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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  Very Nice - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By RMK - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Cars are luck. I had a car that was full of problems. But after i sold the car it didnt have any trouble. The car had trouble starting so i called that guy whom i sold it too. He said the card didnt have any trouble after he bought it. it all luck.

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  Perrrrrfect - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MRW - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Love the power and handling (total performance). Its an awesome ride!

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  I really like this car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By 7thnissan - May 27 - 1:46 pm

  I got this car for my wife, but I got to drive it on a 600 mile trip. We averaged 27 mpg city and highway. The Maxima was very comfortable and roomy, trunk space was unbeliveable. The two kids had enough room in the back to make their own little nest without touching each other. I drive a 95 Q45 and the Maxima has nearly all the same features except for the V8, didnt miss it.

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  I love this car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Maximus - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 96 Maxima GXE 5-Speed. Its gorgeous and it hauls ass - its the fastest car Ive ever owned. I love Nissans. I had an 85 300ZX that was bulletproof (until my roomate totaled it) I just sold my 2001 Silverado - it was just too expensive to keep. I got the Maxima for under $6K and I am really happy with it. Ive only owned it for a day, but Im already in love with the power and ride. It almost has 100K miles, so I know I will have to put some money into it for maintenance.

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  Love my Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Janet Folan - May 21 - 2:46 pm

  I actually paid cash for a brand new 2002 Mercedes CLK 320. That was a very big mistake. I never liked the car and felt that I wasted all that money!! I finally got rid of the M.B. and purchashed a 2004 Maxima and absolutly love it !! I find it so comfortable and easy to handle. Ive heard people complain about the wide turning, but I dont find that any big deal. I love the look of my car reliability too! If I were to change anything, I would make the instrument panel easier to read. I find myself squinting to read the print. I think my husbands next SUV might be a Nissan too !!!

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  How come this car is overlooked? - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Max Mike - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1995. It now has over 176K on it. I plan on running it to 300K. 1st mechanical repair was the brake pads needed to be replaced at 90K. How this car is overlooked so often and many choose to buy the more expensive and less performing Camry, Ill never understand. The Maxima is fun to drive and it can hold its own on the road.

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  Very Dissapointed - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Corey - May 17 - 5:06 pm

  I never thought I would write a bad review for a Maxima. I bought this car as a certified used car with 60k and 2 years old. As soon as the warranty ran out the lights on the Bose stereo as well as the component lights went out. The passenger window will not roll up. The leather is tearing in the front seats. The steering makes a turkey noise. The front and rear brakes and shocks went out at the same time but probably was due for service. Great engine I have had no problems with it. The power is great as long as you dont have 4 people in there. This is my 3rd maxima and the others lasted to 200k miles, this one will not.

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  Gotta Love That Nissan - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By lovemynissan - May 17 - 2:40 pm

  I bought my Maxima after months of research. This would be my 3rd Nissan, 2nd Maxima and I havent been disappointed yet. Kudos to the design team for producing yet another eye- catching slick machine. The CVT is smooth and pretty responsive although a manual tranny option would be nice. The ergonomics are great as is the feel of the car on the road. Ive read many reviews about the cabin noise, and the factory tires are the culprit. I replaced the Continentals with a set of Sumitomos and cabin noise/road noise is greatly reduced. The funky orange temp/radio display whites out in direct sunlight. I purchased the car new and 56k mi later, no major mechanical issues.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Todd Columbus - May 16 - 4:36 pm

  Ive had more than 20 cars, and never owned one for more than 3 years before this car (9 years, >100,000). Its absolutely the perfect balance of acceptable family car, but an absolute thrill to drive, especially with the SE suspension and 5sp. I was contemplating trading it in, and I just cant do it. Ive replaced the muffler, an O2 sensor, and the blower motor for the heat/AC. If you are contemplating buying a used Maxima, I strongly encourage you to go for it!

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  Great Auto - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Nonni - May 15 - 4:23 pm

  Just purchased a 2007 Maxima two weeks ago and just love it. We had a Maxima in 1994 and 1998, but then we switched to the Toyota Camry, 2000, 2004 and 2007. We watched the quality go down with each new model. We are now back to Nissan and very happy with this purchase. Its very well made and a pleasure to drive. No problems!