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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  2016 Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Debby - April 11 - 1:46 am

  This is my fourth Maxima and will be my last. Have never been so disappointed in my life! Pat Peck in Gulfport lied; no more vehicles from them!! Hate this car.

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  2016 Maxima Platinum - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - April 10 - 7:31 pm

  I planned on waiting for the 2016 Honda Accord Touring to arrive, but fell in love with the Maxima as soon as I saw it. This is a beautiful car with plenty of technology inside and out. They spent a lot of time redesigning this car and hit the nail on the head on almost everything. The only real complaint I have is leg room. Im a big guy (61", 235 lbs) and like more room than the Maxima offers, but Im not uncomfortable at all. I got a good price, because I used Truecar to get a good price. I paid $37,500 for the Platinum model.

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  MR. MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By skillz69 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Simply put you have to drive this car to feel the sensation it produces for the driver. This is such a smooth driving car which is also quick and precise. The SE which I own has got a really controlled ride and handling. The motor and transmission are so flexible it is smooth and wild at the same time. Kick this baby down and listen to the motor hustle the car seamlessly. I had a 2001 Maxima as well and hated to part with it. After having this for about a year I have never felt bad about my 2001 Maxima loss. This is a car that needs to be driven to appreciate.

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  sure bet - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By fabdog - April 10 - 6:30 am

  First car that after 2 years of owning it, I still enjoy driving. Great gas mileage on trips averaging 30 MPG on recent trip. Cant ask for much better with the power you have at your disposal. I highly recommend this car. GM eat your heart out.

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  Second Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John F - April 8 - 5:23 pm

  Overall, a very good car. Smooth and quiet motor, handling excellent, fun to drive. Several minor issues start to add up, though. The light grey interior and titanium trim really reflect off the steep windshield, impairing visibility. The lumbar support is too high, and the seat is hard to get comfortable in. The $1,000 option Bose radio is not as good as the stock radio on my previous 97 Maxima. It has a "tuned EQ" for the car that cant be changed, but just sounds boomy. There is a lot of very noticable torque steer. Also, Im not convinced there is any advantage to a 6 speed manual transmission over a 5 speed. You spend a lot of time shifting.

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  Just looking for roads with curves - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By ACOO - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Got the 20th Anniv Edition with the 5- speed manual since my previous 1988 and 1997 Maxima SEs all had 5-speed manual trans. I might have a biased opinion The automobile handles gracefully and is always begging for more. Exterior is complimented by factory installed spoilers and all around ground effects and interior is beautifully done. Overall, highly recommended if you need exitement in your everyday commute.

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  Nssan Maxisauras - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By eddie - April 3 - 10:30 pm

  I prchased a 2000 Nissan Maxima when it was brand new. I owned it for 16 months and sold it. I did not always use recommended premium fuel and it caused the engine to exhibit gurgling sounds especially in between gears or going up hill slowly. The turning radius was terrible as was the economy. 40% of epa. Cheap leather and interior materials. Like most maximas it burns headlights

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  Family Hot Rod - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By glenn - April 2 - 12:06 pm

  This car is not your boring family car.Plenty of room for everyone and fun to drive. The power is unbelievable. Get compliments on the looks all the time. We have had it for a year and no mechanical problems. No steering or suspension problems as in other reviews.The eagle rsa are cracking on the sidewall with 34,000 mi.Only downsides are torque steer and turning radius.

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  357,000 Strong - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Greg - March 29 - 7:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Well this one has lasted me almost 10 years. My dad owned it before me. We have changed the oil every 3000 miles. The only problem I have ever had was the starter went out. It has 357,000 miles on it and still runs like the day I bought it from my father.

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  gimme some mpg - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By heygary - March 27 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had the 07 for about four months and have put six k miles on it, and have not gotten over 23 mpg. Ive bumped the tire pressure to near forty pounds, went with synthetic oil, and still average about 21-22 mpg city or highway, doesnt matter. I do really enjoy the ride; starts are indeed less than stellar, but on the highway the car performs admirably. Hard acceleration gets you lots of torque steering issues. Love the keyless entry and rear sonar. CVT is super cool driving up and down mountains, as you dont feel the car downshift.