Main competitors and classmates «Nissan Maxima» are the following cars of other brands − Audi A4, BMW 3, Chevrolet Malibu, Citroen C6, Ford Mondeo, Ifiniti Q50, Honda Inspire, Hyundai Sonata, Infiniti G, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Opel Omega, Peugeot 408, Renault Laguna, Skoda Superb, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.
First generation (G910, 1981−1984)
The first generation of Maxima is the second generation «Datsun 810», which was introduced in 1980 as a 1981 model. The body was a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon. The engine was located in front with rear-wheel drive. In fact, it was the second generation of the car «Datsun 810» and was sold mainly only in North America. A unique feature of the car was the use of voice warnings that the door is open, the lights are on, etc. This is the first talking car sold in the US.
There were only two engines, both six-cylinder in-line, one petrol and one diesel. Gasoline engine with code «L24E» volume of 2.4 liters with a capacity of 138 hp. Diesel engine with code «LD28» volume of 2.8 liters with a capacity of 90 hp. Transmission 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic «Jatco L4N71B».
The production of the car was carried out in Japan at the Oppama plant.
Second generation (PU11, 1984−1988)
In the fall of 1984, the second generation appeared «Maxima» with code «PU11», which was based on a car «Bluebird U11». The most important difference was the rejection of rear-wheel drive and the transition to front-wheel drive with a front transverse engine. The body was made in the form of a 4-door sedan (length 4610 mm, width 1689 mm, height 1389 mm) and 5-door station wagon (length 4694 mm, width 1689 mm, height 1415 mm). This is the latest generation with a station wagon body.
The engines were only petrol six-cylinder V-shaped 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, VG20E/VG20ET, V6, 113/170 hp) and 3.0 liters (2960 cm3, VG30E, V6, 153 hp). Transmission 4-speed automatic «RL4F02A» or 5 speed manual «RS5F50A».
In 1986, the appearance and interior of the car were slightly updated. They began to use automatic seat belts, a digital touch entry system, power windows, a sunroof, locks, an antenna and seats, a voice alarm system, heated leather seats, as well as other electronic options available at that time. Also a feature is the use of active suspension with sonar, which scans the road and adjusts the suspension for better performance.
Third generation (J30, 1988–1994)
In 1988, the third generation was introduced «Maxima» with factory code «J30». Due to the increase in size, it began to be classified as a mid-size car instead of a compact. The body remained only a 4-door sedan with a length of 4765 mm, a width of 1760 mm and a height of 1400 mm (since 1991 - 1346 mm). The engine was located in front, front-wheel drive. The suspension became completely independent, continued to improve the active suspension with sonar.
Engines installed only gasoline six-cylinder V-shaped 3.0-liter (2960 cm3, VG30E, V6, 153 hp) And (2960 cm3, VE30DE, V6, 190 hp). Transmission 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic «Jatco» with modes «sport» And «comfort».
In 1991, the model was updated. Significantly reduced the height of the car (at 56 mm), the driver began to install a side airbag. From this year, the car began to be offered on the European market, replacing «Laurel».
Fourth generation (A32, 1994–1999)
Fourth generation with code «A32» was developed back in 1991 and introduced in May 1994 as a 1995 model. The engine was in the front, the drive remained on the front wheels. Body only 4-door sedan 4768 mm long (since 1996 - 4811 mm), width 1770 mm, height 1415 mm. The curb weight was 1300 kg. The independent rear suspension of the previous generation was replaced by a lighter and cheaper semi-independent with a torsion bar rigid beam.
Engines were two models, both 6-cylinder V-shaped petrol 2.0 liters (1995 cm3, VQ20DE, V6, 148 hp) and 3.0 liters (2988 cm3, VQ30DE, V6, 190 hp). Motor «VQ30DE» included in the list of the best engines in the world from 1995 to 2001. Transmission 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
In 1995, an American magazine «Motor Trend» gave an award «Best Import Car of the Year». In 1995 and 1996 «maxima» was on the list «Top Ten Cars», which publishes an American magazine «Car and Driver».
In October 1996, the appearance of the car was updated. Instead of glass headlights, plastic ones were installed, the design of the remaining lights was also updated. A CD player appeared inside. The interior was highly praised by experts as quiet and roomy.
Fifth generation (A33, 1999–2003)
In May 1999, the fifth generation was introduced with the code «A33». The body was only a 4-door sedan with a length of 4839 mm (since 2001 - 4864 mm), 1786 mm wide, 1430-1450 mm high. The engine is located in the front, front-wheel drive. The car had three trim levels − «GXE», «GLE» And «SE». A new bridge suspension was introduced «Bridgestone» with sensors whose signals are processed by the ECM (Electronic Control Module). Problems with the engine and gearbox have been fixed.
Engines were used only six-cylinder V-shaped gasoline 3.0 liters (2987 cm3, VQ30DE-K, V6, 200 hp) and 3.5 liters (3498 cm3, VQ35DE, V6, 255 hp). The transmission was a 5 or 6-speed manual, as well as a 4-speed automatic.
In the 2002 model year, the appearance of the car was updated, an engine appeared «VQ35DE», six-speed manual transmission, new headlights with high intensity beams (HID), a differential with increased internal resistance, as well as smaller improvements.
Sixth generation (A34, 2003–2008)
Work on the project of the sixth generation Maxima with factory code «A34» were fully completed in March 2001. The finished car was presented to the public in January 2003 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Sales were made only in North America. In other countries, a similar car was sold under the name «Nissan Cefiro». There were only two trim levels - «SE» (sport) And «SL» (luxury). The car is based on a platform «Nissan FF-L». The body is traditionally a 4-door sedan with a length of 4915 mm (since 2006 - 4938 mm), width 1821 mm, height 1481 mm. Production was carried out in the USA, Tennessee, the city of Smyrna.
The engine was installed only one gasoline six-cylinder V-shaped volume of 3.5 liters (3498 cm3, VQ35DE, V6) 265 hp. Gearbox 6-speed manual, 4- or 5-speed automatic, and since the 2007 model year, a variator has been installed «Xtronic» (CVT), similar to that installed on «Nissan Murano».
In 2006, they carried out a minor update of the appearance, as well as the interior of the car.
Seventh generation (A35, 2008–2014)
Seventh generation with code «A35» was presented in March 2008 at the New York International Auto Show. The car is built on a platform «Nissan D», which is slightly smaller than the previous one and is also used on the fourth generation «Nissan Altima» and second generation «Nissan Murano». The engine is located in the front, front-wheel drive. The body is still only a 4-door sedan with a length of 4841 mm, a width of 1859 mm, a height of 1468 mm and a curb weight of 1617 kg. There were two trim levels - «S» And «SV». The assembly of the car was in the USA, Tennessee, the city of Smyrna.
The engine used is a 3.5-liter V-shaped gasoline six-cylinder (3498 cm3, VQ35DE, V6) 290 hp, which works in conjunction with a stepless variator «Xtronic» (CVT). A diesel engine was expected in 2010, but these plans were not implemented.
In 2012, the car was updated, which affected the radiator grill, rear seat, new rims, and also slightly changed the interior. Minor updates were also made in 2013 and 2014.
Eighth generation (A36, 2015–present time)
Eighth generation advertisement with factory code «A36» shown on February 1, 2015 in the US during «Super Bowl XLIX». In April, the car was presented to the public at the New York International Auto Show. The interior design is reminiscent of aerospace engineering. It became as many as five trim levels - «S», «SV», «SL», «SR» And «Platinum». The car is assembled on the platform «Nissan D». The engine is located in front, front-wheel drive. The body is only a 4-door sedan with a length of 4897 mm, a width of 1859 mm, a height of 1435 mm and a curb weight of 1580 kg.
Petrol engine is still a 3.5-liter six-cylinder V-shaped (3498 cm3, VQ35DE, V6) 300 hp. Transmission stepless variator «Xtronic» (CVT).
In 2018, they carried out a small update of the model and showed the car in December 2018 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.