Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Nissan Maxima III (J30) 3.0 i (170 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Nissan Maxima:
The Nissan Maxima is a five-passenger, front-engine, full-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Nissan as Nissan's flagship sedan primarily in North America, the Middle East, South Korea, and China — across eight generations. The Maxima debuted for model year 1982 as the Datsun Maxima, replacing the Datsun 810.
The Maxima was marketed as an upscale alternative to the Altima and prior to 1993, the Stanza, distinguished by features such as a premium interior and V6 engine. Most Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, until North American assembly began in Smyrna, Tennessee, for the 2004 model year....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (J30) Overview:
Nissan Maxima (III (J30)). With 248 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1374 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.0 i (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers smooth and effortless power, with acceleration comparable to the manual version, making it a comfortable daily driver.
Fuel Economy
Similar fuel consumption to the manual, which is acceptable for a 3.0L V6 with an automatic transmission from this period.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Smooth and powerful V6 engine (VG30E)
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for five adults
- • Refined ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Generally good reliability for its era
- • Generous trunk space (510 liters)
Cons:
- • Outdated styling and interior by modern standards
- • Fuel economy is not competitive with newer vehicles
- • Limited advanced safety features compared to contemporary cars
- • Front-wheel drive might not appeal to all in this segment
- • Hydraulic steering can feel less precise than modern electric systems
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (PU11): 1984 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Maxima |
| Generation: | III (J30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 i (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 57.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 248 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2960 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 180.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1374 |
| Max. weight: | 1935 |
| Max load: | 561 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 510 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4780 mm mm [170mm more] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [71mm more] |
| Height: | 1405 mm mm [16mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm [100mm more] |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Your first impression of the Nissan Maxima in one word? Go!