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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  I Love it, I want a 2002 - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Fradom - December 17 - 10:03 am

  Sporty, reliable, and fun

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  4 Door Z? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By James - December 16 - 5:23 am

  Having bought a luxury car for the Mrs., I wanted something sporty. For me the Maxima SE was the one, since my 90 Max, with well over 200K mi., was ready to be upgraded. Found an 04 with 12K miles on it and scooped it up. I would have loved to have had the Z, but with 2 children, I went for the next best thing. Two words: Close Enough!! It has plenty of room, lots of gadgets, which I like, an extremely powerful engine, a tranny you cant even feel shift, and the BOSE system is sweet. It rides nice and smooth for a car sitting on 18s, and takes corners like nobodys business. I love the distinct body style, from the aggressive front end to the mean pipes in back. This is one nice ride!!

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  Great looking car but with issues - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By P Scott - December 14 - 5:01 am

  I am only 6 tall but I had issues with the extra thick door at the knee level and the extremley high console at the knee level. This caused my knees to be way too close together making it an uncomfortable driving position for me. Also the gas pedal it too far to the right-not a natural position at all. The worst part of the Platinum model is the sound system. Very flat, very tinny, cheap sound! We have owned 2 Maximas and 2 Infinitis and all had Bose sound systems in them. Right away, we realized that the current sound system in the 2016 Platinum is very-very inferior to all of our previous Bose car systems. Our Toyota van sounds much better and it is just the basic sound system, not a Bose. We tried all sources of music and did all adjustments you can make and the sound system has very weak bass and just a very plain sound. This caused us to not buy the car actually. Love the look and performance but being uncomfortable for me to drive and weak sounding sound. Very sad but true

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  Terrible Handling - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Driver in Pain - December 13 - 6:33 pm

  This vehicle does not handle well to say the least. I need to fight to keep it straight on the road. My wrists are in extreme pain after driving 20-30 miles. Others who have driven have had the same complaint. I initially thought I received a defective vehicle, but apparently Nissans technicians and Nissan Consumer Affairs feel the vehicle performs to factory specifications. Do yourself a favor and stick to a similarly classified Toyota or Honda product. I have previously leased both and have been much happier.

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  I love my MAX. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Dick - December 12 - 1:33 pm

  This is my 3rd Max, I trade every year. Its the best bang for your buck if you want a fast, well appointed sports sedan. Great acceleration, and a tight, yet smooth ride in a luxury sedan. The SE with low profile tires handles a little better (my car last year), but the SLs ride is smoother without giving up too much in the handling department. You really notice this difference at speeds over 90. The interior of the SL is very well done and comparable to more expensive sports sedans. The SE interior is more mundane lacking the flash of an SL. Quality is very good. Ive had no problems except of a small rattle in the SE I had last year. Ill buy another one next year.

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  Just OK - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By petemck - December 11 - 2:15 pm

  I bought a 2011 SV with Premium package in February. I previously owned a 1998 Maxima SE 5speed manual that I bought new. This new Max has better steering but the CVT in automatic mode is awful and the torque steer at higher speed (75-85mph) is dangerous. My dealer experience also left a lot to be desired.

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  Good car, not quite a great car. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NW Driver - December 9 - 7:00 pm

  The 04 is the 3rd Maxima Ive owned (95 GXE &99 GLE previously). The redesign caught my eye as Nissan really upgraded from the previous bland edition. Looked initially at the SL model, but the handling of the SE sold me. It took me awhile to get used to the firmer feel, but when you can get it on the highway, it rides very smooth. The brushed aluminum vs. the wood grain on the inside took some getting used to, but now I really like it. Have gotten several positive comments from passengers and others about the overall look of the car.

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  Best car Ive ever had! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By scdavies - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has EVERYTHING I wanted and at a price I was VERY happy with. Got the Drivers Preferred Package w/o VDC or TCS (I dont need/want them). It is fast and fun to drive. I LOVE IT!!

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  Excellent for the Money - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark99 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Maxima. It always seems that you get more car than you paid for. I traded in an Accord for this Max and am totally satisfied. Great value.

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  MAXIMA IS GREAT - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By SCOTTIE - December 7 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS GREAT. IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR AT A GREAT PRICE. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE LITTLE TO NO PROBLEMS. MY CAR HAS OVER 125,000 MILES AND RUNS LIKE IT IS BRAND NEW. THE CAR CAME WITH LOTS OF GOOD AMMENITIES - CAR LOOKS ASTONISHING.