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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  Im in love - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By 95se - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Honestly I havent driven a better vehicle. Fun, Fast, and Stylish, the Maxima leaves me with absolutely no complaints to express.

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  hate it - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 3333 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  this car has given me nothing but problems since i bought it. i had to replace the whole engine.

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  A car in its own league - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By snoopdade - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Its is one of the best car buying choices i ever made.

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  Hard to beat - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By andy - January 5 - 4:43 am

  First sedan since a 94 New Yorker. Soft ride and poor handling was its undoing. I purchased an SE for its ride and handling. Purchased every available option which makes it an SL with an SE ride. Turning and keyless entry takes some getting use to.

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  Cool, smooth, and fun - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By topper - January 3 - 5:10 pm

  I love this little car. It drives like a much more expensive sports sedan, (this one is the SE model), and has given me 3+ years of troublefree service, and I dont take care of it like I should. The only preblem I have ever had is ironically with the much touted Bose sound system, w/the 6 disc changer. It has been replaced twice (at no charge to me, even AFTER it was out of warranty), and it yet again is skipping and stops playing in below 50 degree weather until the interior warms up. Other than that the car and the dealership service department have been great!

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  Better than advertised! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike G. - January 3 - 11:53 am

  This car may not be a "4 door sports car" but it is a great combination of comfort and sport. I was looking for something quick and did not want to give up luxury and comfort. I found all in my Maxima. Great car, even better with huge discount and 0% financing for 5 years!

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  Nice Ride - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Pmac - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Very sporty sedan with plenty of smooth power. I suggest the leather seats and Bose stereo.

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  Chose over G35 at last minute - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WdnUlik2no - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I was all set to get the G35 until the Infiniti dealer let me drive the G over to compare it with the Max one last time. Some major pluses IMO over the G35 is there is more space, bigger tires, overall the car looks better, the interior is done slightly better and you get a lot more options for the same price. The areas where the G35 stand out is 1) pampering at infiniti dealers 2) has better handling than the Max. 3) luxury. Long term wise the G is probally better overall but if you dont plan to keep cars for more than 3 or 4 years then the max is better.

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  Great Car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Alannn - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever own, 131K and runs like new!

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  First Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Carter - December 20 - 1:16 pm

  While there is a special place in my heart for this car, I cant recommend the GXE. With such a powerful engine, the car was all over the place. The extra handling power of the SE is necessary. I loved the way this car looked, inside and out, especially with the spoiler. Interior materials felt premium to me. Loved the beige velour seats. It was pretty well equipped for a base model with no options.