• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for January 25, 2021

From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan

January 25, 2021 by admin 2 Comments


The Nissan Maxima marks its 40th anniversary in style.


2021 Nissan Maxima


It’s been 40 years since the Maxima nameplate appeared, initially as a top trim level on the Datsun 810. In the early 1980s, the automaker began replacing the Datsun name with Nissan, its global moniker. Some of those earlier models carried both brand names before Nissan prevailed beginning in 1985.

What was originally a rear-wheel-drive model, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive to launch its second generation in 1985 and has kept that layout since. Over the ensuing years, the Maxima has grown, although its current iteration keeps it in midsize territory. Though the Maxima is the flagship of the Nissan fleet, the Altima is slightly larger overall. Nevertheless, the Maxima with its V6 engine, sporty and upscale styling, and handsome interior, it remains the signature sedan model for Nissan. Nissan also sells sports cars and utility vehicles.


2021 Nissan Maxima Review


Nissan offers the 2021 Maxima in SV, SR, and Platinum trims. Prices range from $36,990 to $42,220, plus a $925 destination charge. The Maxima is a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan with room for five.

For 2021, the Maxima loses its two bottom trims. A 40th Anniversary Package ($2,125) rolls out and it’s available on the Platinum trim only. With now higher trim levels, more amenities come standard than before. This also means the base price is a few thousand dollars higher than before.


2021 Nissan Maxima


Exterior

If “stance” is the most important feature for any vehicle, then the Maxima nails it. This model sits lower than most in its class. Moreover, its greenhouse – the area between the beltline and roofline is squat. In effect, the Maxima possesses a “tough guy” demeanor or somewhat of a modern interpretation of the “gangster” look of the Chrysler 300.

There is very little about the Maxima that can be considered subtle. From its gaping grille to its winged headlights and taillamps, and onto distinctive body sculpting, flowing character lines, and sharp wheels, the Maxima somehow manages to blend sportiness with a premium persona. It mostly works, although beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder as this design isn’t universally embraced.

But we’re reasonable when it comes to styling choices, realizing that appeal is largely subjective. A daring look for one may be too risqué for someone else. At least there is the Altima for anyone who wants a similar-sized sedan without the distinctive shape.

The list of standard features includes LED headlights with LED signature daytime running lights. Similarly, the LED taillights offer a statement-making touch to the rear deck. Move up a trim level and LED fog lights are included. Other standard features include heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators (they tilt down when the transmission in reverse on all but the base trim). Chrome or black-tipped quad exhaust tips are also standard.

The options list also includes a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, black highlights, and a sport spoiler. You’ll find 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the base trim and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels elsewhere. The one thing Nissan did avoid was outfitting any of the trims with performance tires. Instead, you’ll find the expected all-season tires wrapping the various wheel choices.


2021 Nissan Maxima


Interior

You’re forgiven if you slip behind the wheel of a late-model Maxima and think you’re sitting inside an Infiniti instead. Its equivalency to Nissan’s luxury brand became more apparent this year with the elimination of the first two trims.

Of course, our perspective was colored by the 40th Anniversary Package and its may exterior and interior embellishments. Those features, built upon the Platinum trim, included special semi-aniline, leather-wrapped seats with quilted inserts and embossing. The design is sublime and the cosseting evident, especially in the first two rows.

Speaking of the front seat, our favorite feature offered typically in luxury models was found in the Maxima, although not on the standard trim. That would be none other than a driver’s seat manual thigh support extension (seat extender), which raises the comfort quotient considerably. Along with the already included heated seats and available cooled front seats with electronic adjustment, the extender makes an important difference for drivers.

Specifically, the thigh support extension lives up to its name, by transferring pressure from the lower back and hips to the thighs while driving. The change may not be especially noticeable for some, but if you battle lower back pain such as I do, then the relief it provides is considerable. In effect, when the extender is pulled out it does enough to shift pressure away. Further, with the seats climate controlled, your comfort level is increased – the only thing missing is massaging.


2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima


The Maxima’s interior isn’t busy and overwrought with contrasting materials, odd trim piece placement, or any other idiosyncratic feature. Instead, a rich mixture of beautiful leathers and soft-touch materials wrap the cabin, giving it an upscale look. We were especially impressed by the satin chrome faceted interior trim which makes a pretty statement all by itself. Close your eyes, run your fingertips across it, and your senses will immediately tell you that the bar is exquisite.

If you’re looking for a roomy interior, the Maxima offers ample space for four or for five in a pinch. That said, the rear-seat legroom is tight for this class – the Altima has more room. Moreover, due to the sloping roofline, headspace is at a premium, especially for tall passengers.

A long list of comfort features enables the Maxima to attract the kind of customers who want them. Besides full power accessories, this model comes with keyless entry with push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column (power controlled on the top trim), dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Make your move up the trim ranks and there are a few other nice features available such as a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, rear outboard heated seats, wood trim, white gauge faces, aluminum sport pedals, and a charcoal headliner. Another desirable feature is a rear-window power sunshade, although we’re surprised that the rear passenger windows did not come with manual sunshade – that’s a missed opportunity that could offer ample privacy and comfort for the rear passengers.

Inasmuch as we found the interior beautifully designed and comfortable, the trunk area is quite small, measuring just 14.3 cubic feet. That’s the same size as the compact Nissan Sentra and less than the 15.4 cubic feet in the Altima. Fortunately, the 60/40 split-fold down rear seat allows for additional storage space when needed.


2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima


Tech

Infotainment screens are coming in larger, with 10.25 inches the new standard. As for the Maxima, it has an 8-inch touch-screen display. We won’t quibble about the size though as the screen was bright and easy to use.

Nissan bundles its standard tech package with navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Bluetooth, eight speakers, and satellite radio. Moreover, two USB ports are included.

Move up the trim range and Nissan doubles the number of USB ports and adds an 11-speaker Bose audio system. Our test model had Bose audio and we enjoyed its sound balance and penetration for the entire week.

Although the Maxima’s tech package is laudable, we noticed that a head-up display isn’t available. That’s a feature we expect in this class, but curiously it wasn’t included here.

Safety

When you drop your two bottom trims, the remaining trims are bound to have a full suite of driver-assist technologies.

The Maxima’s list includes the following items: automatic high beams, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane intervention, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear automatic braking. A driver attention monitor and a rear sonar system are also standard.

Among the options are a front and rear sonar system and an around-view monitor. The Maxima’s front lighting system earns accolades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which gives this sedan its highest rating: Top Safety Pick+. Further, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sends the Nissan its love too, giving the sedan a 5-star safety rating and that’s also its top honor. We’re confident that you’ll feel confident when driving one.

There is one further point that needs mentioning: the ProPILOT Assist package offered in most Nissan models isn’t available with the 2021 Maxima. The package represents a suite of safety features with automatic steering inputs to help keep a vehicle centered when activated. Further, it represents Nissan’s effort to supply semi-autonomous driving, a key ingredient in vehicles these days. We figure Nissan will offer the package in the next-generation Maxima if there is one.


2021 Nissan Maxima


Performance

The V6 engine is slowly going the way of the V8: it’s disappearing from sedans as if it’s going out of style. But the V6 isn’t dead and neither is the V8, as sports cars and utility vehicles continue to utilize them. Widespread electrification is on the way, but until then…

Apart from the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, which run on V6 or V8 power only, the Toyota Camry and the slightly larger Avalon still offer V6 power. Even so, most buyers opt for a four-cylinder Camry, while the Avalon now offers a four-cylinder engine with its newly available all-wheel-drive option.

For the Maxima, the lone powertrain is a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. This engine is good for 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, robust numbers that enable the Maxima to scoot from 0-60 mph in just under 7 seconds. And it does so while earning an EPA-estimate 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for a combined 24 mpg.


2021 Nissan Maxima


Although the Maxima isn’t especially fast, it delivers more than sufficient power when called upon. Its step-off power is strong, it accelerates at a steady clip, and there is ample passing power at the ready. These are all attributes we want in a premium midsize sedan.

Beyond the power curve, the steering is direct and its handling is acceptable. You won’t find a front limited-slip differential, but the sedan is never bogged down by understeer. We found the ride comfortable and not just for the lovely front seats in our test model.

Yet, the Maxima does have one flaw that some may find a demerit. And that’s the CVT. Under normal driving, it works relatively quietly in the background. But when asked to deliver power under hard acceleration, it causes the engine to moan, while lazily holding revs long before finally easing. We think the CVT is best suited for most four-cylinder models, while the V6 begs for an automatic with at least six cogs. The standard today is eight gears, although Nissan itself has a formidable 9-speed for its pickup trucks. Regardless, something more refined would make the Maxima more appealing to buyers.


2021 Nissan Maxima


Competitive Set

The sedan market is on a steep decline with very few large models remaining. The Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, and Buick LaCrosse are each gone. Yes, they’re full-size models but they also represented flagships just like the Maxima. Gone also are the midsize Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Regal, and the Chrysler 200.

The Toyota Avalon is the Maxima’s nearest competitor, but we think a look at the Honda Accord is in order. You’ll also find the Kia Cadenza, Dodge Charger, and the Chrysler 300 in this category. Other upscale models to consider include the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, and the Volvo S60.


Our Recommendation

The 40th Anniversary Package gives this Nissan a style that’s not far removed from Infiniti, which is Nissan Motors’ luxury brand. The package simply elevates the Maxima like nothing before it. We think buyers who are serious shoppers in this category will consider one.

Beyond this year, we don’t see a clear path for the Maxima to survive. Investing in a new model, even one sharing its bones with the current Altima, is an expense Nissan isn’t likely to consider as sedan sales continue to fall. Might the special anniversary model be the final song for the Maxima as we know it? It could be, which means some shoppers might also look closer at the Altima, while others may be ready to step up to Infiniti.


2021 Nissan Maxima



2021 Nissan Maxima Specifications


  • Sticker price from $37,915 to $43,145
  • Price as tested: $45,300 (est.)
  • Seats five
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6 gas
  • 300 hp @ 6,400 RPM
  • 261 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 RPM
  • Continuously variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: 109.3 inches
  • Length: 192.8 inches
  • Width: 73.2 inches
  • Height: 56.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: 98.5 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 14.3 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 20/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined
  • Premium gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 18 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,552 to 3,676 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+ (2021)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Smyrna, Tenn.

See Also — The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Photos copyright Auto Trend Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: CVT, DATSUN, front-wheel drive, NISSAN, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, sedan, V6 engine

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?

Recent Comments

  • Winter Prep: Replace Your Worn Out Tires — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • 5 Forgettable Cars From the 1970s — Auto Trends Magazine on A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • About the Fox-Body Ford Mustang — Auto Trends Magazine on A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec   Feb »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in