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:

• 

  Very disappointed in Nissan! NEVER AGAIN - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By nikitat - August 28 - 6:49 pm

  I bought my 2006 Nissan Maxima with 29,000 miles on it, seemed perfect .....I have had problems with the rotors, it blows a headlight or tail light every 2 weeks and to top it all off, now there is something wrong with the transmisson......Im so hurt and disappointed knowing I only have a year left to pay on my car.........Ohhh well, its back to Honda for me! Thanks Nissan for the experience.........NEVER AGAIN!

• 

  are you kidding me? - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By p. morris - August 26 - 6:43 am

  This car is awesome. I have had this car for exactly one day. I dont need more to write this review. I know something about cars; have owned and driven mercedes, audi, bmw, infinity, and most of the rest. They do not touch this car. It is beautiful, inside and out (subjective of course). Feels like a tank but drives like (or better than) the 330 I traded up from for about 1/2 the price. All the bells and whistles. Looks and feels great. I dont even care if gas mileage is not great. Please dont buy this car. I want exclusivity on the roads.

• 

  Best car around - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By mlargie - August 26 - 2:00 am

  the best car i had so far

• 

  Nissan Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By R. BRUCE - August 25 - 11:23 pm

  This car handles very well on road. It is very comfortable sitting. It is very quiet on the road.

• 

  From 02 Altima to 04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By hh56pkd - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the SL. Got 26.5 mpg on recent trip. Getting 22 in town. Only problem is gas cap is very hard to turn when putting back on. And, heating control settings still confusing when operating manually instead of on Automatic. Now have 2800 miles on it. Especially enjoying the Sirius Satellite Radio (no commercials) Smooth and quiet ride and plenty of power.

• 

  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By underh2o - August 19 - 9:53 am

  This is my second Maxima, my last one a 2000 which I loved 10 out of 10. The 2004 Maxima although an extremely cool looking car has been a major let down. So far the exhaust heat shield has come loose three times, front strut snapped, electronic chip needed to be reset, navigation sometimes wont boot, cannot replace a simple light bulb without surgery, major torque steer, interior paneling keeps seperating, seat heat buttons cave into the console with almost no pressure, and the list goes on. The 2000 Maxima was a quality build. Nissan went cheap on quality in 2004. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. Maybe Ill buy an Acura TL with more features for the same amount of money.

• 

  THE CAR THE DOES NOT LEAVE YOU STRANDED - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By CALVIN - August 18 - 10:00 am

  OWNED A 1994 MAXIMA FOR 10 YEARS. GIVING IT TO MY SON. WELL KEPT, A MAXIMA SHOULD LAST FOREVER. WILL PROBOBLY OWN A 2013!

• 

  2004 Maxima After 8000 miles - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DrivingMIssDonna - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had more close calls with vehicles pulling out in front of me with this car, (I think the liquid Silver color blends with the pavement). It also hydra planes (big wide 18" tires)on wet roads more than any car since my 1978 rabbit.

• 

  Awesome Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By jeallen - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Always dreamed of owning a Maxima and my dreams came true in 99. Purchased a 98 GXE and have since added a spoiler which really increased the looks. Great car, runs like a top with 93K miles on it and going strong.

• 

  LEMON - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Melly - August 13 - 4:56 pm

  I will have to say that this car has really cost me an arm and a leg. This car has been to the dealership over 20 times since I purchased it in 2005. I had to replace several front end parts at 30,000 miles or less. Also, at 72, 000 miles I had to replace the transmission. Nissan was very awful at fixing their own products. This car has literally broke me in the past two years. My maxima is in the shop at this time getting a hub and strut assembly for the front right. I am very upset about purchasing this car. I have replaced almost every part on the car with the exception of an new engine. I will never purchase another Nissan.