Jump to content
News
Reviews
Discussons
Activity
Create New...
Close

  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    Nissan Almost Sent the Maxima To the Great Parking Lot In the Sky

      The Maxima Could Have Been Killed Off

    Nissan is making a big deal about the Maxima at the moment. But a few years back, the automaker was considering to kill the model.

     

    Automotive News reports that back in 2012, the industry was in the midsts of recovering from the recession and high gas prices were causing many automakers to work on compacts and smaller vehicles. Nissan was no exception to that trend as they were introducing the new Nissan Leaf and working on a new compact.

     

    "A lot of people assume it was a forgone conclusion that, of course we will continue with another Maxima. But frankly, the forgone conclusion at that moment was that there would not be another Maxima," said Pierre Loing, vice president of Nissan's North American product planning.

     

    Loing joined Nissan in early January and found himself with a difficult task: How do you convince a company that was focused on compacts and making its platforms more global to build another generation of a model that was only sold in North America? The answer lay in the history of the brand. The Maxima holds the title of the longest-selling nameplate in the U.S. for Nissan (Before anyone says it, the Z is the oldest, but was discontinued for a time), which gives the Maxima a fan base that spreads many generations. Also helping was the Maxima having better name recognition that Nissan itself.

     

    Loing's convincing worked. In early 2012, CEO Carlog Ghosn gave the green light for the project and the rest is history.

     

    Also check out: 2016 Nissan Maxima First Ride Review

     

     

    Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    cp-the-nerd

    I think the Maxima is a joke now, and IMO Nissan's current design language is hideous and busy. They're still peddling the Maxima as a performance car (or "4-door sports car") even though it's sold exclusively with a CVT, and the last gen was completely overshadowed by the cheaper, lighter, and faster Altima V6.

     

    If they want to make it relevant, give it a 7-speed dct or 6-speed manual and some legit performance equipment.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Thed

    I think the Maxima is a joke now, and IMO Nissan's current design language is hideous and busy. They're still peddling the Maxima as a performance car (or "4-door sports car") even though it's sold exclusively with a CVT, and the last gen was completely overshadowed by the cheaper, lighter, and faster Altima V6.

     

    If they want to make it relevant, give it a 7-speed dct or 6-speed manual and some legit performance equipment.

     

    Nothing will be able to touch the Maxima's of a few generations prior. It was pretty light, and you could get the potent VQ 3.5L with a six-speed manual. I remember those things being able to pull hard.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    cp-the-nerd

     

    I think the Maxima is a joke now, and IMO Nissan's current design language is hideous and busy. They're still peddling the Maxima as a performance car (or "4-door sports car") even though it's sold exclusively with a CVT, and the last gen was completely overshadowed by the cheaper, lighter, and faster Altima V6.

     

    If they want to make it relevant, give it a 7-speed dct or 6-speed manual and some legit performance equipment.

     

    Nothing will be able to touch the Maxima's of a few generations prior. It was pretty light, and you could get the potent VQ 3.5L with a six-speed manual. I remember those things being able to pull hard.

     

     

    That's the Maxima everyone knows and loves. Too bad Nissan doesn't understand that.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    SalesmanSean

    I think the Maxima is a joke now, and IMO Nissan's current design language is hideous and busy. They're still peddling the Maxima as a performance car (or "4-door sports car") even though it's sold exclusively with a CVT, and the last gen was completely overshadowed by the cheaper, lighter, and faster Altima V6.

     

    If they want to make it relevant, give it a 7-speed dct or 6-speed manual and some legit performance equipment.

    I like the new styling on the Maxima and Murano, but I completely agree that the 4DSC thing is a complete joke, though.  I think the idea of it is great, but the car doesn't fit that idea and they need to fix that.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    regfootball

    its a sports car compared to the cream puff Altima.  The Max is the only car left aside from the Z with any kind of performance image.  And people still love Maximas.  I think they did this new one right, aside from the CVT, because of how different it is than the Altima.  They really should keep a traditional automatic or DCT in the Max.  I was reading FB posts on a post Nissan made about the Maxima and clearly people love Maximas. But what was also funny were how many people were complaining about blown CVT's.....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    SalesmanSean

    Why this car has a CVT I have no idea.....

     

    Bottom of the front bumper sticks out too much though!

    Because Nissan has just about given up on anything that isn't a CVT.  With everyone trying different things to get better fuel mileage for CAFE standards, Nissan's biggest push in that direction so far really has been CVT everything.  It has it's good and it's bad points, it isn't horrible for those looking for an appliance, but they need to get their heads out of their rears and realize that if they are going to label something as a sports car it definitely should not be running a CVT.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell

     

    Why this car has a CVT I have no idea.....

     

    Bottom of the front bumper sticks out too much though!

    Because Nissan has just about given up on anything that isn't a CVT.  With everyone trying different things to get better fuel mileage for CAFE standards, Nissan's biggest push in that direction so far really has been CVT everything.  It has it's good and it's bad points, it isn't horrible for those looking for an appliance, but they need to get their heads out of their rears and realize that if they are going to label something as a sports car it definitely should not be running a CVT.

     

     

    Their CVT has been really good at hiding the deficiencies of their 4-cylinder engines in the NVH department. 

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    daves87rs

     

     

    Why this car has a CVT I have no idea.....

     

    Bottom of the front bumper sticks out too much though!

    Because Nissan has just about given up on anything that isn't a CVT.  With everyone trying different things to get better fuel mileage for CAFE standards, Nissan's biggest push in that direction so far really has been CVT everything.  It has it's good and it's bad points, it isn't horrible for those looking for an appliance, but they need to get their heads out of their rears and realize that if they are going to label something as a sports car it definitely should not be running a CVT.

     

     

    Their CVT has been really good at hiding the deficiencies of their 4-cylinder engines in the NVH department. 

     

     

     

    Yeah, that is true.....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    regfootball

     

     

    Why this car has a CVT I have no idea.....

     

    Bottom of the front bumper sticks out too much though!

    Because Nissan has just about given up on anything that isn't a CVT.  With everyone trying different things to get better fuel mileage for CAFE standards, Nissan's biggest push in that direction so far really has been CVT everything.  It has it's good and it's bad points, it isn't horrible for those looking for an appliance, but they need to get their heads out of their rears and realize that if they are going to label something as a sports car it definitely should not be running a CVT.

     

     

    Their CVT has been really good at hiding the deficiencies of their 4-cylinder engines in the NVH department. 

     

    is that how Nissan gets away with their ancient engines too?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell

     

     

     

    Why this car has a CVT I have no idea.....

     

    Bottom of the front bumper sticks out too much though!

    Because Nissan has just about given up on anything that isn't a CVT.  With everyone trying different things to get better fuel mileage for CAFE standards, Nissan's biggest push in that direction so far really has been CVT everything.  It has it's good and it's bad points, it isn't horrible for those looking for an appliance, but they need to get their heads out of their rears and realize that if they are going to label something as a sports car it definitely should not be running a CVT.

     

     

    Their CVT has been really good at hiding the deficiencies of their 4-cylinder engines in the NVH department. 

     

    is that how Nissan gets away with their ancient engines too?

     

     

    To who else are you referring?  The CVT helps to keep the RPM low on their 4-cylinder engines which helps hide the harshness of those engines in the upper rpm range.  The VQ V6es are fine. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    regfootball

    Well all the other Asian makes are in love with the CVTs now too. The Subaru boxer motor isn't all that creamy. The toyotas are never to write home about. Maybe this is a new tactic for all the Asian cars

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    SalesmanSean

    Well all the other Asian makes are in love with the CVTs now too. The Subaru boxer motor isn't all that creamy. The toyotas are never to write home about. Maybe this is a new tactic for all the Asian cars

    Well, Mazda hasn't jumped all over that CVT bandwagon yet, and with them partnering with Toyota to share SkyActiv and hybrid bits back and forth, maybe we can hope that Toyota will find some more fun in their cars again somewhere in the future.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell

    Well all the other Asian makes are in love with the CVTs now too. The Subaru boxer motor isn't all that creamy. The toyotas are never to write home about. Maybe this is a new tactic for all the Asian cars

     

    I would say that all of them are doing it for efficiency reasons... CVT are just about the most efficient transmission possible as long as you can make the difference between the Max and Min ratios wide enough.  I think in Nissan's case, it is letting them keep an old 4-cylinder on the shelf longer. 

     

    Subarus are always going to feel grunty... that's just the nature of the boxer 4.   Boxer 6s are a good bit smoother. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×



  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • G. David Felt
      2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V: Cadillac's New Pocket Rocket

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      So did a little research on this and I see Cadillac does post this on their website, but I also verified with a stop in at my local Cadillac dealership. You can drive around in normal mode and get 300 hp with 354 lb-ft of torque as the normal mode programming allows. This is default for all trim levels of Optiq including the V.  Pressing the v mode button on the steering wheel is much like my Kia with drive mode. You can go into the various drive modes including Velocity Max with a 0 to 60mph in 3.5 seconds using the full 519 HP / 650 lb-ft of torque. In playing with it, it is noticeable the change in performance from Normal mode to Tour, Snow/Ice, Sport, My Mode, and Velocity Max mode.  Brotherton Cadillac did NOT have a Optiq-V yet on the lot, but they did have the Optiq in Luxury, Sport1 and Sport 2. The Sport 1 and 2 trims has the default of Sport drive mode where the Luxury has Tour mode as default. Now the item was was wanting to verify, was exactly what even the service department could not verify as their own documentation does not say what the various HP/Torque are for each drive mode. We just have default 300/354 for Tour and V-MAX of 519/650. At least this gives us a better understanding of if you need or want the extra power while driving, change into sport or V-Max mode if you have a V and then stomp on the accelerator.
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Just not GM Loyalty card, their points program as well as other bank rewards programs. Seems Everyone is wanting to go cheap and give minimal for customer loyalty. Making me rethink many programs. I have started to stop and quit a few as the changes are not worth the hassle. 
    • regfootball
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By regfootball · Posted

      So, it seems like they are screwing around with the GM Card again.    https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2025/may/0520-GM-enhances-loyalty-program-unveils-GM-Rewards-Mastercard-Barclays.html are cardholders getting screwed?  I can’t hardly tell from the bull$h!. 
    • regfootball
      2026 Cadillac OPTIQ-V: Cadillac's New Pocket Rocket

      By regfootball · Posted

      I would like to see that warm light gray platinum scheme come back.  Not the lighter cool cream color. 
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      First off, I am NOT wanting this to be political about our current president, but I do acknowledge that some will want to go political on this. Springsteen Fans Walk After Trump Comments | National Circus While i respect those that walked out of his concert, canceled tickets, etc. this I believe brings up a bigger issue. The intelligence to lead a nation and the effects one has on those citizens. Some say #47 is having a positive effect on the U.S. others say he is having a negative effect and the current administration is taking credit for the current low inflation, low unemployment, etc. Yet, what is happening now from an employment, selling price, etc. is actually the effects of the last administration. WHY, most businesses are selling product they ordered back at the end of 2024 at a set price and received before tariffs went into effect. It has always been normal for businesses to have 6 to 9 months of stock on hand unless you are a true little mom and pop shop where you tend to be more month by month. In this regard we have seen the current administration tariff war end in closing down small companies due to no longer being able to afford their products that are produced in China and abandoning the product in China as they cannot afford to pay the higher prices. This bring it to the point I am making in what I believe Bruce Springsteen is calling for, people to think about how businesses are really run, the costs of things to come and the pay to play affect of the current administration. We have seen plenty of battery and EV auto plants now put on hold, we have seen plenty of green energy projects canceled or put on hold.  The effect on the auto industry will affect millions and Tesla just announced a minimum of 1 week idling of their U.S. assembly plants due to oversupply of EVs. We are coming up on the end of the two-month freeze by auto companies on the prices they sell their auto's for. Will it truly end in big or small price increases? How much of the cost of high tariffs will the companies eat to keep sales going? If you have not repaired your auto at the Dealerships, 3rd party repair places or did the repair yourself buying parts at an auto part store, then you have not felt the increased cost yet, but I can tell you things have gotten much more expensive than they were. Here are the current statistics: Producer Price Index by Industry: Automotive Parts, Accessories and Tire Retailers (PCU44134413) | FRED | St. Louis Fed

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

I've whitelisted
Continue without support

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search