| Nissan introduced the Maxima as a compact car in | | | | U.S. at the time. Even at the moment of its departure, |
| 1976. It was originally available in the U.S. as the Datsun | | | | Car & Driver magazine included it as part of their |
| 810. In 1989, the Maxima evolved into a mid-size car | | | | Ten Best list. |
| and then into its modern full-size body in 2004. | | | | After a six-year hiatus, the Z car finally returned to |
| Although we don't normally associate the Maxima and | | | | America and did so vigorously. The Nissan 350Z |
| the Z, their roots begin in the same place with the | | | | engine included with this two-seater in 2003 was a |
| same engine. | | | | naturally aspirated 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6. This |
| Nissan sold the Datsun 810 from 1976-1980 in three | | | | Nissan 350Z engine generated 287 horsepower at |
| body styles: a two-door coupé, a four-door sedan, | | | | 6,200 rpm. This was disappointing to some fans since |
| and a four-door station wagon. In the U.S., all three | | | | this was the same V6 used as the Nissan Maxima |
| styles had the same Nissan Maxima engine under the | | | | engine and in the Altima as well. |
| hood, the same Nissan Maxima engine found in the | | | | However, what did have fans of the Z excited was |
| Datsun 240Z, a 2.4-liter SOHC L-Series straight-6. | | | | the aggressive pricing and the centerline location of the |
| The Datsun 240Z was Nissan's first generation of the | | | | engine that coupled with the 350Z's long wheelbase |
| Z series that would become legendary. Nissan | | | | provided amazing handling. Then in 2004, Nissan |
| manufactured this generation from 1969-1978 under | | | | celebrated the 300ZX when it launched the 350Z |
| the names 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, and the Fairlady Z. The | | | | Roadster. The Nissan 350Z engine under that hood |
| Nissan Maxima engine found in the 260Z and 280Z | | | | was primarily the same but sport-tuned for a small |
| were a 2.6-liter and a 2.8-liter L-Series respectively. | | | | bump in horsepower. |
| In 1979, the Nissan 280Z evolved into the Nissan | | | | In 2006, Nissan introduced a Grand Touring trim, which |
| 280ZX and the second generation of the Z cars | | | | included a premium interior and an improved Nissan |
| began. Nissan manufactured it from 1979-1983. In the | | | | 350Z engine. This engine paired with a manual |
| final years of the 280ZX, the Nissan Maxima engine | | | | transmission provided 300 horsepower. In 2007, Nissan |
| offered with the car was a 2.8-liter available as a | | | | made the HR or High-Revving version of the VQ35 |
| turbo or naturally aspirated. | | | | available as an option. This Nissan 350Z engine rated |
| Introduced in 1983, the Nissan 300ZX Z31 was both | | | | at 306 horsepower and boasted an impressive |
| the successor to the 280ZX and the beginning of the | | | | 7,500-rpm redline. |
| Z series' third generation. Nissan launched the 300ZX | | | | Nissan introduced the sixth and current generation of |
| Z32 in 1989 marking the beginning of the line's fourth | | | | the Z when they launched the 370Z in 2009. Under the |
| generation and continued manufacturing it until 2000. | | | | hood, Nissan included a chest-thumping 3.7-liter V6 that |
| However, in the U.S., Nissan ceased production of the | | | | generated a potent 332 horsepower and 270 |
| vehicle in 1996. This is despite it being one of the most | | | | pound-feet of torque. |
| recognized and rewarded sports vehicles sold in the | | | | |