I like my 7th gen more, maybe the 8th will grow on me eventually.

 

I agree that the 7th gen still rocks! It was first introduced in 2008 as the 2009 Maxima model year. Seven years ago! It just makes me smile that I continually receive compliments from strangers at gas stations and in parking lots on my long-in-the-tooth 7th generation Maxima. It really does happen a lot.

 

7th takes the cake here with ease, both front and rear end! Just asked my co worker which does she like more, she said the one on the left were her exact words. Nice same color comparison official btw!

 

Thanks man, hey do you also drive a Monte? I just picked one up

 

No its my name...lol, what year did you pick up? Did you pick up one of the classic big ones 73-77 or a more recent downsized one?

 

No I bought an 86 SS, I always liked them when I was a kid so k finally bought one.

 

Nice and an SS to boot, those 81-88's are nice and styled just right. I like the 81-86 the most without the euro style headlights and restyled tails.

 

8th gen looks pretty big in the side by side, I'm sure it's just an illusion like 7th gen next to an altima

 

I really can't wait to see an 8th gen in person. Still none up at the dealer down the street from me.

 

I think this is a continuation of Nissan seeming to have the Maxima styling around five years ahead of public taste. I was not wild about my '04 6th gen styling when I bought it, but, by the time I traded it in on a 7th gen '09, I really liked that '04 style, and was not wild about the 7th gen style.

And now, we have an 8th gen '16 that I agree is certainly not blowing away the 7th gen styling. In fact, I sort of agree that I like my old 7th gen styling a little better than the 8th gen.

Having said all that, I do recognize that the 8th gen styling, although a tad harsh for today's taste, will probably become quite popular within the next four or five years, just as recent Maxima generations seem to be doing. It is just around five years ahead of its time.

 

Styling is always subjective - and there are no absolutes either way.

I have loved my 7th gen, but - to me - the 8th gen makes my 2010 look absolutely boring.

 

The 8th gen's styling is SO polarizing, it comes off as offensive, cartoonish (and ugly) to quite a few.

When I was at the dealer checking out the 16, there was a 14 next to it, and although the 14 is very nice looking, it instantly felt very old to me, when I was checking them both out side-by-side.

This thing will turn heads and leave mouths gaping open, once they start hitting the streets. I think most of the ones who don't like it now, will, after a couple months in the wild. With the right color, tint, wheel setup, and a few exterior mods, this will quickly become a favorite.

 

The 7th gen is so sleek and low.

 

I know this will be controversial, but I fear the exterior of the 8th gen will age quickly, like the previous Sonata. I'm not a fan of the Altima's exterior either and I think the 8th gen has more creases and fancy bits than is necessary. I think the 8th gen would look better without the Zorro-esque outline near the front lines. But the interior does look good on the 8th gen, much better than the 7th.

 

The gens that have aged the best are 3, 5 and 7. 3 gen do not even have to explain it, after 26 years if I see one in good shape it catches my eye. Gen 5 lots of current cars have a similar profile from side and rear, 3 series and 5 from side and those crescent moon styled rear lights on Mercedes etc now. 7 gen of more recent Nissans looks good, Q50 is only other one that wears a similar style that looks good. Altima, Sentra look weird to me.

 

Yes it does and I think its that front end is a big culprit of that.

 

I think you may be right, many other have said the same thing.

 

The 3rd and 5th are still the best looking gens to me. The side profile of the 5th is a design masterpiece.

 

If I had to pick one generation Maxima that I felt was most initially impressive for me, and which I still feel was about as good as styling can be, it would be the 3rd gen. I loved it at first sight, and never once had any doubt that it was a classically tasteful styling star.

 

I think you are right. Unlike the 7th gen, this 8th gen offers several ripe opportunities to change the look, expecially in front (I'll either sand and paint, or cover with plastic) and in the rear (I will be ordering a black diffuser as soon as I buy my 8th gen). Unlike previous Maximas, it actually needs no further lowering.

I have found that the sides, which look oversculpted in photos, are barely noticable when actually standing near the car. When actually seeing the car, it has a strong presense, greatly unlike vehicles I have seen compared to it on this board, such as the Mazda 6 and TLX. Both those cars look very nice, but just don't quite have the 'athletic, aggressive (almost threatning) presence' the Maxima has in person.

 

those fenders tho.... ugh

 

Thats the photos... In person it looks great. Pics dont show the curves and bulges.

 

This > 8th gen





they just keep getting bigger and uglier