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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  02 Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By stp1 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my wife her third Max. Have owned a 96 and 99 and this one is the best by far. The new 255 hp is just what this car needed, the old 3.0s just didnt seem to hall the mail in an automatic. The new body design is excellent and the road and wind noise has decreased dramatically. ABS is finally standard equipment and the power up/down feature for the front windows is awesome. The Camry and Honda have nothing on this vehicle.

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  Not as expected! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By subzeropr - June 2 - 8:53 pm

  The car has little more than a year with over 19,000 miles on it and it has already been in the dealer 7 times. 3 of those times was because of a short circuit that burns the interior and taillight fuse. The other four because of the struts. Service is horrible and they have not found the problem of the short circuit. The car moves well but the turning radius is really bad. Thinking of dumping the car and look for a more reliable car like the new 2007 Toyota Camry.

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  A good, safe, fun family sedan - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Nij - June 2 - 5:56 am

  Purchased mine when it had 45,000 miles. Have driven it 15,000 miles in less than 10 months and i love the car! Feels steady on the road. Has good power and acceleration. Heated seats are a comfort in the winter. Ive taken this for many long trips and so far this has been my favorite car. Ive owned Honda and Mitsubishi earlier and nothing beats the Nissan Maxima! Overall, a great car for a decent price.

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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GI James - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got the new nissan maxima. I love it. I almost got the new impala. But I was sold on the 130,000 miles tuen-up. Its the best

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  04 Maxima SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By The Wizzard - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has good looks and great performance. It is such a joy to drive,and I see a lot of heads turn to look. The car has the style and performance I was looking for. It was a good choice.

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  WOW!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By hmberanek - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought it yesterday, an SE with 6-speed manual trans and NO OPTIONS. You really dont need to option these up, because they have so much standard equipment. The dealer was anxious to get rid of it because it was a manual with no options, so I got it for $1,700 under list. The car itself is so awesome I cant even put it into words.

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  Great styling, surprising power...WOW! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Roy Wasson - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my 2004 Nissan Maxima. I got the buckets seats in the back option and the GPS. Great power, smooth handling...just a superbly made vehicle. Step up to a MAXIMA!!

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  Excellent - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By niss - June 1 - 10:00 am

  its excellent. The best hassle free vehicle you can find on road.

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  1997 Nissan Maxima GLE - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Steven Miller - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I would highly recommend a used Maxima as I only have good things to says about my 97. Its still quick, gets good fuel mileage for its class and as a tall person, theres plenty of room.

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Nick LS - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Best car I every owned except for a 240Z , but this 2003 Maxima would leave the old Z in its dust. Only two complaints. Wide turning circle and harsh ride from original 17" Bridgestone Potenza tires. A great car for all driving conditions.