Overview & Reviews

Back in the 1990s, the Nissan Maxima was ideally positioned as a bridge between midsize family sedans and out-of-reach European sport sedans thanks to its powerful V6, upscale interior and catchy "Four-Door Sports Car" marketing tagline. These traits, along with Nissan's continual improvements, ensured the Maxima loyal followers and strong name recognition.

Since that time, other automakers have targeted the Maxima's niche and brought out excellent competing models. For a little while, the Maxima struggled to keep up. The current-generation Maxima, however, is again a compelling choice if you're looking for a sedan that provides both performance and luxury.

Current Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sending the engine's power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

There are two available trim levels: S and SV. The base-model S is pretty well equipped, with a standard features list that includes amenities like a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a full complement of safety features. SV models pump up the luxury with features like xenon headlights, leather upholstery and a touchscreen interface with a USB/iPod interface.

A pair of packages available on the SV allows buyers to equip their Maxima with either a wealth of luxury/convenience items (Premium) or sportier performance/appearance items (Sport). To either of these, the Technology package adds a number of high-tech features. This all-or-nothing packaging system means the Maxima can get expensive very quickly.

Despite this, our editors have praised the current Nissan Maxima for its powerful V6 engine and well-tuned suspension. It also offers a high-quality interior and many premium features that make it feel like an entry-level luxury car. However, it's priced like an entry-level luxury car, too, which may be a turn-off to those who'd appreciate a luxury badge to match.

Used Nissan Maximas
The current, seventh-generation Maxima debuted for the 2009 model year. Other than slight styling tweaks and variations in standard and optional equipment, it's effectively been unchanged since.

The previous, sixth-generation model spanned 2004-'08. This Maxima was longer, wider and more powerful than earlier models, though it struggled to stand out against the competition.

Two trim levels were offered during this generation: SE and SL. With a slightly stiffer suspension, the SE was the sportier of the two. Standard features included 18-inch wheels, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry and one-touch up-down front windows. The more luxury-oriented SL offered 17-inch wheels, softer tuning, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, HID headlights and a 320-watt Bose audio system.

Changes were minimal throughout this model's run, so interested shoppers needn't fixate on a particular year. There was a transmission change, however. Maximas from 2007 and 2008 featured a CVT, while earlier models came with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Earlier Nissan CVTs were disappointing, but the Maxima's CVT worked quite well. The V6 offered by the more recent models in this generation boasts 255 hp, while older models list a higher rating (265). This is the result of a new power rating procedure enacted in 2007. Actual engine performance was unchanged.

In our reviews, we determined that the sixth-generation Nissan Maxima offered better power, comfort and interior space compared to other V6-powered, front-drive midsize sedans. This generation Maxima's driving dynamics didn't impress like some other competitors, though. Fit and finish and materials quality were also hit and miss. If you're shopping for a used car in this age range, the Maxima might be worth a look. But we'd also recommend the Acura TSX and VW Passat.

Fifth-generation Nissan Maximas were available from 2000-'03. Key improvements over earlier models were a smooth-revving 222 hp from the standard 3.0-liter V6, a boost in rear-seat legroom and an available 200-watt Bose audio system. At the time, our editors were still impressed with the car's power and interior room but were increasingly skeptical of its value. Further upgrades in 2002 included a bump in displacement (3.5 liters) and power (255 hp) to help keep the Maxima at least marginally ahead of Nissan's V6-powered Altima sedan.

Cars built for the 1995-'99 model years constitute the fourth generation. For this Maxima, Nissan added length, improved the quality of the interior and introduced a new 190-hp all-aluminum V6 for all trim levels, which was arguably the gold standard in its day for responsiveness and refinement. Its handling wasn't quite as responsive as the previous version and its styling wasn't very well received, but it was still very popular given its desirable combination of utility, performance and luxury.

The third-generation car was built for the 1989-'94 model years. Nissan was enjoying a product renaissance at the time, and this was the first Nissan Maxima with true sporting credentials. Unlike other Japanese midsize sedans, the Maxima came with a V6 only and an optional manual transmission. Early versions had a 160-hp V6; a 190-hp engine became available in 1992 for the Maxima SE. A second-gen Maxima was available from 1985-'88.

The Maxima is one of Nissan's most historic vehicles in the U.S. market. Known originally as the Datsun 810, it officially became Maxima in 1982 -- also the year that the Datsun brand began its metamorphosis into Nissan.

User Reviews:

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  Limits of FWD - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By RastaMax - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the SE model figuring it would be a good combination of sport and utility. The car has lived up to some of its expectations and fell short on others. Its still a pleasure to drive with its powerful, torquey engine which undoubtably is to much for the FWD platform. Torque steer is abundant especially with the overboosted powersteering. I spent a lot of money to get it to handle like a "sports" sedan(bigger wheels, better tires, lower, stiffer springs and shocks, sway bar, strut brace)Its an excellent engine inside a good looking shell on top of an under performing chassis.

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  The Best is Still the Best - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 94 GXE - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a used 94 GXE back in 99 with 67K on the meter. A preoccupied lady run head on and totalled my trusty Max and I walked away with nary a scratch. Amazing. I put on another 61K with NO problems whatsoever - wearables dont count of sourse. SInce the accident i have been lookinbg for a replacement from other makes and NEVER found a model that is in totality comparable to the Maxima I had in terms of build quality, fun performance, reliability and cost of ownership. I am now convinced that another Maxima is the only way to go for me. The 97 will be my next car when I can find a reasonably priced one.

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  Great Awsome car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Itsy Bitsy Spyder - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Cant Buy Anything better for this price range

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  Who Says the Maxima is UGLY?! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By TraeSmoov - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Great car!! Near luxury car with the performance of a sports car. If you are looking for a car that will take you from 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds, has room for 5, has the one of the worlds best V6 engines, an impeccable reliability record and has luxury amenities to boot all for under $30K then look no further than the Max!!

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Boppa - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just passed 3500 miles on odometer. Car performs flawlessly. Plenty of room for 64" driver. Averaged 27.9 mpg on 1200 mile trip thru the desert in 100+ heat. More than happy with this car.

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  Excellent value for features and quality - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By woow - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a powerful and sporty sedan that didnt seem too "young" and radically styled, that wasnt too common (i.e., Accord or Camry), was reliable, and that didnt look cheap...at less than $12K. So I just bought a loaded SE with 88000 miles, and it worked out great. With some detailing and wax, felt like I just bought a new car; the styling and features are still contemporary. The 190 hp engine is smooth--and is a nice balance of power and fuel efficiency. It cruises powerfully up hills and on the freeway.

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  Feel the force - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ntense1 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  As you enter the Maxima the true pleasure of power exudes from the very enviroment of the interior of the SE model. This feeling of power is reinforced the first time you push the gas pedal. Irritaed by the guy in front of you?? Give the gas pedal a twitch and look behind you for his expression. The Maxima is to the driving experience that sugar is to a child. GIVE ME MORE!!!!!

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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MAXMAN - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Why should you buy this car: 1) The engine. Nissans V6 engine has long been considered among the best V6s built. 265 HP will blow you away. 2) The styling. There is no disputing that this is the best looking family sedan in the under $30 000 category. Park it next to an Accord, Camry, or Mazda 6 and youll be sold. 3) The interior. It is huge! Very comfortable and plenty of storage. 4) The reliabilty. Equal to Handa and Toyota. 5) The ride. You will not stop smiling when you are behind the wheel. I cant think of a single reason that anybody would buy an Accord or Camry over the Maxima. Maxima owners secretly laugh at Accord and Camry owners.

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  Good car some major flaws - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - December 28 - 6:53 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and very fast . The Bose system installed is not Nissan quality. My base Saturn sounded much better than the stereo in my Nissan. This vehicle has been in the dealership for repairs more times than I can remember. The service department has taken good care of me while the vehicle was under warranty. Now everything is very expensive to fix. High pressure powersteering hose cost $225 just for the part. Cannot get these parts anywhere but Nissan. I have always dreamed of owning a Maxima and now I cant wait to wake up from this nightmare.

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  Is this car for you? - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By NJ Firefighter - December 27 - 8:33 pm

  This car has an amazing interior, you just feel like your in a nice car and all of the neat features back that up. The CVT is still weird, I have read other reviews about this car being slow. It doesnt seem to get the punch of a standard automatic. However it is a very smooth transmission, you really do not feel any shifting, car has a nice luxury / sport feel. I have test drove the 07 Alt, That seemed to react even weirder when you mashed the gas, the CVT acts different in the Alt if you ask me. I dont feel this Max is as fast as some other years (esp. manuals) It handles bumps really well, with the SEs 18" wheels. Does well on turns for its size, good feel, you dont feel out of control.