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:
Showing 1121 through 1130 of 3,122.00-
Max-Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By John McNaughton - August 3 - 10:00 amA completely new Maxima. The 3.5 V6 is a gem. The car was a one of the first delivered in Orange Co.CA and had a few things that needed correction. It had a defective windshield which Nissan promptly replaced. No mechanical problems whatsover. We have about 6K miles on the car and it performs flawlessly.
-
i love this car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By ymc - August 2 - 2:00 pmthis is the best driving car i have driven better than my old bmw 5 series
-
Would Like Fewer Repairs - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By G. Mains - August 2 - 11:36 amI bought it when it came off a two year lease with 32k on it and now have 89k. Have had it now for almost 5 years. Have replaced MAF sensor, O2 sensor, both rear brake calipers, 1 rear brake rotor, and 1 power seat motor. So much more than what I had to do with a previous 96 Camry that didnt need anything until PS work at 107k. Also much more engine and road noise so its not as quiet as I am used to but somewhat more fun to drive, and handles better. Exhaust system started to rattle (now fixed) and there is a rattle in the front passenger door (I think) that is driving me nuts, and cant seem to get fixed. These rattles make the car seem cheap. Leather seats have held up well.
-
maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By burke - August 1 - 5:00 amI hate the cost of the low profile tires. The "look" is not so much better, that it is worth the cost! I have owned 3 Maximas; I may not purchase another one for this reason only. $350 a tire is Ridiculous for only 20,000 mile of wear. This is a rip-off for consumers.
-
You get your Bang for the Buck - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Eric Hershberger - July 30 - 7:00 pmI recently traded in my 2003 Altima for a 2005 Maxima. Im very pleased with almost every feature of this fine- tuned machine. The Handling, acceleration, and suspension are all superb. Its a beautiful vehicle, thats really in its own class. The higher up Accords and Camrys cant compete with its style and performance and the BMW 3 series and Acura TLs cant compete with its price. After having this car for almost a week now, Im positive I made the right decision.
-
Best in its class - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Mike of Queens - July 29 - 5:23 amA fun to drive car in a innovative package. Lots of pick up, some torque- steer though. All in All Great car for the money.
-
A Max of a car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Phill - July 27 - 3:53 pmWonderful vehicle! Smooth, quiet and roomy with enough toys inside to keep passengers happy. Big turning circle a turn off but otherwise very happy.
-
My Maxima is GREAT! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By 2 P CHEE - July 27 - 10:00 amI LOVE this car! Im an Acura girl at heart, but feel I made a great choice in the Maxima SE. I love the get up and go and my Xenon headlights. Im trying to adapt to the turning radius-- kind of makes me want to check out that 2004 Acura TL. Overall this car is fabulous for the price!!!
-
Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By tiki - July 27 - 10:00 amBest car that I have hade in a long time. Fun to drive, and is fast.
-
LOOKING GOOD - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By PENMAN777 - July 27 - 10:00 amAND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME WHO NOTICED THE HORRIBLE TURNING RADIUS, MENTIONED MANY TIMES.
