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 Car Ive Owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By tdigeorge - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought it brand new. Still as tight and responsive and fun to drive as the day I drove it off the showroom floor. No rattles or noises of any kind. Its been driven 134,500 miles and never a repair or part replacement, just routine maintenance (brakes, etc.). More than lives up to its reputation for reliability and performance!

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  Maximum!!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By hardnecker - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought this garage kept Sterling Mist beauty in Sept 03. Most of the 24,000 miles were highway miles. The sales lady said it was fast and that sparked my interest, naturally! It was and is and I am totally in love with this car. Plenty of power and great gas mileage in spite of the weight of my right foot.The stereo sounds good and the leather interior is super comfy. This car is a dream to drive and great on the highway. Its nimbleness saved our lives one night on the Florida Turnpike. Make sure you tint the windows as this really improves the look. Mine was a "fishbowl" and I had the tint done the day after I bought it. Couldnt be happier with this rig!

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  Sweet ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By philamax - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Maxima and my 6th car. I am in outside sales, so I spend quite a bit ot time in my car. It is extremely comfortable, affordable, and classy enough to bring out clients. I am expecting it to survive as long as previous models....

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  Fun Mommy Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dolphcheer - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. I have always had sports cars or off road vehicles there fore i was not ready to give up my manual transmission. So, I purchased the 6-speed manual and love it. it has so much power very easy to manuver and too much fun for a mommy car. Which is why i purchased a safe, four door. I dont feel like i have given up my sports car at all. love the vehicle!

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  Love this car - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By bubbalouie1 - November 20 - 8:27 am

  Owned 1992 SE, bought new, drove it 120k miles-no trouble great car. Next came 1999 528i, bought new in 2000, drove 135k miles...spent way too much in repairs and maintenance-tired of getting robbed by the dealers. Love the new body style of 2009 Max...bought new in Jan 09. Tested A4, ES350,G35x, Acura TL. Nothing close. This car will crush the 528 anyday. I have almost 80k miles now-only investment has been gas, oil changes, one set of tires all around and front brake pads only-everything else still original and looks great (yes garaged). The cost of ownership has been incredible. Yes I will get another Max.

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  2 thumbs up! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By TP - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I was intent to get a 03 alty, but the interior material still fail to par. SOOO Happy with the purchase! more luxury, great performance, classy look. Never thought that I need so much power out of a car, but once you need it, you know its there! The rear seat is smaller than Alty(Max is higher), but the only thing at the back is the baby car seat. Climite control, 6 CDchager, Bose, leather seat, steering wheel control, trip computer, HID, all standard for less than 30k! CANT BEAT IT!! Best bang for the buck in the category!! I had rear window TSB fixed but the wind/road noise still coming from door seal and roof, should have better insulation on this car.

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  Not so reliable. - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By esteband67 - November 17 - 5:53 pm

  I got this vehicle three and half years ago and take very good care of it but it doesnt seem to appreciate it. In the short time Ive owned it Ive had a computer chip problem $500 at the dealer and engine coils had to be replaced $1100 at the dealer. Car has only 53000 miles so none of this should go wrong. Ive replaced brake pads twice. Also gets out of alignment a lot. Needs bearings but I cant afford it right now after spending $1100 yesterday. I made a bad decision with a Nissan. Never again.

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  A great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By bestinshow - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan, (first was an Altima) and I wont drive anything else. After 3 years, it has never been in the shop for anything but regularly scheduled maintenance. It is a powerful and solid driving car. I still love the look of this model Maxima. I recommend this car to everyone who wants a maintenance free vehicle.

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  Not worth the money - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Jean66 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I expected better when I purchased this car. Little things keep failing (coils, sensors), but you can expect at least a $300 bill each time. Customer Service is terrible, too. Interior is noisy and seats are uncomfortable for long drives. However, engine is powerful and the car moves when you want it to. Its too bad all the little nuisance problems spoil what should be a good car. Unless you find a really good deal, or dont mind a noisy interior with irritating squeaks, dont waste your money on this one.

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  Black Max - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By SuperBlack - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Really got used to the SE firm suspension, it rides fairly low and sports carish. The power is great when the knock sensor isnt on the fritz. Milage is great for a V6 I think we averaged almost 30mpg on our last trip. We looked and looked for a 5-speed and when we finally found a good one we snagged it. Now I know why they are so rare. If you could drop a Honda 5- speed in the max it would be great but Id pass on Nissans manual. The car shifts like a 1-ton Ford, long throw, linkage by "Gumby", it is impossible to drive smoothly, and Ive had standard trannys all my life.