CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima — 1981–2023, sedan. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

About the Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima is a sedan in the mid-size (1981–2003)full-size (2004–2023) class, with source data covering 1981–2023. The guide brings together the vehicle information currently available for this model and a Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1981–1984)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1985–2023) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This guide is designed to answer practical questions about the Nissan Maxima, including its specifications, engine, fuel economy, tires, maintenance and ownership details.

Nissan Maxima specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Nissan
Model	Maxima
Model years	1981–2023
Body style	sedan
Vehicle class	Mid-size (1981–2003)Full-size (2004–2023)
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1980–2023
Market / country	CA, ES, FI, GB, NL, NZ, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

The available source data does not identify a single engine configuration for every Nissan Maxima variant.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1981–1984)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1985–2023).

Drivetrain / layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1981–1984)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1985–2023)

Nissan Maxima other specifications

Image	2021 Nissan Maxima SR in Pearl White, front left.jpg
Aka	Datsun Maxima (1981–1984)
Caption	2021 Nissan Maxima SR (A36; US)

Nissan Maxima generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Generation 1	1981–2023	Not specified	Not specified	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1981–1984)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1985–2023)

Nissan Maxima features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓From 2003 until 2013, Nissan in Australasia also retailed the Teana under the Maxima badge

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Nissan Maxima

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Maxima

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What tire pressure should I use for the Nissan Maxima?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Nissan Maxima?

There is no single best engine oil for every Nissan Maxima configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Nissan Maxima?

The Nissan Maxima is classified as a sedan.

What years was the Nissan Maxima produced?

The available vehicle record places the Nissan Maxima in the 1981–2023 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

Is the Nissan Maxima FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Nissan Maxima is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1981–1984)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1985–2023).

Who makes the Nissan Maxima?

The manufacturer listed for the Nissan Maxima is Nissan.

When was the Nissan Maxima produced?

The available source data describes production as 1980–2023.

What class of car is the Nissan Maxima?

The Nissan Maxima is listed in the Mid-size (1981–2003)Full-size (2004–2023) class.

Which markets or countries sold the Nissan Maxima?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Nissan Maxima with CA, ES, FI, GB, NL, NZ, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What replaced the Nissan Maxima?

The available vehicle data lists a later model or generation as the successor where applicable.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Nissan Maxima?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Nissan Maxima?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Nissan Maxima is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Nissan Maxima have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Nissan Maxima?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Nissan Maxima images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.