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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New Found Nissan Enthusiast - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Ramonsjc - June 20 - 10:00 amI remember the days when my uncle would drive his Datsun truck and rave about its reliablity and low maintenace! Years have passed and Datsun/Nissan is only Nissan now, and it is I who is raving about the reliability ride and comfort. This is not the best vehicle out ever but I have mistreated it,im in my 20s i do burnouts every corner. only minor tuneups from the dealer. It still runs like a champ !
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Great car and deal - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Billnasp - June 20 - 10:00 amThis is a super car. I have owned 4 Nissans and this is a fun car to drive. I had a 280ZX and 240SX too. This car is a better option than the Altima. Friends with new cars, (Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, etc.)love to ride in my Maxima.
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1996 Nissan Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By dre1665626 - June 15 - 10:00 amThe car runs smooth nice stereo bose >>>Sliding sunroof nice leather interior >>bumpers are a little tender very eas to scratch >>>brakes work well >>> Great car.
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Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By JackoB - June 15 - 10:00 amWe bought the 03 GLE because we have had such good service from our "91 Maxima. Our son now drives the 91 which has over 125K miles on it. This GLE is an awesome car and it is a pleasure to drive. One problem is that I always have the temptation to kick it and I know sooner or later it will get me a ticket. We have put close to 7000 miles on it in the year we have had it.
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Rust - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By JohnM141 - June 15 - 10:00 amMy new car developed rust on the rear wheel frame as a result of driving during New Englands sanded/salted roads during last winter. Nothing but a run-a-round from Nissan and my dealer. The car has a design flaw and the company knows it. The problem only occurs if certain conditions are met. I am not satisfied with Nissan at all. A brand new car should not develop rust in only four months? They should have been more supportive.
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A great built car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Maxima_Man - June 15 - 10:00 amIve had the car for about a month now so I havnt really had the chance to experience problems.But I know that the maxima is a great built car because my mother has an infiniti I30.The maxima and the infiniti I30 have the exact same engines and many of the same features and components since infiniti is a branch of nissan.She has plenty of mileage on her car and has experienced almost zero problems.As for the maxima,I love it.Its roomy,fast,and offers many great features. It is one of the best cars I have driven and think its a well priced car for what you get.It is an all around great car. I definitely recommend this car to anyone.
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What a great decision!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Debbie - June 12 - 8:40 pmI was in the market to buy a luxury car. I was looking at buying a Lexus and brought home the Maxima. I test drove the car and fell in love with it. Considering everything that you get in the car, its a great value for your money!
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Recommend it, but... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By maxreviewer - June 12 - 6:16 amId recommend this car as shown by the ratings. A few minor things to pick on. Im 61", and this car is too small for me. My head is buried in the roof (moonroof actually) unless the seat is really reclined. Bose radio, heated seats and window safety switch all broke. Leaky window seals. Handles poorly in the rain and snow, but can be compensated for by an appropriate tire. Still, a very good car.
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Lannys review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Lanny Phelps - June 9 - 2:00 amNissan keeps building better maximas. The 2004 is the ultimate driving machine. I know it will not let me down.The styling is great, inside and outside. For the price, the maxima is always the best buy. The quality is un- matched. Thank you, Nissan.
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1999 Nissan Maxima SE 5-speed Manual - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By jfreilly - June 8 - 10:30 pm5-speed manual. Lots of fun with the 5-speed, although friends with the automatic havent complained too much about performance. Fair amount of body lean in corners, but with the right tires and judicious use of the gearbox youre always under control. Great ownership eperience the whole way.
