The Most Important Features of the Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is iconic, recognizable, and as famous as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. It's also been part of the American automotive landscape for just as long. Today, it ranks highly among full-sized sedans, thanks to a mixture of reliability, technology, safety features, and its undeniable style. If you're in the market for a four-door sedan, the Maxima should certainly make your list of potential purchases. However, what are some of the most important features that might make you choose this over other options?
Safety Shield Suite
One of the most important things to consider about the current Nissan Maxima is the fact that the Nissan Safety Shield suite is now standard across all trim levels. This includes many features that cannot be found on other comparable vehicles in the class, or that would be costly upgrades, including blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, automatic high beam assistance, and lane-keeping assistance, to name just a few. In short, if you're concerned about safety while on the road, the Maxima is for you.
Power and Performance
The Maxima has always been performance-oriented, and the current model is no exception to the rule. While it uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine like its predecessors, this one puts out 300 horsepower and ensures that you don't get a sedan-like driving experience. The current model can make the jump from 0 to 60 in just 5.7 seconds. Of course, power is not everything. The Maxima also brings the necessary handling and suspension to the table which are needed to handle the engine's capabilities.
Fuel Economy
You would be forgiven for thinking that the Maxima's 3.5-liter V6 was a fuel hog. After all, 300 horsepower shouldn't come cheap in terms of gas consumption. However, the reality is different. In fact, in test drives, the car was able to exceed 32 mpg on the highway, which is no mean feat, particularly when you consider the other extras added to the vehicle for comfort on the road that add extra weight.
Creature Comforts
While performance is the focus of the Maxima, Nissan's engineers didn't overlook the creature comforts. You'll find plenty of standard technology here, including adjustable power seats, dual-zone climate control, and a push-button start system. You will also find an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system on offer, vehicle monitoring capabilities, the ability to set driver profiles, including speed limits (ideal for teen drivers), and more.
Warranty Coverage
While not a "feature" per se, the warranty offered is substantial. Nissan backs the current Maxima with a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain and a limited warranty on the rest of the car that runs for three years or 36,000 miles.
See It for Yourself
As you can see, there are plenty of essential features offered in the current Nissan Maxima. For anyone interested in a powerful sedan, this car should make the list of must-test-drive options. See it for yourself soon.
The Evolution of the Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima has been with us in one form or another since 1980. Over time, it has evolved and even changed names, but it has always held mass appeal for the American buying public thanks to its range of features, its level of comfort, and its undeniable style. Below, we'll run through a brief history of the Maxima to illustrate just how much staying power this sedan has.
First Generation
The first generation debuted in 1980 and was produced through 1984. At the time, it was called the Datsun 810 or the Datsun Maxima - this was before the Datsun name was discontinued in the US. The car was a re-badged Bluebird and sold as both a sedan and a wagon format. All were rear-wheel drive and were known for their economic but quick engines.
Second Generation
The second-generation Nissan Maxima debuted in 1985 and was produced until 1988. It was at this time that the Nissan name became better known, and the car was offered as a sedan and a wagon, with a hardtop sedan also being an option. The second generation also marked the shift to front-wheel drive.
Third Generation
This generation was produced from 1989 through 1994 and featured a complete redesign. Nissan began to introduce more aerodynamic styling here, and the car was only offered as a four-door sedan with a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
Fourth Generation
Nissan launched the Maxima's fourth generation in 1995, and it was produced until 1999. Again, the only style was a four-door sedan with a V6 engine, although there were two different-sized V6 engines used. The fourth-generation won several prestigious awards, including Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year.
Fifth Generation
The fifth-generation debuted in 2000 and only ran through 2003. A 3.0- and a 3.5-liter V6 engine were offered, with the larger one being added to later models.
Sixth Generation
This generation launched in 2004 and ran through 2008, featuring a 3.5-liter V6. It was another complete redesign but was only sold in North America.
Seventh Generation
The seventh-generation ran from 2009 through 2014, making it one of the longest-lasting in the company's history. The car was once more redesigned and featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine that put out 290 horsepower, although that was quickly revamped. This generation also marked the shift toward larger wheels and tires.
Eighth Generation
Beginning in 2015 and running through the present, the eighth-generation is possibly Nissan's best received yet. The current Maxima offers a sleek body style, a powerful 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower, 0 to 60 mph times of just 5.9 seconds, and a CVT to provide smoother shifting and help with fuel economy.
Check out Nissan Maxima's Staying Power
The Nissan Maxima is one of the most iconic imports sold in America and has a history that dates back to the 1980s. Over time, it has only become more refined, powerful, and confident on the road. Test drive one today to see for yourself why this car has had such staying power with the American public. You'll be impressed with its capabilities.