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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  Cool & Gorgeous! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Deborah - November 9 - 2:21 pm

  If you want a 4 door sedan thats cool, yet chic, yet practical, yet sporty & fun to drive ... you should test drive the 2016 Maxima! If you dont necessarily want a convertible, the SL has the double panoramic sunroof! It really is the 4 door sports car they say it is! Love it! I did have to learn to duck my head a little to get in (Im tall & wear heels!), and it does not get the great gas mileage as my Altima but its not a deal breaker because its still good. (Believe me, I dont buy gas guzzlers no matter how much I like the car!) Try it out!

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  not bad, definite room for improvement - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By cxk - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable and awesome engine, now for the negatives. I know Nissan was having financial problems in the mid to late 90s and it showed in its cars. Very dissapointing handling. The car sits up way to high and whats with the solid beam rear axle(you generally find that in entry level cheap cars).The only other negative is the very cheap looking cloth seats.

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  Maxima is the best! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Obeone Konobe - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever! It is fast, sleek, and beautiful! Ours is an SE silver exterior with a black leather interior. Its BOSE stereo system rocks the town! Everyone loves the car and gives me commpliments where ever I go!! It is built tough and it holds in an accident!

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  Maximas still a great car!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Leon - November 5 - 5:56 am

  Overall the Maxima is a great car. I owned one 15y ago and Im still impressed with the 05s. Nissan did a great job. I must say its a top rated car. So far I am very pleased. I purchased the SL model. I test drove the SL & SE. You could tell the difference in the ride. If you like a sports ride get the SE. I love luxury so SL was my choice. The dealership was great too.

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  So glad I waited for the 2016 - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By James Craven - November 2 - 5:46 pm

  Over the years, I have purchased Maximas in 2007 and 2011. I had been waiting for the 2016 Maxima for a while and when the car began appearing on local Nissan lots, I was immediately contacted by the dealerships since I had been bothering them wanting to know when the 2016s would arrive. When I first test drove the one Maxima they had on the lot, I was not impressed. It might have had something to do with the fact that they would not let me take it out on the road. Anyway, I left to return when they had more of a selection to choose from. I was able to test drive an SL and was blown away by the acceleration, handling and style. I was able to take it on mountain roads as well as the interstate. I could not have been happier. I was all set to purchase the SL but saw the Platinum version and that was all I needed. Took the Platinum home 2 hours later. I have had this car since July 4, 2015 and couldnt be more satisfied. This is a great car. I have actually had people stop me in parking lots wanting to see the interior and talk about the car. Do yourself a huge favor and get this car. It is really fun to drive and it will definitely turn heads.

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  Love this car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By pk509 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand spankin new in December 1995 and have been madly in love ever since. Great performance, excellent road manners, and a fantastic Bose sound system all contribute to how much I love driving this car. At 96000 miles, Ive finally had to have the brakes done, it needs a new clutch, CV boots, and some other maintenance, but this car is still running strong and has never, ever let me down. Great fuel economy compared to many cars on the road today.

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  Sweeeet -Maximas are chick magnets too - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By PW - November 1 - 10:00 am

  True story, I recently purchasd my Maxima SE, Silver on Frost (light gray), very beautiful car. I stop by a light and heared a horn. i took a look around and there were two ladies eyeing my car. I waved and turned around, then they honked their horn again, I looked again and they were asking for my number. Being recently engaged and all I had to do the right thing, smile, say sorry I cant and move on. I cant believe cars can be chick magnets (thought it was only in movies). My last Acura 1.6 el didnt work this kind of magic for me.

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  An oldie but goodie - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark Hoffman - October 31 - 1:10 am

  Have owned my 98 Maxima for just over two years. I purchased it from a family member with only 51,000 miles on the odometer. The car has been reliable and fun to drive. Its a great interstate hauler having made four trips between Indiana and Texas over the last year. The car is very comfortable to drive and the handling is superb. One of its greatest attributes is its almost 360 degree driver visibility. Blind spots are practically non-existent. Highway mileage is great at 30 mpg, but city driving tends to consume a lot of fuel. The only mechanical problem has been a fluid leak in the power steering.

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  Nissan Fan - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Lover - October 28 - 11:36 pm

  I am a Nissan fan...I have owned my Maxima for 5 years. Its time to upgrade and Nissan is at the top of the list. I didnt take the best care of my car but it has taken care of me. Not many repairs needed - I should have been more proactive and those my have been prevented....never left me stranded and always starts in the mornings. Its stylish I look good behind the wheel and allows me to show off with pick-up & GO! when needed. I would tell anyone that the Nissan Maxima is a great buy!

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  Nice car- Maxima SL - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By JTC - October 28 - 5:40 pm

  I have had my Maxima since Jan. and I am very pleased. Seemed to be the best value I could find in its class. Got it maxed out with all the toys. I got the SL because it had more of a luxury ride than the SE, coming out of a Lexus it suited me better. It is more sporty to drive but not as smooth (boring) as the Lexus. This is a lot of car for the money and man does it move!