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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  powerful! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima02 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  the xenon lights are a hot item, stolen off my car 3 times!

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  2009 Maxima SV is the Real Deal - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By qstarweb - August 8 - 8:06 am

  Mine is the SV model with sport package. It lives up to the hype and then some, its a truly great 4 door sport car and it drives as well as an Infiniti. The acceleration from the 290 HP version of the award-winning VQ V6 engine is great. In most situations the car handles like its on rails. Its just fun to drive, youll make excuses to go somewhere because you want to drive this car. The styling is well done too, it just looks great. Especially in black. Lexus and Acura cant touch this for the combination of performance, features, and price. This is a bargain for all the car youre getting compared to an Acura TL S Type or a loaded Lexus IS 350.

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  bad experience 01 S - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan - August 7 - 12:13 pm

  I originally purchased the car because I liked the style and supposed reputation of Nissan. My car had only 19000 miles and looked in mint condition. It was an off leased vehicle from a Nissan employee, at least that is what I was told. It was purchased from a Nissan dealer thinking they would stand behind their own product. As soon as I got it home, it started smoking white exhaust.Without going into all the boring details I finally got a new short block from the dealer, but not without threatening to sue them. Neither my dealer nor Nissan treated me with any respect and will never purchase another Nissan product, especially from Ft Wayne Nissan. Will go back to a reliable brand Toyota.

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  Great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By gwjensen - August 7 - 10:00 am

  2000 Maxima GXE, 39,000 miles. Just replaced the stock tires. Could have gotten another 10 - 15k if I had rotated them more frequently. Had the alignment checked - didnt need it. Just had the brakes checked. Mechanic told me I have another 20 - 30k left on the pads. Havent done anything else other than routine maintenence. I still love driving this car. It drives like new - very tight,no squeeks or rattles. Lots of power and acceleration at all speeds, super smooth automatic transmission, Excellent performance and handling, totally reliable and good fuel economy.

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  Good but doesnt quite make it - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By DHG - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The good stuff; powerful engine, good automatic, lots of luxo type features for just slightly an econobox price. Now the real stuff; problems with front end since day one. Selling dealer replaced front struts at approx. 25k, also needed new tires at same time. Didnt fix the problem. Different dealer replaced engine mounts at 30k, better but still rough and bumpy. Just put third set of struts on from private mechanic. Needs stableizer bushings. Cant believe Nissan didnt make a valet type lock/key system for their flagship car, and what about having to manually turn off headlights? What is the cost difference between a buzzer and a time delay switch?

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  2003 Maxima 6M - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Max Spn - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I boght this vehicle about 2 weeks ago. It was probobly the best decision Ive ever made. Ive got it for 25.6K, fully loaded. The dealer was trying to get rid of it to make room for the 2004s. Its fun to drive. Acceleration is terrific. Ive hit 85 easy without even knowing it. Performance is great the 6 speed manual trans. There is however a slight annoying tap with the engine. Mechanic cant seem to figure out what is making that noise. With the Bose stereo on, I dont even notice it, but it is still in the back of my mind.

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  48000 Transmission fail update - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Bernard - August 6 - 10:36 pm

  This is a beautiful car but I question the reliability of the CVT transmission. My car has 48000 miles on it, service as recommended no warning whatsoever the transmission failed the factory warranty expired 12-19-2015 the day before the transmission failed . Nissan tried to make me pay for the repair which was $4,500. I had to contact Nissan corporation and go to arbitration to resolve this matter after a time-consuming ordeal they agreed to fix the vehicle. I am Not sure if Im planning on keeping this vehicle the CVT transmission is definitely a flawed design. I wish Nissan would stand behind their products I dont know if I would ever buy another Nissan product moving forward. So Im still driving the vehicle since the new transmission was installed. I have put 5496 miles on the vehicle since install and some days it concerns me. Ill keep you posted.

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  Durable, Reliable Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima - August 5 - 9:36 am

  I bought this 97 Maxima SE with 27,000 miles on it in 2000. I now have over 160,000 miles on it. Repairs have been minor and this car is extremely reliable, durable and inexpensive to operate and repair. In 160,000 miles I have replaced the starter, alternator and radiator. The other basic maintenance items have been replaced (struts, brake pads, battery, oil, coolant, spark plugs, hoses, belts). It has very few squeaks and rattles after 160k miles. No oil leaks either. Tires are cheap to replace. Oil is easy to change and the engine compartment is wide open compared to most new cars. I would recommend this as a good solid used vehicle.

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  Flagship ? Dont think so. - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Carlo NJ - August 5 - 9:13 am

  I dont even know how/where to begin. Very disappointed with this vehicle, I have owned 5 Nissans, all have been great except for this one. Low end power is horrible with the CVT, torque steer is disgusting, High speed handling is ridiculous, the car is a boat when on the highway is all over the road and you have to hold to the steering wheel very firm to keep the car in its path, in-cabin noise horrible, interior materials still stink, it does have a lot of awesome features for its price, back up sensor, heated seats/steering wheel, leather, moon roof, etc. Not happy at all.

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  Engine problem help - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By david - August 5 - 3:16 am

  Just a heads up to some of you experiencing rough running when cold or TCS light coming on. Three different dealerships couldnt solve the problem. Finally a small private auto repair shop solved the problem. It was two coils AND the intake manifold had a severe vacuum leak throwing off the timing.The coils alone did not solve the problem. Got the coils from Autozone where they are backed for 4 months if they go bad. If you read these entries...coils are a common problem. I would love this car otherwise with 145,000 on it.