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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  Dont buy this car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jfriar52 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Seats are uncomfortable to sit in for over ten minutes, poor paint quality cause more chips than I can count, poor quality glass scratches and chips easy, interior materials scratch easily, two recalls already and only had the car 6 months, service is terrible (takes twice as long to perform service as they say, no dealer will schedule recall service on weekend because they dont want to lose money (inconvenience for those who have jobs), engine is strong but at times the engine and transmission tend to buck, terrible aerodynamics(at highway speeds any wind gusts make the car lift and make it difficult to control) Save your money and buy something else.

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  Best Nissan ever - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By jason doyle - March 6 - 10:33 am

  The new Maxima is the best Nissan except perhaps the skyline (not available in the US yet) ever made. This car can fly. It is quick, agile, and smooth at the sametime. I have had mine for almost a month now and absolutely love it. I do however have some recommendations to Nissan. The interior display with the orange lighting for the digital readout needs to go, it looks cheap. The other thing is maybe having a paddle shifter and more available Nismo performance parts. All items are extremely minor. I looked at numerous models of cars before I bought this one. Hands down the most bang for the buck out there.

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  If you love to drive - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Terry Tedford - March 6 - 8:18 am

  This is a drivers car. Great pickup and engine growl in sport mode. Its a heavy car so handling is good but not great. During a 4 hour drive the seats stayed wonderfully comfortable. Firm and supportive. While at a stop light, several people have told me how great the car looks. So far very satisfied.

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  Flawed Model - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck - March 6 - 2:46 am

  The Nissan Maxima has always been a "dream car" of mine. Now that I finally own one, I am a bit disappointed. To its credit, the car is beautiful inside and out and a blast to drive. Unfortunately, all my visits to the service department have soured my overall experience. In two years, I have had two recalls. One for a wire in the seat (minor), and another for a corroding rear sub- frame. The latter is a major repair. The battery has also corroded on me and I have had 2 front-driver-side struts go out in less than a years time. There seems to be a lot of corroding going on for a car less than two years old. Yes, its still under warranty, but I feel my troubles are just beginning.

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  2007 maxima se - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By sueby - March 5 - 4:10 pm

  love the car.. se maxima loaded with preferred sensory package and nav.. its awesome. everything i expected

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  2000 Nissan Maxima poor acceleration - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Kat - March 4 - 5:00 pm

  This car wouldnt go 50 mph. Just dogged out. I changed plugs hoping for a fouled plug. no such luck. frightened to death of going to Nissan dealer after being slammed for ignition coil packs. $2000.00 I proceeded to local Autozone and asked Manager Dave of any possible symptoms. I had a bottle of typical injector cleaner. He told me to put the other back and buy Lucas fuel injector cleaner so I did. I drove down the local I 90 thruway 50 miles. This stuff had this 230 horse Maxima screaming again. I could not believe it. Everybody, before to start replacing all kinds of hopeful parts, spend $5.99. You might have the same luck. Again Lucas Fuel Injector cleanr. This stuff works. Big savings!

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  Front passenger airbag problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By BZL - March 4 - 4:33 pm

  The front passenger air bag off indicator comes on and off while driving. My girlfriend weighs 98 lbs. The dealer and Nissan are unable to solve the issue. On four other Mazimas that we test drove we found that in only my car the airbag off indicator comes on and off. On other cars it is always off meaning the airbag will deploy in case of an accident. In my car the airbag may or may not deploy in case of an accident. This is a passenger safety issue. Nissan tells me that my girlfriend is too light and needs to sit properly on the front seat.They have asked me to have her ride in the back seat on my car.I am having a hard time getting this safety issue resolved with Nissan.

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  RELIABLE CAR, MINOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Hector27 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  my experience with this vehicle so far has being very good. no major mechanical problems; except for a "Bad COIL" that caused the check engine light to appear in the instrument panel. transmition feels very smooth no problems there. noise ratio outside to inside very good.

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  great car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jacob - March 1 - 12:40 am

  not only was this car more affordable than its competitors, but the quality was outstanding. this car can really get up and go. i would consider this is you want more out of a vehicle than just a daily commuter. it will instill a passion for driving

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By palaman - February 27 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned this car for three years and I have only had to have the rear bearings changed, a new batery, new tires, and new sepentine belts. Just regular maintenance ... except for the bearings. Even though its a 98 it is comfortable and very reliable. Recommended!!