2019 Nissan Maxima features refreshed exterior and interior treatments, advanced Safety Shield 360 technology, standard Rear Door Alert and new option packages

With its captivating performance stance, 19-inch diamond-cut wheels, boomerang signature LED lighting framing the enlarged V-motion grille, the new 2019 Nissan Maxima continues to build on its legacy as the flagship of Nissan's sedan lineup. The mid-cycle Maxima refresh follows the introduction of the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima, creating a potent one-two punch in the mid-size sedan segment.

The long list of enhancements to the 2019 Maxima include:

•Aggressive styling updates, including standard LED headlights, new front fascia and grille, revised rear fascia with LED taillights and integrated quad-tip exhaust finishers, and new 18-inch and 19-inch wheel designs

•New interior treatment with available semi-aniline diamond-quilted Rakuda Tan leather-appointed seating

•Newly available Nissan Safety Shield 360 active safety technology and 10 air bags, including front driver and passenger knee and rear seat side supplemental air bags

•New convenience features, including standard Rear Door Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and USB Type-C ports

•New SR grade Premium Package and Platinum grade Reserve Package with exclusive content

'As our flagship sedan, Maxima is an important contributor to the Nissan brand,' said Dan Mohnke, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. 'Maxima is our longest running nameplate, having thrilled owners for four decades with style, performance and quality.'

In the 2018 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, Maxima was ranked number one in the Large Car segment and was the second highest ranked model among all vehicles in the study. The 2019 Maxima also continues its reputation as an exciting near-luxury sports sedan with its standard 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and sport-tuned steering, braking and suspension.

'Maxima checks all the boxes for sports sedan enthusiasts, and now, with the refreshed appearance, refined interior and enhanced safety and security technology, there are even more reasons that Maxima stands out from every other mid-size sedan on the market today,' added Mohnke.

The 2019 Maxima is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

A Bold New Exterior Appearance, Refined Interior

The 2019 Maxima's aggressive, updated exterior appearance was created by Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif. and features a more voluminous front grille with a deeper V-motion flow that carries into the hood and down the body to the redesigned rear tail lamps and rear fascia. The standard jewel-like LED headlights and Nissan Signature Daytime Running Lights, along with the new, deep fascia design, add to the Maxima's premium, high performance appearance.

The distinctive Maxima exterior continues to stand out in a field of cookie cutter sedan designs. The body is low, sculpted and streamlined to achieve a sweeping aerodynamic profile that has more than a little jet fighter look to it. To bring all this inspiration to life, a special metal stamping technique was developed, adding the distinctive powerful gesture to its bodyline and deeply scalloped doors.

The highly distinctive Maxima profile comes from its floating roof appearance with blacked-out A-pillars similar to the Nissan GT-R. Combined with the same blackout treatment applied to the B- and C-pillars, it creates a wraparound canopy appearance. The upper canopy look is accented with an available Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof (standard on SL and Platinum grades, optional on SR), which gives front and rear occupants an uninhibited view of the sky.

In the rear, the new fascia includes integrated quad-tip exhaust finishers, while a new sport rear spoiler is also added to the Maxima SR grade. New wheel designs have been developed for all five Maxima grade levels – capped off by the new 19-inch Hyper Silver Platinum Reserve Package wheels.

In addition, a new premium exterior paint color, Sunset Drift, has been added to the Maxima color palette. Six other exterior colors are available: Super Black, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Carnelian Red Tintcoat (premium color).

Inside, the dramatic Maxima body is a driver-oriented cockpit and comfortable seating for all five occupants. Enhancing the Maxima's already high level of quality and premium luxury appointments is a new seat insert pattern and charcoal headliner and pillars for SR grade and Platinum Reserve Package. The Platinum Reserve Package is highlighted by special Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather appointments, similar to that available on the Nissan GT-R Premium Interior Package. The Platinum Reserve Package interior also offers Satin Bronze faceted interior finishers, Rakuda Tan steering wheel insert for a two-tone appearance and heated rear seats.

The interior retains the Maxima's 'Gliding Wing' layout that emphasizes the horizontal movement and easy access to all controls, but offers updated trim finishers and materials. Depending on grade level, the instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel insert, stitching, seat materials, headliner, pillars and A-pillar speaker grilles have been upgraded, providing a more premium look and feel.

Other interior enhancements include standard Rear Door Alert (RDA) for all grade levels, revised SiriusXM® Radio with Advanced Auto Features (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and updated Nissan Door to Door Navigation system, which is standard on all grades except S.

The performance luxury-style interior is again anchored by a 'command central' driver's cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The focus on the driver begins with a center stack angled seven degrees toward the driver (a lesson learned from the legendary GT-R) and a floating console that sits higher than the previous generation Maxima design, putting key controls within easy reach. For example, the standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ start switch is located on the console and pulses when the driver enters the cabin. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitching. The Display Commander control on the console allows fingertip control of the center display as befitting a premium sport sedan.

Nissan's unique Zero Gravity front seats with sport bolstering are standard (8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat) and offer indulgent softness provided by a three-layer foam design. They are offered in premium cloth, leather-appointed or premium Ascot leather-appointed seating surfaces. Heated and Climate-Controlled front seats and steering wheel are available depending on grade level. A power passenger seat lifter is available on SL, SV and Platinum grades. The rear seat features a standard 60/40 split fold-down design.

In addition, luxury-level interior quietness is enabled by an available Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that works much like noise cancelling headphones, helping reduce unpleasant low-frequency sounds. An Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system, which works by enhancing existing engine sound from the 3.5-liter V6 into the cabin (Bose® audio equipped models only), is standard on SV, SR and Platinum grades. Engaging 'Sport' mode takes the stirring engine note a step further with the system allowing even higher engine note amplitude in the cabin.

The premium-level Maxima technology features include NissanConnect® with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM on SV and above trim levels. The system has been enhanced for 2019 with Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic information.

The navigation system also includes an 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, two front illuminated USB connection ports for iPod® interface and other compatible devices (one Type-A, one Type-C), Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM® Traffic and Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

Maxima Platinum models include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM. Standard with Maxima Platinum, NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM® provides compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to features such as Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Valet Alert, and more. Additionally, certain remote features are accessible through the NissanConnect Services Amazon Alexa Skill and Action for the Google Assistant3.

Additional NissanConnect Services security features include Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Call, Stolen Vehicle Locator and more. Convenience services range from Connected Search, destination directions downloaded right to the navigation system and even journey planning – with routing of up to four waypoints and destination (NissanConnect Services subscription required, sold separately).

Additional NissanConnect Services security features include Automatic Collision Notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and more (services subscription required, sold separately). Convenience Services range from Connected and Assisted Search, destination directions downloaded right to the navigation system and even journey planning – with routing of up to five waypoints and destination.

Maxima entertainment systems include an available 11-speaker Bose® audio system, which was created to deliver the ultimate premium audio experience befitting Nissan's flagship sedan. The system includes Bose® Center Point® Surround Stage technology, which can deliver a surround sound experience from even a two-channel audio source, and a driver's seat optimization mode that allows for a driver-centric audio stage.

Convenience features befitting a luxury vehicle are part of the suite of available equipment – including a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with an 'Easy Entry' system, heated steering wheel, Around View® Monitor, Remote Start1 via Key Fob and a power rear sunshade.

Sporty Performance

While the 2019 Maxima exterior projects an enhanced sense of aggressive style, the heart and soul of Maxima remains its 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. The engine applies lessons learned from the Nissan GT-R, such as sodium filled valves, to achieve a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. Torque is rated at 261 lb-ft.

Well-matched to the engine is an advanced Xtronic transmission, which, with its lack of fixed ratios, affords the specific advantage of always being in the right gear at the right time. A wide gear ratio range allows for strong acceleration from a standing start and the D-Step shifting logic allows rapid shifts at high throttle openings. The shift logic holds rpm when it detects high-G cornering, allowing for smooth re-acceleration on corner exits.

Maxima also features a Drive Mode Selector (Sport and Normal modes) that adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning, steering feel. Active Sound Enhancement tuning is standard on SR grade. In Sport mode, the engine throttle response increases, the Xtronic transmission programming changes for more aggressive shifting under braking and gear holding, the steering weight increases and the Active Sound Enhancement system further amplifies the engine note in the cabin.

The foundation for Maxima's refined handling and ride comfort starts with a platform that features use of high strength steels, including 1.2GPa high strength steel. This allows the Maxima to not only boast strong torsional rigidity, but also contributes to a lighter overall weight (versus the previous generation).

The suspension is an independent subframe-mounted strut/coil spring design in front. In the rear is an independent multi-link double wishbone design with ZF Sachs dampers. The rear dampers feature a monotube design, often found in performance applications, for enhanced performance and fade resistance. Large stabilizer bars are found in the front (26.0 mm) and rear (26.5 mm).

Responsive braking is provided by 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Steering is provided by a vehicle speed-sensitive hydro-electric power-assisted steering (HEPS) steering system. Maxima comes with standard 18-inch machined finish aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/45R18 all-season tires.

Taking the sporty look and feel to a higher level is the SR trim. The Maxima SR-exclusive hardware starts with unique suspension damper tuning and a larger front stabilizer bar. Along with special Alcantara® seating inserts and steering wheel insert for high-grip at key touch points, Maxima SR's Integrated Dynamic-control Module (IDM) system adds an extra element of electronic chassis management. For example, Intelligent Ride Control (I-RC), a feature within the IDM system, uses targeted brake applications after the vehicle encounters a bump or undulation to immediately improve the level of the body, allowing the SR to offer a ride quality that defies its sporting intention. Also standard is a new sport rear spoiler.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility and Nissan Safety Shield 360

The new Maxima also offers available Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems that supports the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision to redefine how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society.

Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. For the 2019, it comes standard on Maxima Platinum and as part of the SR Premium Package.

In addition to Safety Shield 360, the 2019 Maxima also expands the availability of Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Maxima's innovation Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)1 is now standard on all grade levels. The Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)2 system, which helps alert the driver when drowsy driving is detected. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is involved in as much as 21 percent of fatal car accidents (Automobile Association of America Study, Nov. 2014). The I-DA system provides an audible and visual warning if the system judges that the driver may be drowsy (using analysis of steering inputs to detect changes in the driving behavior).

Nissan's innovative Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM) that provides a 360-degree 'surround view' of the vehicle is standard on Platinum and optional on SR grades.

Maxima comes equipped with standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) for the driver and front passenger seats, which includes supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

For 2019, Maxima adds standard rear seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags, bringing the total to 10 supplemental air bags.

Also standard are 3-point rear seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belts with dual pretensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, emergency inside trunk release, Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. Maxima also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Five Models, Three Accessory Packages

The 2019 Maxima is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

The Maxima S includes standard NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM, with 8.0-inch display paired with the 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display in the instrument cluster, Remote Engine Start4 via Intelligent Key, dual illuminated USB ports, SiriusXM® Radio (Sirius XM® subscription required, sold separately), LED Signature Daytime Running Lights, 18-inch machined finished aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-way Power Driver Seat and 4-way Power Passenger Seat, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with front and rear vents and more.

Maxima SV adds leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, driver's seat power lumbar support, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM, SiriusXM® Traffic and Travel Link services (Sirius XM® subscription required, sold separately), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and heated outside rearview mirrors with turn signal indicators.

Maxima SL adds the Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver rear USB ports, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), power passenger seat lifter and LED Interior Accent Lighting.

The Maxima SR offers a sport-tuned suspension, Integrated Dynamics-control Module (IDM), premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with Dynamic Diamond-quilted Alcantara® inserts, Climate-controlled front seats, Ascot leather-appointed steering wheel with Alcantara® insert, paddle shifters, aluminum sport pedals, Satin Dark Chrome faceted finishers, gloss black sport spoiler, body color door handles, Charcoal headliner and pillars, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI), Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Assist (HBA) Active Sound Enhancement, ,LED fog lights, 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/40R19 all-season tires.

The Maxima Platinum grade includes an extensive array of premium equipment, including Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, power tilt and telescoping steering column with easy access feature, premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted leather inserts, premium Ascot leather-wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM), rear window power sunshade, driver-side memory seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel, rain detecting windshield wipers, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM (NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Satin Birdseye Maple wood-tone faceted finishers, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, and outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB).

Two option packages are offered for 2019. The Premium Package (SR grade) features a Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-RVM), and driver-side seat memory. The Reserve Package (Platinum grade) includes heated rear seats, exclusive 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted leather inserts, Charcoal headliner and pillars, Satin Bronze interior faceted finishers

Available accessories include splash guards, illuminated kick plates, premium spoiler, sport spoiler (SR only) and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, with engines assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.

by Nissan

The recipient of the AutoPacific Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction award, the Maxima is a full-size car manufactured by Nissan that was introduced in 1976. Marketed as the ‘four-door sports car', the Maxima was originally an upscale version of the Bluebird that spun into its own line 1981 and had been made continuously since then. Prior to 2004, most Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, they are now being assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee. In various markets the Maxima models are also known as Nissan Cefiro or Nissan Laurel.

One of the longest running mid-size sedans on the American automobile market, the Maxima is still considered to be one of the most affordable luxury models on the sales lot today. It wasn't until 1985 that the Maxima branched off into its own model and with a great number of changes and upgrades the Maxima has continued on in its own right. Beginning its run as a square two-door coupe, the Maxima has blossomed into a sinewy, sporty four-door sedan today that is not only eye catching, but economical.

Known in the U.S. as a trim level of the Datsun 810 from 1976 until 1979, the Maxima was known as a variant of the Bluebird to European consumers. The badge 'Maxima' was only known to the European Market. Nissan introduced the 810 Maxima to the United States in 1982 which featured a 2.4L I6 and the option of either a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

In 1981 the first car to wear the Maxima name was introduced and was basically a Japanese-maret Bluebird 910 with a 3.9 inch longer nose. This first year it was offered as the 810 Deluxe or 810 Maxima but the following all 810s became Maximas. The final year of the first generation Maxima in 1984, American Datsuns begn carrying the 'Nissan' badge also. Toyotas response to this was the introduction of an upmarket sibling, the Cressida.

The Maxima became a standalone badge in '85 equipped with a 157 hp 3.0L V6 engine. For both 1987 and 1988 model years a Maxima station wagon was available, but following '88 the Maxima's exterior was ‘tightened up' and listed as a compact sedan. The square exterior was smoothed into a sleeker more sinewy design for the 1989 model year. The Maxima also grew a few inches and re-established itself as a mid-size sedan in America. The vehicle sported a unique feature; a phonograph-based voice warning system that alerted the driver when a door was opened; etc and was relayed through the mini phonograph and played for the driver to hear. The 1981 models were the first ever ‘talking car' sold in the U.S. and at the time only offered one warning; ‘Please turn off the lights' in a female voice.

During the fall of 1984 the first ever front-wheel drive Maxima was introduced, available with a 154 hp 3.0 L VG30E V6 engine and either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.. This was the same engine in the naturally aspirated 300ZX and the Japanese market Nissan Gloria/Nissan Cedric, and the initial V6 engine to be mass produced in Japan. The final year for the station wagon was 1988 which had been available since the Datsun 810 days, and the second generation was assigned the compact status. The 1987 Maxima was debuted in late 1986 with a freshened exterior and interior that included automatic shoulder-belts on both wagons and sedans built after February 1987.

Trim levels were renamed GXE and SE, and featured digital touch entry system on the driver and passenger side door panel, power windows, locks, seats, remote trunk release, voice warning side, an optional Electronic package and an optional power sunroof. Standard on the Maxima were 15' alloy wheels and an exclusive option for '88 was the Sonar Suspension System that replaced the trip computer that was offered previously. Utilizing sonar waves to monitor the road conditions ahead and adjust the shocks accordingly this system ensured the most controlled ride.

The previously standard digital touch system offered on the GXE sedan became part of the Electronic package option as well in 1988 while the SE offered a five-speed manual transmission, dual power seats, 3-way shock adjust suspension, a factory-installed security system and front and rear windshield defroster. The SE featured a small rear spoiler, black side rear view mirrors, 4-wheel disc brakes and body molding. The main competition for the Maxima was the similar Toyota Cressida which remained rear wheel drive. The Maxima had a simple combination of both luxury and sport-like features, while the Cressida was seen as a luxury car.

The third generation of the Maxima was debuted in 1989 as the J30 model. The second Japanese sedan sold in the U.S. that was considered a 'mid-size', the Maxima featured bigger dimensions and was also the first Japanese car to exceed Japan's 67 inch width restriction. This made it very comfortable for three seat passengers, and surprisingly brought the overall weight down slightly from the previous generation. This new Maxima was dubbed a -4-Door Sports Car and was even given a '4DSC' window decal showing this.

Now the model featured a 160 hp 3.0 L V6, with a 190 hp VE30DE engine standard on the SE model starting in 1992. This engine was one that had been used in the previous Maxima along with the first generation Nissan 300ZX. The digital touch entry system on the GXE was a unique feature that allowed the windows to be lowered and the moonroof opened without the key in the ignition. All 1989-1994 GXE models and 1989-1991 SE models used the VG30E in the U.S. which featured a variable intake manifold on both automatic and manual transmission models. This third generation Maxima was fitted with an independent rear suspension.

Exclusively available on the 1992-1994 Maxima SE, the VE30DE engine showcased a variable intake manifold and variable intake valve timing, plus a limited-slip differential. Other differences between the SE and the GXE were found in the white-faced gauges, body-colored grille, twin-tip mufflers, twisted-spoke turbines, factory-tinted tail lights, firmer spot suspension, black trim replacing chrome and optional 5-speed manual transmission. A contemporary compact unit from Jatco, the automatic transmission on all GXE models featured ‘sport' and ‘comfort' modes that deviated at different points. The '92-'94 SE model received an optional automatic transmission that kept the 2 modes but had stronger internals. The GXE had body-color side mirrors while the SE sported a rear spoiler and black side mirrors. This was the first year that the Maxima was introduced to the European market, superseding the Laurel with the model range; 3.0, 3.0 S, and 3.0SE.

For 1990 the Maxima SE was showcased on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list. As an alternative to the automatic transmission standard in North America in Australia, versions sold in Japan, New Zealand and Europe had manual transmission option. All Australian models had automatic transmissions and the VG40E engine only. During this period until the introduction of the Nissan Bluebird U13 another Bluebird Maxima continued on as a Nissan Bluebird U12 and exclusively as a station wagon with the VG20ET engine. The Avenir replaced the Bluebird wagon.

The fourth generation of the Maxima was redesigned in 1995 as the A32. The only engine option available for the North American market was a new VQ30DE 190 hp, 205 lb/ft torque 3.0 L V6. This engine was placed at the top of Ward's 10 Best Engines List, and the VQ has now been found consecutively each year since its introduction. A lighter and less expensive torsion bar solid axle system replaced the independent rear suspension of the earlier generation. After 1992 model year the Toyota Cressida (Maxima's biggest competitor) was discontinued and replaced with the FWD Avalon; a stretched out version of the Camry in 1994.

For 1997 the exterior of the Maxima was updated with the addition of new 5-spoke alloy wheels, a moderately different front and rear fascia with newly designed taillights, plastic headlights instead of glass, a smoother trunk to match the taillights, redesigned badge designs and fog-lights. Body colored grille insert was added for SE models and a chrome grille insert for GLE's. On the inside the Maxima sported a new steering wheel and CD player along with front seat-mounted side impact airbags added as an option for '98 and '99 SE and GLE models. Enhancing crash worthiness for the '97 to '99 Maxima models were various structural modifications. On the inside the '99 Maxima also received some updates that included an Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer using a chip in the ignition key along with minor body trims. This year was the only 4th generation offered with optional traction control.

The '99 SE was offered with a Limited Package which consisted of Titanium tinted SE-Limited emblems on the front doors, titanium tinted 16' alloy wheels and titanium tinted trunk emblems. On the inside the gauge cluster was also titanium tinted and optional leather seats were perforated and embossed with SE on the backrests as well as the front floor mats.

The 4th generation GLE Maxima featured a Bose Sound System which had a 6 speaker sound system or the option of a Clarion system instead. This generation gained many accolades for its roomy interior. For 1995 this generation was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year, and once again the Maxima SE made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for both '95 and '96.

The '95 VQ30DE engine produced 190 hp and 205 lb/ft of torque and with the manual transmission the Maxima could reach 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. The top GLE with four-speed automatic transmission achieved 0-60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. One of the few 4-door V6 cars at the time with an option for a manual transmission, the Maxima fell into an elite category compared to the automatic-only Mazda Millenia, Dodge Intrepid, Chevy Lumina and Toyota Avalon.

This fourth generation was sold in Japan as the Nissan Cefiro A32 which had earlier been its own higher specification model with rear-wheel drive vehicle. A Cefiro-badged station wagon was offered for the Japanese market and one version of the Cefiro was sold in the US as the Infiniti I30 but there were slight differences that included different fog light arrangements, a few assorted engine options and one-piece headlights. In Europe and other parts of the world this generation was also sold as the Maxima QX and only had a few subtle trim differences from the Japanese Cefiro.

The fifth generation of the Maxima was designed in 2000 and was a refreshed version of the previous vehicle designed at La Jolla, a California design studio. Dubbed A33, this generation is often remembered for it being the fastest years of the Maxima. The engine was a 222 hp 3.0 L VQ30DE V6, and this variant was referred to the VQ30DE-K. This generation had three models; GXE, GLE and SE with the ‘GXE' being the base model and the GLE the 'luxury' model with 16 inch wheels.

The '01 Maxima is the special edition of the SE model which celebrates the 20th anniversary of this particular Nissan. This version has the Infiniti I30's engine in addition to the usual SE luxuries, unique side skirts all around the lower perimeter, and a few special touches to the interior. The model also had drilled metal 'brushed metallic' pedals, a 'brushed metallic' shifter, and stainless steel door sill plates with the name Nissan Maxima. The leather that was optional is perforated in contrast to the regular SE. The special edition model offered 'SE Comfort and Convenience Package' which includes 17' wheels, a sunroof and a few other things as standard.

The Maxima received a new engine throughout the whole lineup in 2002; a 3.5 L VQ35DE that produced 255 hp and 264 lb/ft of torque. The model also received an update that included a larger grille opening, a six-speed manual transmission with optional helical Torsen limited-slip differential, headlamps with high-intensity discharge low beams, updated 17' six-spoke wheels on the SE models, new 17' seven spoke wheels on the GLE models, and clear taillights.

A special Titanium Edition package was debuted in 2003 that featured special wheels and interior treatment along with a Meridian Edition package that came with heated seats and steering wheel and a GPS navigation system. This Edition was available in a variety of colors but a new car was only available with the Titanium Edition; Polished Titanium. The final generation Maxima was the inspiration for the Infiniti I35. The Maxima is sold as the Nissan Maxima QX in Russia and Europe.

The sixth generation of the Maxima was introduced in 2004 and was assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee. Dubbed the A34, this version was only available for purchase in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The U.S. version came with the time-worn VQ35DE, a DOHC V6 engine that was capable of 265 hp at 5,800 rpm and 255 lb/ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It also featured a standard SkyView fixed glass paneled roof that coursed down the center of the room from front to back, or a traditional style moonroof option.

This generation was sold in two trim levels; the sporty SE which came standard with 18' alloy wheels, stiffer suspension, rear spoiler, P245/45R18 V-rated tired and an optional 6-seed manual transmission and the lush SL that came standard with 17' alloy wheels, wood interior trim, 6-disc CD changer, leather seats, Bose stereo, HID headlights and P225/55R17 H-rated tires. The suspension in the SL model was tuned for a softer ride and manual transmission was never offered on this vehicle. The rear independent suspension returned to the lineup for all models, and this time it utilized a multilink setup similar to the Altima.

The Maxima was offered with a standard Xtronic CVT, similar to the CVT found in the Murano, as the only transmission option for 2007. Manual transmission was taken off the table completely, though the CVT did feature a manual mode. This year the Maxima now sported a fresh front fascia minus the center block, and a new grille that was very similar to the Altima of the same year. Around the edges the headlights were now more squared. On the inside the '07 Altima received a new center console, it now featured an Intelligent Key system with integrated ignition tab, and new white-and-orange gauges as opposed to the older plain orange ones.

The following year the fuel economy in the Maxima dropped from 21/28 to 19/25 because of new EPA measurement methods. Also new this year was a Platinum Edition package of convenience added on both SL and SE trim levels.

The Australian Maxima, dubbed J31 continued on with the same engine, but the maximum power was set to only 228 hp and shared the VQ engine. Originally it only came with a four-speed automatic transmission, and had quite obvious style differences to the North American version and was instead based on the Nissan Teana. For 2007 this version received an all new CVT automatic transmission and underwent a minor facelift.

For 2009 Maxima rolled out the Seventh Generation of the Maxima with a debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show newly redesigned. This newest generation was built on the Nissan D platform shared with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and second generation Murano. Similar in design both on the outside and inside, the Maxima resembled the Infiniti G and Infiniti M with an optional USB interface system that works with the main console monitor and steering wheel controls and updated navigation interface.

A revised variation of the VQ35DE engine was fitted in the '09 Maxima capable of producing 290 horsepower and 261 lb/ft of torque. The only transmission offered was the updated version of Nissan's Xtronic CVT with paddle shifting. This generation was offered in S and SV trims with various premium and technology packages. Today the Maxima's design is all sleek futuristic style and curves rather than height and length, though the width has been increased slightly. This newest model uses a high-tech push button to start and stop the engine. Nissan aims this newest generation of Maxima to the younger consumer with its innovative redesign.

by Jessican Donaldson