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:

• 

  After 37K, Update and farewell - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnBuller - September 17 - 6:03 am

  I loved the car when I first had it, but 3 years later, the bloom is off. Still great, but not the same thrill. Its been fast, fun, reliable, but doesnt wear well both interior or exterior, and I am a fanatic about care. Paint quality is an issue; Sheer Silver looks great, but paint is poor, esp on front bumper and hood. The turning radius is HORRIBLE; 40.5 feet puts it in SUV territory. Car felt porky and didnt excite me even with all its bells and whistles. I tire of cars easily, but thought Id have it forever. Traded for an 05 Altima SL. Not that the Max is a bad car; far from it, it just doesnt grow on you. It felt clunky after 37,000 miles; I got bored.

• 

  Dissapointing Quality - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill - September 15 - 4:03 am

  Mechanically, the Maxima is top notch. Unfortunately, the constant rattling and creaking of the interior literally destroys the ownership experience of an otherwise great car. I have had a number of new japanese autos and surprised by the lack of quality on the interior of this car. I have family members and friends with similar complaints about wearing fabric, rattling dashboard and leaking sunroofs.

• 

  LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By MissMaxima - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Maxima (the first was a 97 GLE). No kidding, I LOVE MAXIMAS. Theyre the best! My first Maxima had lots and lots of miles on it and started to make me a little nervous, so I got a 4 cyl 2 door Honda Accord for the gas mileage. Sure, I got 33 mpg, but after three months, I had to have another Maxima. Maximas have other "sport sedans" beat hands down on the power and performance.

• 

  First Month - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By hbcarkook - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I peeled the cheap lloking MAXIMA ans 3.5 SE chrome stickers off and added a billet grille.... It now looks great. Will add wood dash kit and poly suspension bushings for stiffer cornering.

• 

  1997 Maxima SE - Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By corona1373 - September 12 - 11:37 pm

  An amazingly reliable car after 210,000 miles and 17 years of service. It is dependable and has never let me down or left me stranded. I bought my 1997 Maxima SE about 17 years ago and it has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. It is super easy to service, replacement parts are inexpensive and the engine/transmission still run flawless. With 209,000 miles it still cruises quietly down the highway and gets about 25-26mpg on highway trips. The motor is smooth and the transmission shifts perfectly. I frequently see many of the 4th Generation Maximas still on the road. If you can find a rust-free one that has been well maintained I think its a good bet as a used car.

• 

  Well worth the money - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe - September 12 - 4:20 pm

  I have now owned the car almost two months and am very pleased. I have the premium package with the nav. You are getting plenty for your money and everything has been great. I am averaging 23/27 for hwy/city and I am using premium fuel. The pickup the car has is excellent, nav is great, Bose stereo is great and climate control is great. Heated seats and steering wheel is a plus. The ride and handling are fine and steering is fine. Dont be alarmed the brakes feel a little soft but they are fine. The trunk needs a little push to close but a minor issue. I recommend the car highly to anyone!

• 

  Amazing car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By flyboy76 - September 9 - 2:34 am

  I bought my nissan maxima with 64,000 km. Now the car has 250,000 km on it and it isnt showing any problems. Everything works still, heated seats electric seats, heated mirrors, radio.. Everything works. The only thing Ive had to do to the car is regular maintenance (brakes oil change, had to put in a water pump) I recently had to replace the gas take which was odd, it rusted out in one spot but i foudn a used one in mint shape for 300 bucks.. This car is the most reliable car, best performing car, fun to drive, best on gas, best sound system you will find for the price... I dont have any desire to get a new car and the car is a 96 and looks just as stylish as any 2011 car..

• 

  My Best Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By phatboi747 - September 8 - 10:03 am

  For a midsized car the 2000 Nissan Maxima does it all. It provides sufficient power at 225 Hp. It is not so great on the low-end torque but other features make up for the slack. The stock stereo system is great. The radio could have been a little more updated though (pause feature). Its handling is okay. So far it has proven to be very reliable. My fuel economy is okay considering that you have to put 91 octane or better in it or the engine will knock. I dont have any real complaints about this car yet.

• 

  My Nissan - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter Odgen stiers - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I just adore my 2001 Nissan Maxima as well as my wifes Nissan Pathfinder. We love our cars a hole lot excpecaily mine.

• 

  Not Quite a Performance Sedan - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By DavidHB,CA - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Mileage remains 24mpg consistantly. Stock Toyo tires changed at 60000. They were spongy, a lot of slip angle, lot of understeer, and not good for aggressive turning. Brake disks are warped. Pulsing during stops. Handling is a disappointment. Stock shocks are terrible. Too soft in front. Rear shocks bottomed out at 25000 on small bumps. Body roll in turns is unacceptable. No sway bar in the rear? What we they thinking at Nissan! Blind spots: All pillars are too wide and exterior mirrors are too small.