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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  A true 4-door sports car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Soopermax02 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Nissan hit this one just right. One early 90s sales pitch for the Maxima was that it is a sports car with 4- doors. The 2002+ Maxima comes roaring back to that heritage with a potent 3.5L V6 (of note, the same 3.5L powerplant used in the new 350Z sports coupe) and accurate "German" like road feel. The SE is the pinnacle of sports sedans for the price conscious consumer; others beware, the Audi A4 3.0, the BMW 325i, Acura TL-S, and Lexus LS300 are no match for this mighty Maxima. For those seeking a more refined version the GLE comes with such standard amenities as a leather interior and climate control.

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  A long term love - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By lovin_the_maxima - September 28 - 10:46 pm

  I owned this car for 5 years and put about 100,000 miles on it. I absolutely loved this car. It has a cute exterior, and the performance is spectacular. The inside is roomy enough to fit 4 large adults comfortably, and the trunk had plenty of space for all of my camping gear. The 02 sensor was replaced and the tires cost a small fortune, but other than those expenses and regular maintenance (brake replacement, oil changes, etc.), this car was dependable. I commute a long way to work and owned this car for a long time and I never got tired of driving it.

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  Fun car to Drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By DWL2 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  No doubt about it, this car is a blast to driver, great power and pick-up, and a big car.

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  Luvin it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By saximo - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car 18 months ago off a used car lot. The car has worked out very well, mileage is now over 65,000. Powerful engine, good handeling, comfortable to drive even for long periods, and surprisingly good fuel efficiency. The SEs sports suspension is a little bumpy, but it feels good. After 7 years in a Grand Prix GT, it feels great to have a solid and reliable car that can really move. My wife likes the car too.

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  Maxima under-rated? - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Pete - September 27 - 10:26 pm

  Weve owned this car a little over 3 months and are thoroughly impressed with the build quality and solid performance. The new CVT is very pleasing and seems to easily allow for either "high performance" drawing on the engines potential or "nice & easy" driving which seems to let the engine "loaf." It seems to us that the automotive press overlooks and under-rates this excellent road car.

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  Fantastic Car For The Money! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By tim fogle - September 27 - 10:42 am

  Great deals out there on these cars if you find the right dealer. Really a lot of car for the money.

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  Mustang killa - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DT2003 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, cant get a better value. Handles like its glued to the road. 255 HP!!! floor it and watch the reactions of people faces in the car behind u. unbeleiveable!!!

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  I bought A Nissan Finally! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Lee - September 24 - 9:43 pm

  I bought the car in 8/05 because of all the good things I heard about it. It already had 60,000 miles on it from the date of purchased but I said so what its a Nissan. A week after I bought it the oxygen sensors went bad. Whew the warranty saved me $500! Two months later the vent control went bad. I started not to fix it but I was loseing 8mpg due to the pressure failure. I still like Nissan. However, I will never buy another car with more than 30k miles on it. The paint on the front bumper had to be repainted due to cheap paint quality. Overall Id say its a pretty well designed car. I get a lot of compliments with it. I do a lot of driving so a car has to last me.

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  Do NOT buy 04-06 Maxima. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MNM - September 23 - 11:00 am

  The best way to describe the 04 Nissan Maxima is OK. The best way to describe Nissans costumer service and reliability is TERRIBLE. Nissan clearly has no value of their customers as they have had 600+ reviews on faulty transmissions and yet to recall it even though they know it is on them. My maxima is just over 121,000 miles and the transmission has gone. There is a horrible jerking feeling when breaking as if gears are getting stuck, sometimes acceleration has the same issues, making it even scarier because you have no control over the car. It is quiet terrifying and Nissan believes we deserve to pay them another $3,000+ to replace THEIR ISSUE.[non-permissible content removed] Ive contacted Nissan several times for help and I either can not get through to them or they tell me they can not help. Ive reported the issue with BBB as many others have and should continue to do. I am outraged with the issue and poor accommodations and services on behalf of Nissan. Several law suits have been filed but no outcome. If you or someone you know has this issue be sure to file your complaint to Nissan [contact information removed] to help us get answers! Unacceptable from such a large company. !!!!!!!!!!Do not buy a 04-06 Nissan Maxima!!!!!!!!! known for horrible transmissions.

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  maxima second time around - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lexor - September 23 - 10:10 am

  I brought my 2002 maxima in for a oil change and saw this 2004 sitting on the show room floor. It was a color called champange mist and had chrome wheels, the high powered Bose music system and all the bells and whisels that my 2002 had everything but nav. system. The sales manager ask me if I wanted to take it out for a ride. I could not belive how much better this was than my 2002 and I loved that car. Well I said what is the price? With the deal Nissan was offering I could not say no. I had drove a new Lexus 330 earlier in the day and this was so much better and less money. 265 horse power it really moves and is so quite I did not even know I was doing 90 mph.