The original Japanese sport sedan
Sport sedans as we know them today can trace their roots to the mid-seventies BMW 5-Series and the mid-eighties Mercedes-Benz 190 amongst others. At the time, the Japanese were more concentrated on creating sensible transportation than high-performance sedans. Once they had basically conquered that category, it was time to spice things up.
Then, along came the Nissan Maxima in 1989 as a completely revised model. No longer was it boxy and with the simple purpose to carry people around since its inception in 1981. The car now had sleek styling, a powerful engine and most of all, a desirability factor. It went on to sell very well. By 1995, the forth generation Maxima had already become a benchmark and the one to beat in the Japanese near-luxury sport sedan market.
Styling
The third generation Maxima (1989-1994) was the one that put the name Maxima on everybody's affordable sport sedan wish lis
t. To many, this was and is the best-looking Maxima ever. Its shape was roundish and not particularly aggressive. The final product was still more appealing than say a Honda Accord or certainly a Toyota Camry of the day. The 1995 overhaul sharpened-up the look, refined the lines and moved the car slightly upscale. In 1997, the Max received a refreshed front and rear end that included new taillights and a revised grille. The SE trim was the one that looked best: a good portion was black with a trunk-mounted spoiler, 16" wheels and fog lights.
Exterior panel fit and finish of the Maxima are exemplary. The interior is also expertly crafted and assembled. I would go so far as to say that the cabin of this Maxima is better overall than the following two generations. All controls including the automatic-climate settings are simple to operate. The plastics are nice to the touch and the faux-wood appliqués are of good taste. Th
e seats are supportive and comfortable. Rear passengers will find plenty of legroom and a fair level comfort as well. The leather of my tester is a little dry and would require some conditioning; otherwise, it is still supple and not too damaged.
The trunk provides a fair amount of volume and is reasonably well completed. General interior room is generous and the cabin remains quiet on the road.
Technical
For the whole of this generation Maxima, only one engine was offered. It was not just any motor, it was the world renowned VQ30DE 3.0L V6. It put out 190 hp and 205 lb/ft of torque. Transmissions resided between a standard 5-speed manual for the GXE and SE models with the option of a 4-speed automatic. The chart-topping GLE was only available with the autobox. Braking was achieved via 4-wheel discs. The suspension went from being fully independent in 1989-1994 to front independent and rear semi-independent as of 1995.
On the road
The Maxima is a sure-footed sedan. Even though the rear suspension is a less expensive torsion bar solid axle type, lateral grip is firm and body roll is controlled. The car is stable at highway speeds and is therefore a very agreeable cruiser. The ride is relaxed and sporty at the same time.
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| Photo: Nissan Canada |
Then, along came the Nissan Maxima in 1989 as a completely revised model. No longer was it boxy and with the simple purpose to carry people around since its inception in 1981. The car now had sleek styling, a powerful engine and most of all, a desirability factor. It went on to sell very well. By 1995, the forth generation Maxima had already become a benchmark and the one to beat in the Japanese near-luxury sport sedan market.
Styling
The third generation Maxima (1989-1994) was the one that put the name Maxima on everybody's affordable sport sedan wish lis
t. To many, this was and is the best-looking Maxima ever. Its shape was roundish and not particularly aggressive. The final product was still more appealing than say a Honda Accord or certainly a Toyota Camry of the day. The 1995 overhaul sharpened-up the look, refined the lines and moved the car slightly upscale. In 1997, the Max received a refreshed front and rear end that included new taillights and a revised grille. The SE trim was the one that looked best: a good portion was black with a trunk-mounted spoiler, 16" wheels and fog lights. Exterior panel fit and finish of the Maxima are exemplary. The interior is also expertly crafted and assembled. I would go so far as to say that the cabin of this Maxima is better overall than the following two generations. All controls including the automatic-climate settings are simple to operate. The plastics are nice to the touch and the faux-wood appliqués are of good taste. Th
e seats are supportive and comfortable. Rear passengers will find plenty of legroom and a fair level comfort as well. The leather of my tester is a little dry and would require some conditioning; otherwise, it is still supple and not too damaged. The trunk provides a fair amount of volume and is reasonably well completed. General interior room is generous and the cabin remains quiet on the road.
Technical
For the whole of this generation Maxima, only one engine was offered. It was not just any motor, it was the world renowned VQ30DE 3.0L V6. It put out 190 hp and 205 lb/ft of torque. Transmissions resided between a standard 5-speed manual for the GXE and SE models with the option of a 4-speed automatic. The chart-topping GLE was only available with the autobox. Braking was achieved via 4-wheel discs. The suspension went from being fully independent in 1989-1994 to front independent and rear semi-independent as of 1995.
On the road
The Maxima is a sure-footed sedan. Even though the rear suspension is a less expensive torsion bar solid axle type, lateral grip is firm and body roll is controlled. The car is stable at highway speeds and is therefore a very agreeable cruiser. The ride is relaxed and sporty at the same time.