the United States.
The VQ engine is standard equipment in the Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30 sedans in the U.S. market, and is one of just two engines that has won the award every year it has been presented. Editors of Ward's Auto World and Ward's Engine and Vehicle Technology Update will present the award at a ceremony Jan. 13 during the preview days for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
For the 2000 model year, the award-winning VQ engine received numerous enhancements which, among other things, boosted horsepower to 222 for the Maxima and 227 for the I30. Torque in both cars rose to 217 foot-pounds.
The latest version of the 3-liter VQ features a variable capacity muffler, in which a special flap opens when engine speed passes 2,000 rpm, routing exhaust gases to two exhaust pipes. That cuts exhaust backpressure, which, in turn, boosts power and provides for smooth, strong acceleration.
"Nissan's VQ 3-liter V-6, with increased horsepower and torque for model year 2000, only stengthens its position as one of the most exhilirating and responsive 6-cylinder engines available anywhere, at any price," said Bill Visnic, managing technical editor for Ward's Auto World.

"Winning a Ward's 10 Best Engines award for the sixth consecutive year proves the depth of Nissan's engine development expertise," Visnic said. "We believe the VQ 3L V-6 is approaching the sort of 'legendary' status afforded to a select group of timeless engine designs."
The 3-liter VQ is one of a family of V-6 engines produced at a state-of-the-art plant in Iwaki, Japan.
"The VQ engine series sets the standard for V-6 powerplants in the United States," said Jason Vines, vice president for external affairs at Nissan North America, Inc. "Other members of this well-respected engine family will be showing up in the Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 sport-utility vehicles very soon.
"The power, smoothness and quietness of the VQ engines set them apart from other
V-6s," Vines added. "They are symbols of what Nissan engineering has been known for -- creation of distinctive, enjoyable vehicles."
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissandriven.com
http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/NEWS/19991216_1e.html

Taken from VQpower.com
article-topic-3.htmlarticle-topic-3.htmlInside contains a Collection of quotes from various Magazines when the first 4th generation model came to rise and Mags took their test cars out to play. The Sheer amazement that these mags found from this engine/car doesn't show how far this engine has went since then, and is still going on today.

Motor Trend, Road Test, June 1994
"The test gear must be screwed up. Zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds? No way!" It took nearly a dozen acceleration runs, two sets of fifth wheels, and three drivers to confirm what none of us could believe: This demure-looking family car is the quickest Japanese sedan available in the States."

Ask us, and we'll tell you how the Maxima SE will whip the Nissan 300ZX, Integra GS-R and Taurus SHO in 0-60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration-and how it challenges or, in some cases, exceeds their handling marks, too."

"Our tester, a five-speed SE version of this fourth generation of Maxima, produced a blazing 6.6-second 0-60-mph time, a 15.2-second, 92.4-mph quarter-mile run, 0.83g skidpad cornering power and a 65.1-mph slalom run. That tops the Taurus SHO five-speed in every category. The new Maxima shows no mercy on its Nissan stablemates: It'll stomp the normally aspirated 300ZX, and drivers of automatic-transmissioned 300ZX Turbos best not be snoozing when the light goes green."

Automobile Magazine, September 1995 - Four Seasons Test
"The Nissan Maxima has one of the world's truly great engines�.There are few cars that I will unhesitatingly recommend to someone who is looking for a new car. I put the Nissan Maxima into that category the first time I drove one. After our four-season experience, it is still in that category."

Automobile Magazine, 1995
"We were not ready for the Maxima SE. It just knocked us out. We expected refinement and maturity that come with a freshly redesigned car, but we weren't expecting greatness."

Motor Trend, February 1995
One of the technical high points of the '95 Maxima is its new V-6 engine, which is standard in all models. This new VQ powerplant is similar in configuration to the VG-series it replaces: Both are 3.0-liter 24-valve DOHC 60-degree sixes. But that's where the parallels end. The revolutionary VQ is smaller, lighter, cleaner, cheaper to build, and easier to maintain. It also makes more power and torque yet delivers better fuel economy."

Awards: (For 95)

Motor Trend Import Car of the Year February 1995

Automobile Magazine All-Stars List February 1995

Car & Driver Ten Best Cars January 1995
Ward's Auto World, January 2001 - For the seventh year in a row, Nissan's VQ motor--which powers the new Pathfinder, Maxima/Infiniti I30 and the new Z--was named to Ward's Auto World's "Ten Best Engines of the Year" award list. The VQ is the only engine in the world to receive the award every year since the list has been compiled. In speaking of the VQ, Ward's said, "We've said it before and we'll say it again. There isn't a better V6 in automotivedom--regardless of price." Joining the VQ on the list were powerplants from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, Ford and GM
Thanks to "Street Reeper" for digging these up!
Taken from http://www.vqpower.com/v2/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=30

As noted earlier, the I30 has some different interior and exterior styling to seperate it from the Maxima. The rear end of the 95-99 Maxima is very rounded off, while the rear of the I30 has a distinct squared-off look. Look and try to see what I'm talking about.