Was the maxima brand new in 1981 or was it just a name change? Was the Datsun 810, which dates back to the early 70's, the original Maxima?

 

Yes, the Maxima originally started as a renamed Datsun 810. In fact, I think for a while, it was called the 810-Maxima. I might be wrong on that though.

But basically when we refer to maximas by generation (there are five of them) we are talking 1981+ Maximas, not 810's.

 

I think Eric is right, I am pretty sure it decended from the 810.

 

Yep, the maxima started in 81 as the Datsun 810 Maxima. The original talking car I believe!

"You're door is ajar"

Chris

 

I thought that the Maxima was the top trim level on the 810.

 

Yep you're right. My grandfather had a Datsun 810 Maxima back in the days and my dad told me the 810 Maximas came complete with everything.

 

I knew someone that had a '82 with the sunroof, leather and that groovy digital dash. That car had pretty good pickup, but the digital speedo stopped at 85 which sucked. Liked the talking car thing though.

 

Yeah...my dad's friend had an 85 Max with the digital dash. Everybody talked about his car all the time because his guages were digital. My dad use to have an 85 Max also and I remember the car saying things like "Key is in the ignition, key is in the ignition". Why did Nissan drop those cool features?