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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  Just great - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dfsgfdfsdrgr3er - March 27 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. You have to love the VQ35DE. Its smooth, and if you squint, you can hear a V12!

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  Loving it! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Joy - March 25 - 3:53 pm

  My husband and I are preparing for our first child so we needed a family car. I still have my Mitz 3000GT but you cant drive kids around it that. Anyway, my husband is 65 and he loves the room the car offers. He does not feel boxed in at all. I like that fact that it handles like my 3000 but gives me more room. We were debating between this car and the Chrylser 300 but for the price and features the Maxima came out on top. Great car!!!!!!

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Lori - March 25 - 6:10 am

  I have owned numerous cars in the past from luxury to high performance. This car is the best car I have EVER owned. I have never, not once, had any mechanical failure or difficulty in regards to the engine. The only problems that I had were initially, when I bought the car, the right rear window mechanism broke 2 times in 2 weeks. It was replaced both times.

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  My 95 Maxima! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By AshFromHBG - March 22 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car about 1 1/2 yrs ago and have had a few issues. I had to replace the alternator a little after buying it which was sort of expected. I replaced some "knock sensor" which was about $450.00 and I now need to replace an EGR solenoid. I know that will be costly as well. I bought the car for $6500.00 and have put much money into it. It is all paid off and now I am having these knock sensor, EGR issues. Also, I need struts. They say the suspension is bad on the car (probably front and back) I would not trade this car for anything else though. I love it. I will need to replace the speakers and the stereo as the Bose CD player died and the speakers are beginning to crack.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Max Man - March 21 - 6:16 pm

  Have recently purchased the 2007 Maxima SE. Before that had a 2005 Altima SE. The Maxima offers great features with a smooth transmission (CVT). Very comfortable car to drive as I put on a lot of KM per year. Nice finishing touches inside Maxima logo inside evry door chrome acents. Drove a few luxury sedans G35 TL and pricing and options on the Maxima SE matched others and own 2 other Nissans 1986 300ZX turbo (my fun summer car) and 2005 Xterra.

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  giddy-Up - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dUdE - March 21 - 10:00 am

  been looking around for a car like this one...my first car was a honda accord ex v6...(which is very common)...i wanted a car that no one really had around the area...and im glad that i went with this choice...my other option was a bmw 328i which i dreamed for...but im happy with my choice right now...it does me good...gives me what i wanted in a vehicle...i bought this vehicle used...its in great condition with 50,000 miles already on it and still rising...

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  Get Your Own!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MadMAXin CT - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is truly an awesome car!! From the head turning style to the neck snapping accelleration, I LOVE IT!!! The 265HP V6 is smooth and fast. The 5spd auto trans is also smooth as silk. The handling is very nimble and steady. No push, very little body roll while cornering or in curves. Monster 18" wheels, wide tires, this is GREAT!! averging 24mpg. Not too shabby for such a powerful engine. Great fit, finish. Interior is roomy and nicely appointed. Great sound system and the race inspired gauge binacle is sweet and well lit. Maybe the guy who wrote the first review should trade his in. Perhaps he thought he was buying something different?

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  Maxima #1 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kevmax - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The car rides great and when you need to pass there is no better engine than the Nissan V6. I debated between the Altima V6 and the Maxima, but Im very happy with my decision. The tighter suspension on the Maxima, bigger wheels, the controlled acceleration, along with the safety features, the cars slow depreciation and the cars overall history helped me make a better decision.

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  Fun To Drive - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By MC Hammer - March 20 - 4:43 am

  Bought this car from another Maxima enthusiast. Have some upgrades. Sway bars on the front and back. 2004 Maxima front brakes which gave it larger rotors. KN intake system. Love the 5 speed. Smokes both front tires for along as I want. Face it, I got a good one!! Cruises nicely at 100 mph and has plenty left. I replaced the front struts and tinted the windows. With proper maintenance this car will last. I did replace 2 coils and a starter but so what. No problem with anything else. I have seen some very expensive repair bills. I believe some of the people need to shop around because they are paying WAY TOO much.

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  Impressive - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By DT - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Just traded a 2007 Infiniti G35X for the Max (no Infiniti dealer near to get a 2010 G37), so initially I thought I was taking a slight step backwards. I missed the intelligent cruise control in the Infiniti line, but overall, I have been impressed with the car. Mileage is 26+ on the highway in hills, which is better than the G. Its a bit bigger car and has a larger trunk than the G (but it is still small). Have all the toys on it. Very satisfied.