The Nissan Maxima has been around quite a while, and manufacturers have to constantly battle the upcoming trends and interests of consumers. Sports car enthusiasts look for very specific details when buying a car, this causes manufacturers to design their cars based on very specific features to attract buyers. Because gear heads are knowledgeable about what a car has to offer, manufacturers are sure to have their features noticed. This is not as easy for those designing for a sedan market. Features must be made appealing to those with no knowledge of cars whatsoever. They must also be easily noticed in a glance, most car buyers in the sedan market go car to car looking for the most appealing vehicle. Datsun did just that with the 810, the predecessor to the Maxima.
2009 Nissan Maxima
The First Generation Maxima 810 1977 to 1980
The first appearance of the “Maxima” had many of the features found in modern sedans, setting the bar for it’s future generations. In 1988 power steering was made a standard feature, selling much more effectively than the original model. A 6 cylinder 2.4 liter engine pitched out a stock 120 horsepower. It still retained the name 810 at this point.
1977 Datsun 810 (Nissan Maxima)
The Second Generation 810 1981 to 1984
Other than external changes, the design remained the same. It used the same engine, and most of the other components that the previous generation used. Maxima was a name original used as the top of the line version of this model you could buy. Diesel engines were also introduced in this model, satisfying this fad started in the 80’s which popularized diesel.
1981 Datsun 810 (Nissan Maxima)
The Third Generation 1985 to 1988
The styling was the least changed feature of this generation model. Every thing was made smaller, except the engine which produced 34 more horsepower than previous generations. The name officially made the transition to Nissan Maxima, after 2 models of the 810 were offered: The Deluxe and The Maxima 810.
1986 Nissan Maxima
The Fourth Generation 1989 to 1994
This newly designed Maxima had something that had not been seen before in earlier models, looks. Designed for an American market, the car was no longer restricted by Japanese export taxes as well as size and weight restrictions. It is no surprised that the car was made larger overall, with an extra inch of leg room and over 6 inches in overall length. Mechanically, the car remained much like previous models.
1990 Nissan Maxima
The Fifth Generation 1995 to 1999
This model may not have appealed to as many people with its looks, but it outperformed its predecessors inevery measurable way. Featuring the new DOHC VQ30DE engine, variations are used in the modern 350z and Murano, it also shaved 150 pounds, making it much faster than previous models.
1995 Nissan Maxima
The Sixth Generation 2000 to 2003
To some, this generation had some cheaply desgined features that were not impressive. Shiny plastic and flimsy compartments, just to name a couple. What it make lack in overall quality it makes up with performance. With the new VQ30DE-K (K for kaizen, meaning improvement) it now boasted 222 horsepower. In 2002 a larger engine was introduced, pushing out over 250 HP, rather impressive for a sports sedan.
2000 Nissan Maxima
The Seventh Generation Maxima 2004 to CURRENT
Production was moved to Tennessee for the most current of Maxima models. A VQ35 engine that pushes out 265 horsepower, and redesgined interior, were implemented to give the driver a more sporty feel than the Altima, and was done so, successfully. This generation is currently being produced, and has a long history behind it. With the Altima taking its past generations place in the market and the G35 offering a more luxurious option, it is hard to tell where the Maxima will be going from here.
2004 Nissan Maxima