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:
Showing 1031 through 1040 of 3,122.00-
04 Maxima GL Problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By William Joyce - November 15 - 10:00 amThis is my 4th Maxima and I am not happy. There is a serious shift problem with the new autoshift, 5 speed transmission on GLs sold after Feb 2004. The dealer says "its normal" but other owners have the same problem!!! The gas cap is designed very badly. I just replaced the XM antenna, 2nd time, and it still works only about 60% of the time.
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defects - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By will m - November 15 - 10:00 ammy experience with this vehicle is not a good one,namely warp rotor,faulty molding, leaking sun roof distorted speakers,leaking and right front strut
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LUANN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By LUANN - November 15 - 10:00 amTHE ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THE ROAD NOISE AND IT IS NOT AS COMFORTABLE OF A RIDE AS I HAD EXPECTED.
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Nissan Lover! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Maximus2001 - November 15 - 1:50 amIve owned only Nissans. I had a Nissan Sentra Coupe SE 1991 (first car) excellent used car, Nissan Maxima GXE 1994 used, and currently owned 2001 SE brand new from the dealer. Needless to say I still own this vehicle. Only regular maintenance had to replace struts & springs @ 108k, thus far. Keep in mind, this is the last truly manufactured in Japan vehicle so I cant speak on the newer models. But I can say this, I plan on keeping this vehicle for another 100k hopefully. I considered upgrading to an Infiniti G35, but decided to keep the Maxima since it has been so reliable thus far. Many people buy used and dont realize just how important the previous history is. It can impact you badly.
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Reliable Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Peggy - November 14 - 11:10 pmIve had this Maxima for almost ten years and have replaced the MAF, an O2 sensor, front axle, and three out of six ignition coils. The coils are easy to replace on your own (especially coils 2, 4, and 6) Anything thats ever broken on it didnt leave me stranded on the road! Overall, this is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its still quiet as a mouse and rides great. It still gets terrific gas mileage and I run it on 89 octane.
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Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By george - November 11 - 12:53 pmThe car feels heavy and solid,and is as fast as a rocket. The sound system is amazing. The design inside and out is exciting and practical. This car is worth the money. Gas mileage is around 26 per gallon. The dashboard is layed out well. Braking is also very good. This is a car that is built to last. Built in the USA.
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Hold for the long run - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By ssnell - November 10 - 10:00 amThis car has 139000 miles now and expect to hold for 200000+. Engine and trans ultra smooth, almost good as new; zip is still remarkable as described by all. Brakes have cost me a small fortune. Getting some body rust. Car is great on long trips, comfortable. Interior has held up flawlessly. Car has smacked 3 deer but recovered from all. Still great fun to drive.
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BLACK BEAUTY - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By blackmorpheus - November 10 - 10:00 amI LOVE MY MAX..THIS IS MY THIRD ONE SO I FEEL I CAN SPEAK ON THE MAXIMA. I LOVE THE HORSE POWER AND THE BIG 18" WHEELS. I FEEL LIKE I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT ON THE ROAD AND MY MAX WILL TAKE CARE OF ME. I THINK THE DESIGN TEAM DID A REALLY GOOD JOB WITH THIS ONE. I ALSO FEEL THAT ITS COMPARABLE WITH THE INFINITIS G-35 SEDAN AND BIGGER. TRUELY A HEAD TURNER AND FUN TO DRIVE. I LOVE THIS CAR. A TRUE MAXIMA OWNER FROM THE PAST WILL APPRECIATE WHAT NISSAN HAS DONE FOR THE 2004 MODEL AND IM SURE OTHER BUYERS WHO NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF OWNING A MAX WILL AS WELL. I THINK NISSAN HAS THE BEST LOOKING CARS ON THE ROAD RIGHT NOW AND THEY DONT LOOK LIKE ANY OTHER MAKE AND MODELS. MAXIMA IS KING.
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I want my 95 back - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Sam - November 10 - 5:56 amI totaled a 1995 Maxima GLE, so I decided to step up to a 97 SE. Over the last 6 months I have had over $1500 in repairs, granted it has never left me stranded, but that is what I spent on my 95 over the course of 1.5 years and it had 70,000 more miles on it. Also since my 95 was much less expensive, plenty of money was left over for aftermarket performance parts. Do yourself a favor and find a higher mileage that has had all the common problems fixed and use the money saved to increase performance.
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Never Again Nissan! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Connie Winstead - November 10 - 4:10 amWorst auto purchase I ever made. Hate the wide turn radius, the low profile tires dont last and provide a bumpy ride. Numerous expensive repairs, most recently the transmission went out, started slipping out of gear, jerking, reving up unexpectedly. Cost to repair $4,000 and Nissan wont do anything to help because it is 6,000 miles out of warranty, although there have been numerous problems with these Maxima transmissions. This car cost over $30,000 but now is only worth $8,000 at best.Poor gas mileage also. Body dents very easily. Bose stereo doesnt stay tuned.
