Nissan Maxima 30G Car Review

Nissan's new Maxima doesn't grab your attention with its looks, but underneath the bland exterior is a very good car that's better than the old model is just about every way.

Whereas the previous Maxima that was introduced in 1988 played second fiddle to its main competitor of the time - the Toyota Cressida - particularly in areas such as performance, steering, ride comfort and general refinement, this new one can hold its head high in any company that costs around the same price.

The new Maxima has rounder body lines than before, with hints of Bluebird at the rear but a recognisable link overall with the superseded model. The new car is larger, both inside and out, and houses improves safety features, a new rear suspension and a brand new all-alloy 3.0 litre 24 valve engine.

The new engine is a beauty. Smooth and sweet, it's lighter and smaller than before, but delivers stronger performance, with claimed maximum power up 20 kW to 142 kW and maximum torque up 29 Nm to 278 Nm.

Three new Maxima versions are available, all using the same four-door sedan body for which improved crash protection is claimed, but with different levels of equipment.

The base J model, which at the time of writing was priced at $37,800 for the manual and $39,670 for auto, includes desirable items such as a driver's airbag, anti-lock brakes, power steering, central locking, power windows and mirrors, and air conditioning.

The mid-spec G model (tested) adds higher grade trim, cruise control, seat height and tilt adjustments, alloy wheels with wider tyres, climate control "air", remote central locking and security, and a CD player. It costs $42,830 (m) and $44,690 (auto).

Move into the top-spec, auto-only GV at $53,520 and you'll get leather upholstery, a front passenger airbag, a sunroof, electric front seat adjustment, power steering that's road speed sensitive, and electronically-controlled suspension damping.

There's good space for occupants inside the new Maxima, though as is common these days, the centre rear passenger is perched high with only limited seat padding because of the fold down arm rest and drink tray.

The car's quiet operation and good ride add to the feeling of luxury and comfort, but I was a little disappointed with the seats. Unlike the excellent seats that used to be a feature of local Nissan products, the Maxima's front seats don't offer much lateral support, or provide effective lumbar support. The rear cushion is short, robbing good thigh support.

The boot is quite roomy, and is easy to load. There's no fold-down back seat, just a small porthole for skis, etc.

On the road is where the new Maxima has made its greatest gains. Helped no doubt by the superb new engine, the whole drivetrain feels much more refined than in the old Maxima. The engine pulls strongly in all situations and is wonderfully flexible and quiet. Power delivery was very smooth in the manual test car and automatic models can be expected to be even better.

The new rear suspension and modifications to the front end have sharpened both steering and handling to the point where the Maxima now rates very well on its road behaviour. Pressing hard into tight corners still shows up some understeer, but it's not excessive.

The new Maxima also has excellent brakes. They stood up to our usual fade tests exceptionally well and provided powerful braking in emergency stopping tests from 80 to 0 km/h.

Summary

Whilst the previous Maxima didn't rate a stand-out choice in the lower luxury segment, this new one is a much better car that now warrants serious consideration.

Looks still aren't likely to be a strong selling point, but the new Maxima offers levels of refinement, performance, handling, braking, equipment and finish that together, add up to quite a desirable package. Value for money is another strong point and the G model tested is probably the pick of the range in this regard.

Test vehicle supplied by Nissan Australia.

By NRMA Motoring, May 1995.