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:

• 

  Love it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SFKid - May 9 - 7:03 pm

  I love this car which I bought with 29,000 miles on it. I now have 50,000 on it. Pluses: Handles great, great power. Minuses: Slightly lower gas economy than I expected, Bose system playback skips. I also feel a slight jerk when the drivers window rolls down. I expect that Ill need a repair sooner or later.

• 

  2000 maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dav - May 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent balance of performance and comfort. extremely reliable.

• 

  Performace 4 door - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Jgator - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 25th Anniversary has been an exemplary sample of torque, size, performance and reliability. It definitely is worth the extra couple of dollars in the used car market for the added details that you get vs lets say the SE model or any oher V6 Accord or Passat. In fact a much better value and fun ratio.

• 

  02Maxima Rocks - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By PVA - May 9 - 10:00 am

  After test driving many of the more expensive 4-door sedans on the market, I knew that the Maxima was definitely my pick. Who wants to spend more money to look like an old man when youre 25? This car is very functional, sporty and fun to drive. Nissans 3.5L 6cyl engine begs you to give it gas and the suspension does not mind hard cornering. The engine can withstand a serious amount of punishment and so can the transmission! SE suspensions are tuned to provide a busy, sportscar type of ride and you feel just that. It is so fun to embarrass VWs, Audis, BMWs, Acuras & Mustangs without making one upgrade!

• 

  Awsome, Outstanding Mid-Class Sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Handry - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle, very reliable, fast enough, good braking response, cool interior, power everything, very comfort,

• 

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By 111zzz - May 8 - 11:23 am

  I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO NOT BUY THIS CAR. I have read other peoples comments. They are right. I also have met a lot of problems in this car, like jerking, transmission. I will not fix the transmission. Probably I will fix the jerking. I just want to to drive it for a while. Then I will throw it. I am lucky that I did not spend much on this used vehicle. DO NOT TRUST NISSIAN.

• 

  Drastically poor milage - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By rj3016 - May 6 - 1:47 am

  I purchased my 2007 Maxima brand new. Since day one I have no gotten better than 17-18 mpg combined. At first the dealership told me it was winter gas. Winter gas? You have to be kidding me. I agreed to drive it till spring. Well, spring gas, summer gas made no difference. Still I amm only able to squeeze out 17.8 mpg. Took it to the dealer to find out why. The service manager said and I quote "we can check it but I dont think we will find anything wrong. Thats just what those cars get" They checked the car and of course said they didnt find anything wrong. I drive 150 miles a day all highway. The best I can get is 18.8 mpg. This car SUCKS! Never again. My Hummer get 18 mpg!

• 

  After 13 years and over 143k miles, it still goes strong - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By hdao - May 5 - 12:30 pm

  I am a first owner of my 1999 Maxima. Regular maintenance such as engine oil, trans fluid, brake fluid, steering fluid, and brake pad changes dont count. The only problems for this year model are defective ignition coils. I have changed them myself and cost $90/per coil. The redesigned coils are flawless. I also replaced a O2 sensor for $80 part only. At approximately every 80k miles, the EGR Guide Tube needs to be cleaned. It is difficult to Do-It-Yourself. Although it cost only $5 for replacing the EGR gasket as the tube must be taken out to be cleaned with choke cleaning sprayer. The dealer will charge $120 for labor.

• 

  UPDATE TO BEST MAX EVER - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By jerrymax - May 1 - 8:48 pm

  Just wanted to update the review I wrote back in March 2008 about my 1997 Maxima GLE. At that time I had 154k on the odometer. Last week the car turned 200k for another 46,000 miles worth of trouble-free driving. This car amazes me. Ive driven it up and down the East Coast from Maine to North Carolina in all kinds of weather, it is NEVER garaged, yet it still looks like new. It has not had a tune-up in 82,000 miles [had platinum plugs put in] but it always starts and still moves like a rocket when I tap the accelerator. Im really planning on getting another 200,000 miles out this car and will be happy to drive it the rest of my life if at all possible. I love my Maxima!

• 

  Not Bad - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Tim B - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Got 24,500 miles and one front end accident, and car is still kicking. When I bought the car it had the wrong speedometer in it. Got the speedometer swapped after complaining. The car is smoth handles great, and is fast. Still I think it is over priced but no one can tell that mine is not the fully loaded sv model. I got a good deal on it