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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  Best I ever had! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dupedj - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has turned out to be the best car I have ever owned, it seems as if every day I drive I seem to like it more & more... Plenty of power and handles very well. I seem to drive more than the average person and my commute flys by in the car.

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  03 SE Glacier Pearl - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By giant56 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Max (previously owned 93 GXE and 98 SE). Love the Xenon headlamps, roominess, power and ammenities. I hope this vehicle is as dependable as the other Maxs I have owned. This is the main reason I checked out the Maxima a third time.

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  Fun, Fast Ride! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stratguy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Cannot put into words how much I love this car! It is so much fun to drive, and the effortless power is great! The new look is neat to. I love the options, the VDC trac control is great, and highly recomend it. I have the SE model with the elite package. Love the way this car turns heads!

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  My first Nissan - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By B - December 8 - 3:36 am

  I have owned a lot of different cars (Volks, Chevy, Buick, Olds, Dodge, Honda, Mercury, Saturn, Chevy, Toyota, Jeep) and this is by far the nicest one. I would recommend the senory package because it gives you a lot for a reasonable price. Car has good power for a "luxury sedan" and looks nice. Nissan has made big improvements on the interior compared to the 04-06 models. I love the new CVT trans but it does take time to get use to. I love the keyless start.

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  A Blast to Drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Franco-a - December 2 - 9:10 am

  The title says it all. For the money, I challenge anyone to find a better combination of sports car handling, power, and utility. That is the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima has so impressed me that I will certainly consider a repeat buy when the time comes. For now, I will simply enjoy the fun. An impressive, well designed and well positioned, product.

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  As many comps as my old bathtub Porsche - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ivan Gignac - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Just a wonderful car. My wife and I were very surprised at the number of compliments we get about the car. It is really amazing to see the number of people who appreciate the great lines of this car. It is really a study in form follows function. It is GREATTTTTTTTTTT

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  You get what you pay for! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By elle - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is so quite that you wont even know its running when it is. I hate to go foreign in these difficult economic times, but you also have to in these times, get the best from your hard earned dollar. I want something reliable, and something that really fit my style. It was worth the money. I know if I ever go to resell this car, I will get a good turn over value too. That is always something to think about, should you be in the market of buying a new car.

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  2005 Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By I Tough Max - November 27 - 11:33 pm

  This is by far the beast automobile I have ever owned. The car is well designed, and the powertrain will not quit. With the Bose stereo playing hot east coast beach music, its almost like being in Heaven!

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  great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By driver2000 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, solid handles great. Poor OEM tires. Try Nitto 450s.

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  GREATEST CAR MONEY CAN BUY and fast - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tru - November 24 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd maxima and this is my favorite. its a 1996 gxe which i turned into an SE in over 5 months. spoiler, sunroof, custom leather seats, exhaust, air intake. and 2002 SE wheels. Maximas are the greatest cars of all time. I cannot believe Im selling so i can buy an american *****. Sorry to my fellow Maxima owners. I need a v-8 Trans AM. DO NOT GET ME WRONG Maximas are still fast and luxurious this is going to be the first American Car i am buying and if one this goes wrong Im going back to the Maxima. If you are just wondering stock the Maxima runs 15.9 and my maxima now runs 14.66. these cars are fast stock and have great potential.:)