HighestOfHigh
Cornering Kingpin
I have always been a fan of the Maxima. I like the earlier models better, but this isn't too bad. My only issue is that it looks like a mix of several models put together.
The Nissan Maxima is a five-passenger, front-engine, front-drive sedan that was manufactured and marketed by Nissan as Nissan's flagship sedan primarily in North America, the Middle East, South Korea, and China. The Maxima debuted for model year 1982 as the Datsun Maxima, replacing the Datsun 810.
I agree with you HoH. I think Nissan should stop making the Max bigger and using the same CVT along with the big V6 ( 3.5l engine). I don't mind if they use the W205 engines and keep the FWD.
dtd
NarutoRamen
Kraftwagen König
While I actually don't think the design is bad, and it actually stands out in this bland ass segment, I just have a problem with Nissan of late. It's the god damn CVT. I got to drive the latest Altima and for holy hell did I hate driving that car. CVT is a HORRIBLE transmission. And honestly, I refuse to own a car that has a CVT.
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
Would you look at that, a car designed by Americans, for Americans liked by an American, I agree with Naruto it stands out from a very bland crowd of competing cars in the same market segment, it's not a bad design at all.
I have multitronic in our A6, I like it, it works very well in sport mode, definitely a much better transmission than the nasty CVT Audi had in the C6 model A6. It works well with a diesel engine, I haven't tried one in a petrol powered vehicle so I imagine that would be a different story.
NarutoRamen
Kraftwagen König
Now, now. "Like" is a strong word. My opinion is more along the lines of "I don't mind it as much."
I think the best looking in the segment is the Mazda 6. Honestly, I've never been inside a CVT until I got in that Altima. I had NO idea it was a CVT until the first few hundred meters. RIGHT away I could tell something wasn't right. It was doing it's fake shifting thing but it wasn't responsive at all. Just HORRIBLE and sluggish.
NarutoRamen
Kraftwagen König
^^That is a seriously "driver oriented" center console!
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
NarutoRamen
Kraftwagen König
^^In the 90s, the Maxima was actually a pretty good car. But now with Maxima and Altima being nearly the same size and even the design is similar (before this), the Maxima is kind of redundant now.
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
Nissan Maxima safety car unveiled
Nissan Maxima Safety Car
Nissan has taken the wraps off their new Maxima safety car.
Used in last weekend's Oak Tree Grand Prix at the Virginia International Raceway, the safety car features a white exterior with hood stripes, red accents and special graphics. The sedan also has black alloy wheels, red brake calipers and plenty of Nissan badging.
The company didn't have much else to say about the car but the standard Maxima has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 300 bhp (223 kW) and 261 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an Xtronic transmission which enables the model to return 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway.
Source: Nissan
Nissan Maxima Safety Car
Nissan has taken the wraps off their new Maxima safety car.
Used in last weekend's Oak Tree Grand Prix at the Virginia International Raceway, the safety car features a white exterior with hood stripes, red accents and special graphics. The sedan also has black alloy wheels, red brake calipers and plenty of Nissan badging.
The company didn't have much else to say about the car but the standard Maxima has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 300 bhp (223 kW) and 261 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an Xtronic transmission which enables the model to return 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway.
Source: Nissan
Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
Nissan Maxima Review
“What have they done?” we’ve asked. The radically redesigned 2016 Nissan Maxima still lays claim to the 4DSC (four-door sports car) moniker, but albeit in a much larger shape. Returning after a year under the knife for some plastic surgery and a bit of a diet, the largest of Nissan’s sedans returns ready for a new day.
But is this Maxima still worthy of the shorthand 4DSC nomenclature? That depends on what kind of an answer you are looking for. Read on for more.
Now into its eighth generation dating back to the 1981 Datsun Maxima sedan, it wasn’t until the third-generation (1988-1994) when the Nissan received the 4DSC sticker in the side windows that the enthusiasts began to take notice. During that same time, the Maxima began its gradual climb into maximum territory, growing from the compact size of the original model to what the EPA now considers mid-size and the J.D. Power research firm terms a large car offering. Regardless of the differing opinions, it appears to our eyes as a large unibody sedan capable of transporting five passengers in entry-luxury splendor.
“A look back to look ahead.”
The 2016 Maxima gets its power from a new version of the brand’s 3.5-liter (VQ35DE) V6 engine. Producing 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 261 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, it still relies on a sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection system to feed its fire. Power is delivered to the front-wheel-drive system via Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual shift mode.
We are generally not fans of CVTs, but if we must, the Nissan model is the one we’d choose. In this application, it is tuned for the enthusiast driver, using D-Step shift logic that helps offer quicker starts and simulated “gear shifts” throughout its range. Curiously, there were no steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers aboard to help bolster the 4DSC credentials.
Driving dynamics are enhanced by an already lighter (80-pounds) and stiffer (25-percent) platform that rides on a subframe with struts and coils in front while the rear utilizes a multilink suspension kit with ZF Sachs monotube shocks. Front and rear stabilizer bars finish, and in the process, stiffen the ride in all Maximas except the SR, which receives a unique, more performance-oriented specification.
Being of the Platinum persuasion finds the Maxima loaded to the gills with creature comforts that probably counteract all the weight savings seen in this latest model. Our sampler included a dual-panel Panoramic moonroof, a rear window power sunshade, premium leather-appointed eight-way adjustable Zero-gravity power seats with diamond quilting, an eight-inch color display with multi-mode controls, Nissan’s around-view monitor for a bird’s eye view of obstacles around the vehicle, mahogany wood-toned finishers, a Bose 11-speaker sound system with active noise cancellation and active noise enhancements to bring that cancelled sound (i.e.: engine noise) back into the cabin.
Electronically, all the gadgets and gizmos are there as well, including Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Sirius XM Traffic, Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio functionality, a seven-inch advanced drive assist display, dual zone climate control, and finally, Nissan Intelligent Key with push button starter.
From a safety standpoint, look for Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alerts, Driver Attention Alert (Time for coffee?), and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System. Rounding out this list of heavy hitters, our Maxima Platinum was equipped with Nissan’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking, which reacts to braking two vehicles ahead of it.
Competition? Of course. Even though the 2016 Maxima returns after a year of hibernation, it knows that the competition hasn’t been sleeping. It only takes a minute to find the parking lot of a restaurant that offers “early bird” specials filled with such segment stalwarts like the Toyota Avalon, the Chrysler 300, Hyundai’s Azera, the Kia Cadenza, Lexus ES 350 and the Buick LaCrosse. Of this group, we think the Maxima will skew to a younger buying set, thanks to its more radical looks, rather than the somewhat more conservative offerings from the other brands.
About those looks… Sharply creased, angular, expressive, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is all of that. Based on the brand’s Sport Sedan Concept car of 2014, it’s a look that you will absolutely either love or not. Based on a groundbreaking design that first appeared on the Nissan Murano SUV, the up-front V-motion grille leads off with a fighter jet-inspired maw that is pretty unique to the segment. The truth is you won’t see many other apertures or boomerang-style lighting looks as seen in the Nissan family of vehicles.
This new Nissan is available in several trim levels starting with well-equipped S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum versions. Each trim level offers distinct equipment thus yielding no options, just different trim levels and dealer-installed options.
“Our Platinum edition featured many touches both inside and out that set it off from other versions that are available in the lineup."
This flagship sedan features the unique floating roofline first seen on Murano, but, this time finds its diminishing blacked out pillars sloping toward the rear fascia.
It’s what’s inside that counts. The interior of the 2016 Nissan Maxima has also received a thorough seeing to and is now more luxurious than many of its rivals. In the process of designing the new interior, Nissan has jettisoned some of the more quirky features that we have become used to seeing in various Nissan products.
Though there are plenty of redundancies on the D-shaped, flat-bottomed steering wheel, the center console is where the driver will reach for most controls. Almost as an afterthought, two small push buttons labeled “normal” and “sport” are located under the driver’s wrist. These are the Nissan Drive Mode Selector controls, which allow the driver, in sport mode, to enhance the Maxima’s throttle and braking response, holding the gears longer, firming up the weight of the electronic power assisted steering and increasing the active sound enhancements into the cabin. It’s all show business here, folks.
With a new design comes a new neighborhood. In the case of the Display Commander Control, it has moved from its “deck” at the top of the center stack and is now located on the main console within easy reach of the driver’s right hand.
From here, controls for most of the functions also found in the eight-inch color touchscreen display, including NissanConnect, navigation, satellite radio and climate features, are operated. If you are not in a touchy-feely mood, there are always voice commands to perform certain tasks for you. A seven-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display resides in the instrument cluster to display vehicle dynamics and other functions.
Leather-covered Zero Gravity chairs enhanced our drive comfort for long stretches behind the wheel and were made better through the ventilated seating function which we consider a must-have option in South Florida. The better to prevent the flop-sweats we say.
The rear seats feature a slight elevation with good legroom clearance for most passengers, although some taller passengers may find their coifs compromised due to the downward slope of the rear fastback. The rear seats can also be folded forward in a 60:40 split to enhance the Maxima’s cargo hauling capacity, which finds 14.3-cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.
Power from the new 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is plentiful in this new Maxima and is among the quickest vehicles in the segment when compared to the Avalon, Azera, and others. Zero to 60 mph comes on in a sprite 5.9-seconds, which is none-too-shabby for a vehicle that tips the scales at a stout 3,593 pounds.
Handling from the hydro-electric power steering system was decent in a normal drive mode sense but about what would be expected for someone used to driving a larger, more cushier ride.
“Noise intrusion from all types of road surfaces was well modulated and muted at the same time, leaving us with a nice, quiet cabin for hours of highway cruising.”
That was until we pushed the “Sport” button. While not exactly subjecting the Maxima to a Jekyll vs. Hyde transformation, it does manage to change up the parameters of this four-door into something that we could live with. The steering wheel requires more effort through the added heft that makes driver inputs more deliberate.
The throttle seems to hold onto the “gearing” for a longer stretch of time, enabling drivers to get the most out of the V6’s powerband, and finally, the brakes have the tendency to be slightly more “urgent” in fulfilling their obligations to bring the vehicle under control or alternatively to a complete stop.
It manages to do all of this while maintaining what the EPA says are mileage expectations of 22 city / 30 highway, with 25 combined mpg. We saw an average of 26 mpg, with an equal bias of city and sometimes aggressive highway driving.
But despite all of this, there is no mistaking the Maxima for a four-door version of the 370Z Nismo. Finding the Normal mode a bit soft for our liking, we opted to keep the drive mode selector in Sport all the time. Through the years, it seems the Maxima has outgrown its 4DSC nomenclature. But in the end, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is no less of a competent cruiser for it.
Read more: http://www.autoevolution.com/reviews/nissan-maxima-review-2016.html#ixzz42rXfNdvK
“What have they done?” we’ve asked. The radically redesigned 2016 Nissan Maxima still lays claim to the 4DSC (four-door sports car) moniker, but albeit in a much larger shape. Returning after a year under the knife for some plastic surgery and a bit of a diet, the largest of Nissan’s sedans returns ready for a new day.
But is this Maxima still worthy of the shorthand 4DSC nomenclature? That depends on what kind of an answer you are looking for. Read on for more.
Now into its eighth generation dating back to the 1981 Datsun Maxima sedan, it wasn’t until the third-generation (1988-1994) when the Nissan received the 4DSC sticker in the side windows that the enthusiasts began to take notice. During that same time, the Maxima began its gradual climb into maximum territory, growing from the compact size of the original model to what the EPA now considers mid-size and the J.D. Power research firm terms a large car offering. Regardless of the differing opinions, it appears to our eyes as a large unibody sedan capable of transporting five passengers in entry-luxury splendor.
“A look back to look ahead.”
The 2016 Maxima gets its power from a new version of the brand’s 3.5-liter (VQ35DE) V6 engine. Producing 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 261 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, it still relies on a sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection system to feed its fire. Power is delivered to the front-wheel-drive system via Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual shift mode.
We are generally not fans of CVTs, but if we must, the Nissan model is the one we’d choose. In this application, it is tuned for the enthusiast driver, using D-Step shift logic that helps offer quicker starts and simulated “gear shifts” throughout its range. Curiously, there were no steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers aboard to help bolster the 4DSC credentials.
Driving dynamics are enhanced by an already lighter (80-pounds) and stiffer (25-percent) platform that rides on a subframe with struts and coils in front while the rear utilizes a multilink suspension kit with ZF Sachs monotube shocks. Front and rear stabilizer bars finish, and in the process, stiffen the ride in all Maximas except the SR, which receives a unique, more performance-oriented specification.
Being of the Platinum persuasion finds the Maxima loaded to the gills with creature comforts that probably counteract all the weight savings seen in this latest model. Our sampler included a dual-panel Panoramic moonroof, a rear window power sunshade, premium leather-appointed eight-way adjustable Zero-gravity power seats with diamond quilting, an eight-inch color display with multi-mode controls, Nissan’s around-view monitor for a bird’s eye view of obstacles around the vehicle, mahogany wood-toned finishers, a Bose 11-speaker sound system with active noise cancellation and active noise enhancements to bring that cancelled sound (i.e.: engine noise) back into the cabin.
Electronically, all the gadgets and gizmos are there as well, including Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Sirius XM Traffic, Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio functionality, a seven-inch advanced drive assist display, dual zone climate control, and finally, Nissan Intelligent Key with push button starter.
From a safety standpoint, look for Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alerts, Driver Attention Alert (Time for coffee?), and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System. Rounding out this list of heavy hitters, our Maxima Platinum was equipped with Nissan’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking, which reacts to braking two vehicles ahead of it.
Competition? Of course. Even though the 2016 Maxima returns after a year of hibernation, it knows that the competition hasn’t been sleeping. It only takes a minute to find the parking lot of a restaurant that offers “early bird” specials filled with such segment stalwarts like the Toyota Avalon, the Chrysler 300, Hyundai’s Azera, the Kia Cadenza, Lexus ES 350 and the Buick LaCrosse. Of this group, we think the Maxima will skew to a younger buying set, thanks to its more radical looks, rather than the somewhat more conservative offerings from the other brands.
About those looks… Sharply creased, angular, expressive, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is all of that. Based on the brand’s Sport Sedan Concept car of 2014, it’s a look that you will absolutely either love or not. Based on a groundbreaking design that first appeared on the Nissan Murano SUV, the up-front V-motion grille leads off with a fighter jet-inspired maw that is pretty unique to the segment. The truth is you won’t see many other apertures or boomerang-style lighting looks as seen in the Nissan family of vehicles.
This new Nissan is available in several trim levels starting with well-equipped S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum versions. Each trim level offers distinct equipment thus yielding no options, just different trim levels and dealer-installed options.
“Our Platinum edition featured many touches both inside and out that set it off from other versions that are available in the lineup."
This flagship sedan features the unique floating roofline first seen on Murano, but, this time finds its diminishing blacked out pillars sloping toward the rear fascia.
It’s what’s inside that counts. The interior of the 2016 Nissan Maxima has also received a thorough seeing to and is now more luxurious than many of its rivals. In the process of designing the new interior, Nissan has jettisoned some of the more quirky features that we have become used to seeing in various Nissan products.
Though there are plenty of redundancies on the D-shaped, flat-bottomed steering wheel, the center console is where the driver will reach for most controls. Almost as an afterthought, two small push buttons labeled “normal” and “sport” are located under the driver’s wrist. These are the Nissan Drive Mode Selector controls, which allow the driver, in sport mode, to enhance the Maxima’s throttle and braking response, holding the gears longer, firming up the weight of the electronic power assisted steering and increasing the active sound enhancements into the cabin. It’s all show business here, folks.
With a new design comes a new neighborhood. In the case of the Display Commander Control, it has moved from its “deck” at the top of the center stack and is now located on the main console within easy reach of the driver’s right hand.
From here, controls for most of the functions also found in the eight-inch color touchscreen display, including NissanConnect, navigation, satellite radio and climate features, are operated. If you are not in a touchy-feely mood, there are always voice commands to perform certain tasks for you. A seven-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display resides in the instrument cluster to display vehicle dynamics and other functions.
Leather-covered Zero Gravity chairs enhanced our drive comfort for long stretches behind the wheel and were made better through the ventilated seating function which we consider a must-have option in South Florida. The better to prevent the flop-sweats we say.
The rear seats feature a slight elevation with good legroom clearance for most passengers, although some taller passengers may find their coifs compromised due to the downward slope of the rear fastback. The rear seats can also be folded forward in a 60:40 split to enhance the Maxima’s cargo hauling capacity, which finds 14.3-cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.
Power from the new 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is plentiful in this new Maxima and is among the quickest vehicles in the segment when compared to the Avalon, Azera, and others. Zero to 60 mph comes on in a sprite 5.9-seconds, which is none-too-shabby for a vehicle that tips the scales at a stout 3,593 pounds.
Handling from the hydro-electric power steering system was decent in a normal drive mode sense but about what would be expected for someone used to driving a larger, more cushier ride.
“Noise intrusion from all types of road surfaces was well modulated and muted at the same time, leaving us with a nice, quiet cabin for hours of highway cruising.”
That was until we pushed the “Sport” button. While not exactly subjecting the Maxima to a Jekyll vs. Hyde transformation, it does manage to change up the parameters of this four-door into something that we could live with. The steering wheel requires more effort through the added heft that makes driver inputs more deliberate.
The throttle seems to hold onto the “gearing” for a longer stretch of time, enabling drivers to get the most out of the V6’s powerband, and finally, the brakes have the tendency to be slightly more “urgent” in fulfilling their obligations to bring the vehicle under control or alternatively to a complete stop.
It manages to do all of this while maintaining what the EPA says are mileage expectations of 22 city / 30 highway, with 25 combined mpg. We saw an average of 26 mpg, with an equal bias of city and sometimes aggressive highway driving.
But despite all of this, there is no mistaking the Maxima for a four-door version of the 370Z Nismo. Finding the Normal mode a bit soft for our liking, we opted to keep the drive mode selector in Sport all the time. Through the years, it seems the Maxima has outgrown its 4DSC nomenclature. But in the end, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is no less of a competent cruiser for it.
Read more: http://www.autoevolution.com/reviews/nissan-maxima-review-2016.html#ixzz42rXfNdvK
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
Buy a Mazda.
Similar threads
Nissan
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered
in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Founded in 1933, the company sells its vehicles under
the Nissan and Infiniti brands, and formerly the Datsun brand, with in-house performance
tuning products (including cars) under the Nismo and Autech brands. Infiniti, its luxury
vehicle division, officially started selling vehicles on November 8, 1989, in North America.
Official websites: Nissan, Infiniti
Official websites: Nissan, Infiniti
