Review: Nissan A32 Maxima (1995-99)

Review: Nissan A32.I Maxima (1995-96)

Overview

Released in February 1995, the A32 Series I (A32.I) Maxima was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Oppama, Japan, the A32 Maxima was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (Nissan’s VQ30DE) which had an aluminium block and heads, four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Maxima was available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The A32.I Maxima range consisted of three variants, 30J, 30G and 30GV.

Compared to its J30 predecessor, the A32 Maxima was 10 mm shorter (at 4770 mm), 10 mm wider (1770 mm), 15 mm taller (1415 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm). The A32 Maxima was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link beam rear suspension. Furthermore, the range-topping 30GV variant was fitted with active damper control which varied suspension damping according to driver behavior and road conditions.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Maxima 30J and 30G included a driver’s airbag and ABS. The 30GV variant was further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

Brakes

The A32 Maxima had 280 mm by 24 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 9 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Maxima 30J included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an alarm.

The Maxima 30G was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and remote central locking.

The range-topping Maxima 30GV was distinguished by its leather seats, front fog lights and power sunroof.

Review: Nissan A32.II Maxima (1996-97)

Overview

Released in October 1996, the A32 Series II (A32.II) Maxima introduced a revised range as the 30J was replaced by the 30S Touring variant and manual transmissions were withdrawn.

Safety equipment

Compared to its A32.I predecessor, standard safety equipment was unchanged; the 30GV continued to be differentiated by its front passenger airbag.

Features

Compared to the 30J, the Maxima 30S Touring was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheel; the 30S Touring was also the only variant within the Maxima range to be fitted with a rear spoiler.

For the Maxima 30G and 30GV, however, standard features were unchanged.

Review: Nissan A32.III Maxima (1997-98)

Overview

Released in August 1997, the A32 Series III (A32.III) Maxima was a minor update as remote central locking was fitted as standard across the range (previously omitted from the 30S Touring).

Review: Nissan A32.IV Maxima (1998-99)

Overview

Released in September 1998, the A32 Series IV (A32.IV) Maxima could be identified by its new 15-inch alloy wheel designs and clear-lens rear indicators; the 30S Touring was also fitted with the same chrome grille as the 30G and 30GV. Inside, there were minor trim changes and a lap-sash seatbelt for the centre rear seat passenger was introduced.

Features

Standard features for the 30S Touring were extended to include a CD player, while the 30G and 30GV were fitted with a six-disc CD changer. The 30G and 30GV were also offered with an in-built Clarion television with a 14.5 centimetre screen as an extra-cost option.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan A32 Cefiro/Maxima