The 6-cylinder V-shaped (V-6) gasoline engines used to equip the models under consideration are installed transversely in the front part of the car and are equipped with an electronic fuel injection system. Models from 1993 to 1994 are equipped with V6 engines of the VG30DE series, the heads of which are equipped with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), while later models use VQ30DE engines with two overhead camshafts (DOHC) in each of the cylinder heads.
A direct ignition system is installed.
Since 2000, improvements to the air intake system and valve timing of the VQ30DE engine have increased power from 193 hp to 200 hp at 6,400 rpm and torque from 255 Nm at 4,000 rpm to 271 at 3,600 rpm. A new intake system with variable valve timing allows for higher torque at both low and medium speeds. Molybdenum coating of the pistons reduces friction losses. A version with a 2.0 L VQ20DE engine is available.
Note: A limited number of 1993-1994 models not covered in this manual are also equipped with the V6 DOHC VE30DE series engines. All models are front-wheel drive and can be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission (MT) or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (AT). Rotation is transmitted to the wheels via independent drive shafts.
The steel body of Maxima cars has a universal design. The increased rigidity of the body of models since 2000 by 30% additionally increases the level of passive safety. Such a body has larger dimensions.
The front suspension is independent with MacPherson struts equipped with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension of the 1993-1994 models also uses MacPherson struts with coil springs and parallel rods. Starting from 1995, a solid rear axle with a transverse rod and longitudinal arms equipped with telescopic shock absorbers with coil springs began to be used. On models since 2000, the lateral arm of the rear suspension is located not in front, but behind the transverse torsion bar. As a result, tire grip on the road is increased, body roll is reduced and directional stability is improved.
The rack and pinion steering gear is equipped with a hydraulic booster system and is located behind the power unit. The boost value decreases with increasing speed.
The front wheel brakes are disc brakes. The rear wheels can be equipped with drum brakes (models produced in 1993 and 1994.), as well as disk (models since 1995.) brake mechanisms. The standard equipment of all models includes a vacuum brake booster. Since 1997, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) has been included in the standard equipment of the car. On models since 2000, the diameters of the front and rear brake cylinders have been increased - by 2.3 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively. In case of emergency braking, ABS is immediately activated thanks to the Nissan Brake Assist system - a reliable mechanical system designed to increase the pressure on the pedal. These two systems are supplemented by the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system, which distributes the maximum pressure in the brake cylinders on each axle in accordance with the load, which significantly increases the safety of emergency braking.
Front and side airbags for the driver and passengers are standard. They work in conjunction with seat belts equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners with limiters. The pretensioners instantly tighten the belt in the event of a frontal impact if the instantaneous deceleration exceeds the set limits, and the limiters prevent the seat belts from causing injury to a person.
All rear seats have head restraints and three-point seat belts, and the two outer seats have ISOFIX child seat installations.
Active front head restraints, which significantly reduce the risk of injury to the cervical vertebrae, are also standard. In the event of a rear impact, they move up and forward. Only fire-resistant materials are used in the interior trim.
Electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, an anti-glare rearview mirror, thicker glass with an ultraviolet filter and xenon headlights can be installed.
Models from 2000 onwards are equipped with the NATS anti-theft system (Nissan Anti Theft System) fifth generation with an improved immobilizer. A single lock and the "Superlock" system are standard for all cars sold in Russia. Additionally, a remote control system for the lock with a "floating" code is offered.
Since 2000, the car has been supplied with two ignition keys, each of which remembers the personal settings of its owner. This means that each driver can use their own audio system settings, which will then be automatically restored. To do this, you only need to use your key and the audio system will automatically work, using the settings associated with this key. Front xenon headlights are installed, new 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels. The trunk has a volume of 520 liters. The audio system control is duplicated by the buttons on the steering wheel. The inscriptions on the instrument panel are made in a larger font using new fluorescent backlighting technology "Fine Vision". Air conditioning is standard on all models, with manual on the SLX and automatic on the SE.