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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  MS. MAXIMA OF ATLANTA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By G CHAMBERS - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima!!! I only wish that I could afford to have several colors! I purchased the Majestic Blue 3.5SE...but I love all the colors. I thought that the 96 was smooth...but my 2004 is beyond smooth (the best just keeps on getting better). The initial take off is more than impressive...and I really love demonstrating this fact to my friends and any 18 wheelers that are in my way (I just, effortlessly, leave them in the dust). Dollar for dollar...you cannot lose with this awesome baby. You have everything you would get in highline vehicle...at thousands of dollars less! Im so proud to own a Nissan. Thank you... Ms. Maxima of Atlanta

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  overall gr8 car! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By reggie delgado - April 19 - 4:00 pm

  My mom bought this car brand new in 99 and took gr8 care of it. I got it on my 16th birthday in 05. It had 48,000 miles on it and apart from normal wear and tear items, no repairs were necessary. Ive loved this car even before I got it. The look of the car was what got me first. It had sleek lines and absolutely beautiful pearl white paint. Then inside, the leather is pristine and the controls are very accessible. All my friends loved the car too. The car currently has 108,000+ miles (college and back) and so far, Ive only had to replace the radiator, o2 sensor, MAF sensor, alternator, front and rear struts, and a rebuilt transmission. I plan to keep this car till the wheels fall off!!!

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  A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By MarZai - April 19 - 10:00 am

  A Great Car With Plenty Of Punch Even Into The Triple Digits. Ride Could Be A Bit Smoother. Nothing In Its Price Range Can Even Come Close. I Would Call It The Poor Mans BMW.

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  Awesome - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Gwalker - April 19 - 5:13 am

  The Maxima is a wonderful vehicle. We stepped down from a SUV and have not missed the ride and space that our Suv provided. Jim Keras Nissan helped us make our selection and we are more than pleased. Would definitely purchase another Maxima in the future.

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  Best car ever.... - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Marco Madrazo - April 17 - 7:10 pm

  Folks, this car drives like a starship. Imagine youself in space manuevering a craft, and thats what driving this Maxima is like. The car has saved my life countless times due to its flexibility and quick response on the road. In essence, the car becomes part of you, it was designed to follow your every command.

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  Fuel Economy suffers - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By volsfan16 - April 17 - 5:10 am

  I traded a 2005 Maxima for a 2007 Maxima. The fuel economy was rated the same so I didnt think anything about the CVT affecting it. However this 07 Maxima operates at 25% higher RPMs than my 2005 Maxima did. It also gets 25% less MPG than my 2005 Maxima did. Traveling on the interstate at 70MPH, I get about 23MPG and the RPMs are turning at 2500. In town driving yields gas mileage similar to my V8 full-time 4WD vehicle. Tried consumer affairs to see if this was something that should happen and they were of no help at all. Received a form response that didnt even attempt to answer my question. Also, the CVT is not nearly as responsive as the old transmission.

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  Unimpressed - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By TVTech - April 16 - 10:00 am

  First time owning a Nissan. Size of the car is perfect, great for parking in the city, but handling is unremarkable and has been in the shop too many times. O2 sensors all replaced twice already and have had ECM module replaced twice. Ride too stiff and car severely jolts even at small potholes. Hitting larger ones feel like the car will shake loose. Too much road and air noise. Fuel economy does not meet expectations. Test drove 2004 and found the same stiff ride. Very disappointed, probably wont buy another one.

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  2004 maxima-great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By larryg - April 16 - 10:00 am

  the car is nimble, roomy, fast and fun

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  This is my third Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Millie - April 13 - 6:30 am

  This is a great car inside and out. Comfortable and exciting to drive. Only objections are the poor turning radius and the occasional tendency of the car to "get away" from you when accelerating under certain conditions, two flaws I knew about before purchasing, but which did not deter me because Maximas are so reliable. Also, original set of tires went 60K miles before needing replacement. I owned 1989, 1994 and 2004 models and liked them all. Had zero mechanical problems. Drove the 1994 for 10 yrs, 105K miles and sold it for $5K. I do a lot of highway driving and this car is fantastic for long trips.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Di Wills - April 11 - 2:20 pm

  I love my car. All it need is the Bluetooth audio feature and Ill be happier. I even take my car on road trips with no issues. I bought it with 86k miles in November 2016 and right now Im at 110k in June 2017. This car does suck on making tight U-turns. Thats my only issue with the car.