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 1191 through 1200 of 3,122.00-
Second Max - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By y2za - May 15 - 3:33 pmI had a 2002 SE Max - sold it after 20K miles back in summer 2004. Bought my current Max in 7/05. It is a blast! Great Combination of performance, sedan, room, looks, features, price, uniqueness. No regrets here whatsoever. I cannot believe how easy it is to approach 100 mph.
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Maximum Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Calvin - May 15 - 1:46 pmThe car has given me "0" problems since I have owned it. The ride is still smooth and has had minimum service costs.
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Great car - Bad Paint - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By joe_121212 - May 14 - 10:00 amI love the car. It has great power and handles great. Im 64 and have good room except for the gas and brake pedals are to close. Also after you start washing and waxing your car your notice many new chips after every wash. The paint quality is the worst Ive ever seen.
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This car is ROCKS! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By RockinCar - May 14 - 10:00 amI have only had this car for about a week but it rocks! The guy who wrote the first review and slammed it should have his head examined. The car has TONS of power and the handling on the SE is incredible. The premium sound system is awesome. The styling of car is impressive. I get comments every day on how beautiful they think the car is. Keep up the great work Nissan!
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Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By L-Lucy - May 14 - 10:00 amNot a bad car when you consider the excellent interior design. Very comfortable and powerful. Turning is pretty good and the suspensions keep the car glued to the road on high turns.
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Best car I have owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Blackjet - May 14 - 10:00 amGreat car, fast, fun to drive, handles well, I am 63 and have plenty of room in the drivers seat and could ride in the back seat comfortably. Compares favorably with the Acura TL but with more room. Many amenities, heated steering wheel, automatic folding mirrors, verital sun roof, nice display of car functions, friends envy it
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Power and Style in an Underrated Package - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By ATLCNP - May 14 - 2:00 amIve put 6000 miles on my 03 GLE (traded in my 99 GLE) and have been nearly 100% satisfied. The 355 hp V6 is smooth and powerful. The features and available options (mine has Meridian package but not the nav) cant be beat for the price: I got mine for the low 25s. After test driving the 3.2TL (nice, but more expensive and pricier insurance), Saab 9-3 (did not feel as roomy and somewhat slower), and Audi A4, (not worth the xtra $$) Im thrilled with the value and amenities of the Maxima.
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nice car,but - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By jack norman - May 13 - 8:46 pmrides good, does not turn as tight as i would like, has a lot of get up and go, need to work on gas mileage
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Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By wk2design - May 12 - 6:46 amOverall - great car. Im very pleased after almost buying an Acura and Saab. The Maxima has it all and more. Best thing - go for the leather - awesome seats and comfort. Performance - just test drive one and youll see. Price is high although worth it when compared to others. BTW - The Audi A4 and Passat are both slugs compared to the Maxima.
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Best bang for the buck! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By maxman - May 12 - 12:33 amThis unique vehicle always brings a smile to my face and Nissans service is phenomenal about answering any questions I have. If you are considering a perfomance sedan, this one should be at the top of your list!
