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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  My 2007 Max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Kent - December 24 - 1:03 pm

  Really love this car. I looked and drove many models and for the money this is the best. Top features, room, style that cant be beat.

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  a great car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By cborg - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time owner of a car and recieved my 95 maxima from my dad (who bought an acura 3.2tl, which is a great car)its been an absolute joy to drive in, even at 100k plus miles it still performs great. The accelaeration is great and the 190hp 24 valve engine is a huge plus to this already excellent car. Everytime my friends get in there like "whoa, nice car" the leather and bose sound system impresses them.

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  Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By cwf2044 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Maxima is a fabulous car. It provides the comfort of a sedan with the pep of a sports car. My previous vehicle was a 1987 Nissan 300Z. I put over 200,000 miles on it with few problems. The Maxima features a similar engine and I expect similar reliability. The only draw- backs are the brakes and fuel economy. The brakes are squeeky and are only average reagarding reliablility. Also, the Maxima demands 92 gas beacuase of the performance engine. I had to replace an anti-knock sensor for using regular (87) fuel. It still gets good mileage though.

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  3 years old and love it - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LUV_IT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Have a 2000 GLE that I drive to airport and back. 3 years old now and just turned 10K miles, totally pampered. Still smells and runs like new. Havent had one problem since I bought, only in for oil change / tire rotation. The way Im putting miles on this baby Ill probably be getting classic car plates for it. Great car for the $$

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  well put together car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By manoj - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd maxima. I have also a 93 and 96 maximas. I love the engine, interior, and exteriors of the car. Only thing I am little disappointed about is the suspension system. I feel that they could have improved upon it. Other than that, I love the car. I have so far about 8000 miles on it. For the money, this is a great car.

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  well put together car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Manoj - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd maxima. I have also a 93 and 96 maximas. I love the engine, interior, and exteriors of the car. Only thing I am little disappointed about is the suspension system. I feel that they could have improved upon it. Other than that, I love the car. I have so far about 8000 miles on it. For the money, this is a great car.

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  Fun Ride but Painful Seat - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Houston Commuter - December 19 - 7:40 am

  I commute over an hour each way every day and liked the performance, mileage and range of this car. It has lots of zip in traffic and motors along at 80 with no problem. The exterior styling is distictive and the interior is big enough for a family of 5 on the rare occasions when the family comes along. My only serious complaint is the width and rigidity of the front bucket seats. I find that the little wings on the side of the seat are rock hard and they are putting my leg to sleep, especially on the right side. The problem didnt show itself until I had been driving for about a month and now Im regretting the purchase.

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  Love this car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Brad H - December 18 - 6:33 pm

  Excellent reliability so far. Car has 55K miles. Left front tie rod has worn and required replacement. Otherwise, no other mechanical issues.

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  Decent reliability for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By yokiro - December 18 - 1:06 am

  Overall it has been a reliable vehicle -- minus the o2 sensors failing over the years and problems playing CDs.

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  New Maxima Fun to drive - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Gary Cook - December 15 - 6:26 am

  Just purchased new 2010 Maxima 3.5SV with all the bells and whistles. Drives Smooth and quiet. Very good acceleration. Some controls are in tight places and hard to get to. Seats are comfortable and the navigation system is easy to use. Fuel Efficiency is fantastic. 28.5 mpg at 75 mph on highway. Gets 22 around town.