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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  "The 4-Door Sports car" - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By anewdimnsion - October 6 - 7:36 am

  Nissan has the right formula for a stylish sporty sedan with a whole lot of performance. The xtronic cvt has been refined and the interior is quiet and extremely comfortable. The Nissan Maxima is head and shoulders above the rest: Accord, Camry, Gallant, etc.

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  Nine Tenths There - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximaOwner - October 6 - 12:13 am

  Very nice to drive and very good deal for the price paid. Plenty of power with very slight steering pull on quick acceleration. Very good tech content.

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  Just Shy of Perfect - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By RollTide981 - October 5 - 8:33 pm

  This car has always been just shy of everything I was looking for. I bought it when it was one year old. I wanted a manual - but settled for an automatic. I wanted a sunroof - but settled for none. I wanted great power and handling. I got both, but they were coupled with a bulky body and a curious modesty thats crept into Maximas since my 94 model. I wanted a good traveling car, and I got it - except for the annoying headrests. I wanted good gas mileage, and its there - but at premium fuel prices. With all this said, I still love my Maxima. Id buy it over again. This car is like a relationship - a work in progress.

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  My Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Paula - October 5 - 9:46 am

  I purchased my Maxima in June 2005. It is a nice car. The only thing that I dont care for is the gas mileage. Mine has a 20 gallon tank, and costs about $65.00 everytime I fill it up.

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  03SE Ti Goes Like Stink! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxim(a)Serj - October 5 - 2:23 am

  This car has been a lovely companion. The interior materials sing of quality and despite some cheaper parts (no true aluminum inserts) I find myself criticizing other cars interiors for not being as good. The Car will Surge and accelerate like a Bat from Hades all the way past 120 (even in the auto!) and if you can be gentle on the pedal; MPG can go from 26-32MPG (use premium for best results) The rear headroom is a bit tight for 6+ footers; thus the 9 on interior. I also downmarked the performance only because stock handling is harsh with too much lean. Selectable shocks and Performance swaybar WILL solve this. The Interior is also too noisy for me(prolly the Michelin Pilots I put on)anymore

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  I should have bought an Accord.... - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Alison in CT - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall, VERY fun car to drive when its working. Bought it slightly used a year and a half ago (now 4 years old) and Ive had a ton of problems with it-- everything from oxygen sensors going to traction control system errors to needing to replace all 6 ignition coils. When all is said and done, I should have saved $2,000 on the price and another $2-3,000 on repairs and bought the slightly less powerful Accord!

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  Finally - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Adam - October 2 - 2:50 am

  This car has it all, speed, looks,and true quality. Why purchase a BMW 5 or any other brand when you could ave 15K and have a better car. This is an all new maxima, so much so that they should have re named it.

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  New car Nightmare - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Bruce - October 1 - 1:13 am

  On, April 9, 2005 I purchased a New Nissan Maxium. On April 22, 2005 the nightmare begun and is still going on as we speak. A mouse chewed on the transmission harness and this has caused the transmission to blow. The car has been in the shop since April 22, with no end of the nightmare in site. Nissan claims they are not responsible for the flaw in the transmission that can destroyed by a critter. This is my first and it will be my last Nissan Product EVER!

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  Great budget oriented sport sedan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By j0ey2 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This car offers high performance (compared to the competition), and a low price with proven reliability and comfort. My only complaints are about the interior materials and the front wheel drive layout. My other car is an Audi A4, so I know what lengths some manufacturers will go to to surround the driver with lux materials and mechanics in the cockpit, but the Maximas interior is functional. To be more sport oriented, this must switch over to rear or all wheel drive though along with a shorter throw shifter. This engine is definitely a keeper.

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  The Best Car Out Under $30K - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BIGGRUSS - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I recently traded in my 2000 Camry Le V6 for the 03 Maxima SE. This car screams personality and wants to be driven hard. The V6 in this car deserves every award that it gets. At about 3500 RPM the engine propels the car like a rocket. The handling in this car is indisputed and merging into traffic is a joy coming from the Camry. Do not believe all of the hype about the Altima. Not saying that it is not a good car but the Maxima is a step above. The interior when comparing the two speaks for itself. This is an excellent car with a alot of features that just wants to please the driver.