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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  2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By KarenS - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly love it! Truly a luxery car! Beautiful interior, lots of room, and lots of features. Wonderful leather interior, 6 CD changer with Bose speakers. Great highway car and in town too! Good gas mileage 27 to 29 mpg on the highway. The Sky roof is okay but I wish I had the sunroof option. Some of the controls take getting used to but I love all the features on the steering wheel. I owned a Camry and loved it for 12 years and the Maxima is a wonderful replacement. Both great vehicles but Im happy to be driving a 2004 Maxima!

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  Great Sporty & Luxury Car. - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Luis Arzu - September 4 - 2:54 pm

  If u want these 2 qualities u got a winner here. Affordable car that gives u both. Many sport cars dont have an interior that looks this great. With this V6 u cant go wrong. CVT n all. Once u put your foot on gas pedal u will see what I mean!!! Get compliments all the time. Deep Blue Pearl baby!!!

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  Incredible fuel economy - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Max_speed - September 4 - 12:53 pm

  Traded a basic black 1995 Maxima for a red 2005. Few family sedans are fun to drive. The Maxima is fun, handles well, has tight steering and suspension, attractive. Its very fuel efficient when youre not tempted to take advantage of its great acceleration. Drivers who have a Maxima with manual transmission have a much more exciting, yet economical, car than those who drive an automatic. This is a car that must be driven with manual transmission to fully appreciate both its fun factor and its economy. Worth it to learn to drive a stick shift for this car.

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  Very Nice Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Nice Nissan - September 4 - 9:33 am

  I bought this car brand new in April 2006 and it has been solid mechanically. The only feature I dislike is that my electric controlled passenger side mirror had to be replaced due to the adjustment not resetting correctly after placing the car in reverse, which still did not correct the problem.

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  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By cclobbyist - September 2 - 5:13 pm

  I did alot of research, even tried to look at the American cars, but it everyone in America has the 300m. Thus I decided to break it down to two final cars. I Looked at the Avalon before I purchased the Maxima SL, got the Onyx exterior and black interior. The Maxima was a far better choice than the Avalon. Got the SL with the drivers pref.pkg. The car rides great, and yes I did notice the turning radius issue that was discussed on this site and yes it begs for improvement. But hey I have yet to find the perfect car that will make everyone perfectly happy. I like the car a whole lot, and was happy to trade in my 04 Camry for it. The heated steering wheel is perfect for the cold Chicago winter

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  2004 Nissan Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ColoMtnHiker - September 2 - 3:10 pm

  Driving the car here in Colorado is flat out fun. The car has performance to spare even at altitude above 10,000 feet and it runs great on regular gas. I have had fuel mileage approaching 30 mph on interstate driving. I do use Mobil 1 which in my case does help fuel economy a bit. Only downside has been a faulty oxygen sensor which was replaced by the dealer but with the suggestion that I stick with Nissans air filter instead of a high performance air filter.

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  The Best Care for The Price Range - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave Zeitlin - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Powerful, economical, and reliable. I looked at the Camry, Accord, and Maxima. The first two are very good cars but a little underpowered in my opinion. They also cost more. I feel that the Maxima is the best choice when considering performance and reliability v.s. price.

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  Good Car + Investment - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima05_slse - August 31 - 6:56 pm

  I bought it Used, on 2007 at a Nissan Dealer with 9,000 miles on it(Aprox.) Although is a Buy Back/Lemon Law Classified. I got a good Price and the Car was Just like New. the reason for the Owner to Return the Car was for some Gases Fumes from the Engine getting Inside the Cabin Area. They Fixed but the Client did not want the Car back. Dealer took it Back by Buy Back Program(AKA-Lemon Law Statues) Since, the Car did not have any mayor Problems with it. Just the Regular Maintenance Parts & Services. The only thing the Car was Fixed was the Sway Bar and some other Front Steering Parts but under the Warranty during 1st 3 months. It is a very Powerful Car and have Lot Space. Great Family Car.

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  This car rocks! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By protocide - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Bang for the buck, the Maxima SE cannot be beat. The V6 is buttery smooth. The suspension is designed for zipping along twisty roads and yet is smooth on the highway. You can get the car in stick shift! (Try getting that in an Accord V6 or Camry V6!) The car is quiet even at speed. The brakes are great. Even the base sound system is pretty darn good. The car can seat four six-footers with room to spare. Great gas mileage considering it can run 0-60 in the high sixes. If you want a four-door family car that is a blast to drive, buy a Maxima SE!

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  This car flat out rocks! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob - August 28 - 5:30 am

  I have the SV model with the technology and cold weather package. This car easily fits 3 car seats across the back seat which made this purchase even easier. The V6 290 horsepower engine is very powerful and the handling is unreal. I have been getting a lot of second looks driving this car around town, and have been stopped a couple of times at lights. This car has so many extras it is a great deal for the price.