- Refined and willing 3.5-litre V6 engine
- Spacious interior
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Steering is precise and well-weighted
- Generally comfortable ride…
- … though suspension lacks low-speed compliance
- Steering lacks feel
- Overly sensitive throttle
- Limited rear seat headroom
- Seats lack lateral suspport (and the leather seats are slippery)
Review: Nissan J31.I Maxima (2003-06)
Overview
Released in December 2003, the Nissan J31 Series I (J31.I) Maxima was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Kyushu, Japan, the Maxima was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE) that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. As per the table below, the J31.I Maxima range consisted of three variants: ST-L, Ti and Ti-L.
VQ35DE engine
The 3.5-litre VQ35DE engine had an aluminium block and heads, four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams, variable valve timing, forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and a high-flow tuned induction system. The engine also required premium (95 RON) unleaded petrol.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the A33 Maxima , the J31 Maxima had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (at 2775 mm), yet was 40 mm shorter (4890 mm), 15 mm narrower (1765 mm) and 35 mm taller (1470 mm). The J31 Maxima was also fitted with revised MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST-L, Ti, Ti-L |
3.5-litre petrol V6 (VQ35DE) |
4sp auto | 170 kW at 5600 rpm | 333 Nm at 2800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment consisted of dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters. The Ti and Ti-L were also fitted with full-length curtain airbags (optional on the ST-L).
Brakes
The J31 Maxima had 296 mm by 24 mm vented front brake discs and 292 mm by 9 mm solid rear discs.
Features: Maxima ST-L, Ti and Ti-L
Standard features for the Maxima ST-L included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 93V tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Maxima Ti was further equipped with a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, leather seats, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat and a power sunroof. Beyond this, the Maxima Ti-L added MP3-compatibility, rear parking sensors and a DVD player with wireless headphones.
2005: Maxima update
The J31.I Maxima underwent a minor update for 2005: the ST-L gained leather seats and a power adjustable passenger’s seat; the Ti and Ti-L were also fitted with a proximity key with keyless start.
Related links
Review: Nissan J31.II Maxima (2006-09)
Overview
Released in February 2006, the J31 Series II (J31.II) Maxima introduced a revised line-up, with the Ti-L variant discontinued. Significantly, the J31.I Maxima’s four-speed automatic trnamission was replaced by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which also enabled the driver to select from six preset ratios if desired.
Visually, the J31.II Maxima could be identified by its square fog lamps, twin exhausts, alloy wheel designs, new rear tail-light lenses, chrome trim and updated instrumentation. Inside, the faux wood trim was replaced by brushed metallic highlights for the centre console, dashboard and doors.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST-L, Ti |
3.5-litre petrol V6 (VQ35DE) |
6sp CVT | 170 kW at 5600 rpm | 333 Nm at 2800 rpm |
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the J31.II Maxima Ti – equipped with dual front, front side and curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.09 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact test, there was only a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
Features
Compared to its J31.I predecessor, standard features for the J31.II Maxima were largely unchanged. As a result of the Ti-L variant being discontinued, a rear-seat entertainment system was made available as an option for the Ti variant.
Related links
