Nissan Maxima History
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The Nissan Maxima is a large four-door sedan currently in its eighth generation. Formerly built in Japan, it's now built alongside the mechanically similar Nissan Altima at the company's sprawling Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant. It competes against sedans like the Acura TL, Volvo S60, Lincoln MKZ and Buick LaCrosse.
In its eight generations the Maxima has occupied a spot at the top of the Nissan model range, starting in the days the company still called itself Datsun. From 1976-1980 the Datsun 810 preceded the Maxima in all but name in the U.S., with an in-line six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. The second generation (1981-1984) maintained the same specs, but adopted the Maxima badge worldwide and midway through its life cycle, switched to the Nissan nameplate.
The third-generation Maxima sharpened its image with a radically squared-off body. Sold from 1985 to 1988, it switched to front-wheel drive and carried some high-tech features to distinguish it from the smaller Stanza, including a suspension that self-adjusted based on road conditions. it also came in a wagon version--and offered a manual transmission, an unusual option in its class.
In its fourth generation, from 1989-1994, the "four-door sports car" era of the Maxima began. This version of the sedan regularly won best-of comparison tests thanks to nimble handling from an independent suspension, and a V-6 engine shared with 300ZX sports car. An SE edition tightened handling even more, and added touches like white-faced gauges to distinguish it from base versions. The same fundamentals were reworked for the 1995-1999 Maxima, but the styling was softened and the rear suspension was made simpler, revoking some of its sporty credentials though it still was offered with a manual transmission. The latter fifth generation Maxima was sold, with some trim changes, as the Infiniti I30. In the sixth generation, the body was redesigned again and in due course, it gained a new 3.5-liter V-6 with 255 horsepower, as well as a six-speed manual option.
Wholesale change came to the Maxima in the two most recent generations. The seventh-generation car, sold from 2004-2008, kicked off production in the U.S. Styling was rebooted to match the performance of its 265-hp V-6 and manual transmission, but it did have some controversial graphic notes, mostly on its eggcrate grille. This Maxima shared its architecture with the Nissan Altima, which had grown to the size of the Maxima in most interior dimensions. A midcycle refresh in 2007 left the Maxima without its manual transmission option, while Nissan fitted a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-end styling grew more conventional, and the Maxima piled on luxury features like pushbutton start and a distinct interior.
The latest Maxima was introduced as a 2009 model. The more aggressive, muscular look has distinguished it from the Altima more successfully, and the interior design has its own cues, too--there's an unusual low cowl, with a band of trim outlining the base of the windshield. The Maxima's new 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 offers extremely smooth acceleration, and while it's no manual, the CVT provides a sport mode and good fuel economy of 19/26 mpg. The Maxima still has one of the sportiest suspension calibrations for a front-wheel-drive sedan, and a firm yet supple ride, allowing good handling response without sacrificing comfort. It's roomy in front, but the back seat can feel tight, especially compared with the Altima.
Crash-test scores for the current Maxima are near the top of the pack. Electronic stability control is now standard, as are front side airbags, side curtain bags, active front headrests, and anti-lock brakes. Other standard features include a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, an Intelligent Key entry and starting system, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel audio controls. A new Sport package for the 2010 model year brings firmer suspension tuning, larger 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, upgraded front seats, and a host of other upgrades.
