Since its launch in 1935, Nissan has been focused on manufacturing performance-oriented vehicles for the masses. This vision of the brand is visible in its model series known for its durability and technologically advanced features. Nissan’s Maxima model series is the prime example of the brand’s dedication and passion for delivering to its clientele. This full-size flagship sedan series of Maxima was started in 1981 and soon it secured a significant position in the market due to its price and feature equilibrium.
Here is the complete Nissan Maxima history, its different models and the features they offer to the drivers.
Nissan Maxima Generations
Maxima tops the list of popular used Nissan sedans in the UAE. This position of Maxima is justified because of the features and durability it has to offer. Each and every generation of Maxima is equipped with a unique set of features that add on to its popularity. Let’s discuss the journey of the Nissan Maxima in more detail.
First Generation Nissan Maxima (1981 to 1984)
The history of the Nissan Maxima starts from the year 1981. The first generation of Maxima was released as a four-door full-size sedan with a boxy exterior. The car’s front fascia was equipped with rectangular headlights with turn signals at each corner. In between the headlights, a rectangular radiator grille with solid divisions was present. The two-toned body exterior was paired with black front and rear bumpers.
The cabin was spacious enough to provide seating space for five. A large instrument cluster was present behind the steering wheel with different dials providing complete information regarding the car.
This generation was offered with a 2.4-litre I6 engine that was capable of producing 145 hp. The engine was paired with a standard 5-speed transmission system.
Second Generation Nissan Maxima (1985 to 1988)
The second generation of the Maxima received a facelift with the redesigned front fascia. The box divisions of the radiator grill were replaced with single slate and the turn signals were moved further at the corner. Moreover, the two-toned body colour was replaced with a single tone and the same colours front and rear bumpers were also included.
However, no major changes were observed inside the cabin. The AC vents were installed at the dashboard adjacent to the instrument cluster. A few additional controls were also added to the centre console.
The car was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that can produce a total of 154 hp. This engine was paired up with an FWD drivetrain system.
Third Generation Nissan Maxima (1989 to 1995)
The third generation of Nissan Maxima was marketed as a four-door sports car. To cater to this, necessary design changes were made in the car. The front fascia was horizontal with rectangular headlights and a narrow radiator grille. Additionally, aerodynamic bumpers with additional air intakes and wings (optional) were also present to comply with its sporty exterior.
Inside the cabin, front-row bucket seats with cloth upholstery were present. To increase the aesthetics, the dashboards feature flowing lines, and the instrument cluster was equipped with white dials.
This time, Nissan offered a 3.0-litre V6 engine accompanied by a 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Fourth Generation Nissan Maxima (1995 to 2000)
The fourth generation was different from the Nissan Maxima old models. Its front fascia features a split radiator grill resembling an angel’s wing. The grille was sandwiched between rectangular headlights with soft edges. At the rear and front ends, wrapped around bumpers were present with a black rubber strip for extra safety.
The cabin was decorated with cloth upholstery and features AC, power windows and a cassette player. Apart from this, an optional sunroof, leather seats and Bose sound system were also offered to the customers.
To ensure higher driveability and better ride quality, stiffer suspension systems were installed in the fourth-generation Nissan Maxima. A wide engine range including a 2.0 and 3.0-litre V6 engine was offered. The engine range was accompanied by a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in just 11.3 seconds.
Fifth Generation Nissan Maxima (2000 to 2004)
Nissan Maxima generation history continues the legacy of a unique exterior. The fifth-generation of Maxima was completely different from its predecessors. The two-winged radiator grille was replaced with a rectangular grille. Moreover, the eye-shaped headlights and narrow tail lights were also included. To provide a softer exterior to the car, body contours were added that run from the front end to the rear end.
These curved lines were also visible inside the cabin too. The lines start from the centre stack and spread all over the dashboard. The stereo and climate control system controls were adjusted with these lines on the dashboard.
The fifth generation engine range includes a 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Sixth Generation Nissan Maxima (2004 to 2009)
The sixth generation of the Nissan Maxima received a major facelift with a completely redesigned exterior. The front fascia was uplifted with a more sophisticated rectangular radiator grille with a vertical slat and uplifted D-Shaped head and brake lights. Along with this, a glass panel was installed on the roof between the rear and front seats to provide a sky view from the car.
Two different trim levels SE and SL were offered in this generation. This time, a four-seater version of Maxima was also rolled off in which the centre console divided the cabin into two halves. Moreover, the cabin was decorated with leather-wrapped seats, aluminium and wood trims.
This generation was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine supported by a standard 5-speed automatic transmission system.
Seventh Generation Nissan Maxima (2009 to 2016)
Nissan once again repeats its strategy and markets the seventh generation Maxima as a sportier mid-size sedan. The wheelbase was shortened and the tracks of the axles were increased to cater to the sporty appearance of the model.
This generation features a catamaran-styled front fascia with a bulge on the hood and raised area over the fenders. The traditional headlight was replaced with wrapped-around headlights and a rectangular radiator grille with three chromed slats.
The seventh-generation cabin was equipped with premium features like hand-stitched leather upholstery and high-bolstered bucket seats. Whereas heated seats were installed in the second row with a separate climate control unit hidden inside the folding armrest. The information cluster received an attractive layout with a three-dial chromed design.
This time, a VQ35 engine was offered in the Maxima that was accompanied by a CVT system. A paddle shifter behind the steering wheel selects six pre-set gears.
Eighth Generation Nissan Maxima (2016 to 2018)
Nissan continues to evolve the Maxima model series and the eighth generation was no exception. The exterior of the car was redesigned to cater to the shifting standards of the automobile industry. Nissan purposely used aluminium hoods, roofs and trunks in this generation to make it lighter in weight and sleeker from the exterior. A large radiator grille sub-merged with the lower bumper was introduced. The old headlights were replaced with eye-shaped lights with sharp edges.
The car was offered in five different trim levels starting from the S, the base one. The cabin was equipped with a panoramic sunroof, active sound enhancement, a premium audio system, adaptive cruise control and an advanced infotainment system.
The car was powered by a 3.5-litre VQ-Series V6 engine that can generate a total of 300 hp. This engine was paired with the Xtronic CVT system.
Current Generation of Nissan Maxima (2018 to Present)
Currently, the eighth generation of Nissan Maxima is available in the market. In 2018, the eighth generation was facelifted and relaunched in the market. In this facelifted version, the whole front fascia was redesigned with a more aggressive radiator grille and LED headlights. The look is completed by the floating roof design and chrome details on the C-pillar.
Inside the cabin, a two-dial instrument cluster is present with a number of controls present on the steering wheel. Whereas the centre console contains an infotainment system, and AC vents. Along with an improved interior, the current generation of Maxima is also equipped with a number of advanced car safety features. These features include rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, pedestrian detection, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert system and lane departure warning system.
Under the hood, no major changes were observed. The facelift version has the same 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a CVT system.
This was the complete Nissan Maxima history. Nissan is known for continuously evolving its model series as per the need and demands of the industry. Therefore, Nissan Maxima different models have completely different and advanced features to offer. If you are also interested in leveraging these features, browse through these used Nissan Maxima for sale in the UAE and drive your own Maxima.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on Nissan Maxima model history.
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