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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  Passenger airbag light malfunction - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By gdoucet - November 27 - 1:34 am

  I purchased my 11 Maxima new on 03/31/2011 and have had an issue with the passenger side airbag light coming on with an adult passenger in the seat. When the light is on, it reflects that the airbag is in the off position. I have brought the problem to my dealers attention, Giles Nissan, Lafayette, LA ever since my first 3,750 oil change service, and was given a variety of reasons. At first the dealer could not locate the trouble then I was told that it was normal. I finally brought my wife with me and rode with a service tech who witnessed the problem. Since then, different techs at different times have experienced the light on, however the issue has not yet been resolved.

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  Whats Wrong with Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By WhyMe - November 24 - 3:50 pm

  I got a great deal on this car and I guess I know why. Being a mechanic, I can tell you these cars have problems not worth fixing. On the 2000-2003 Maxima, the computers give faulty signals saying sensors arent functioning properly. After manually checking each sensor to determine that the mass-airflow sensor needed to be replaced and not the O2 sensors, I replaced that. In addition, the O2 and cooling sensors will go and theyre $200 each for parts and there are 12 total (6 cooling, 6 O2). And that wont fix it. Ive now ran all electrical/computer test and the only way to fix it is to take parts off one that runs and put them on mine. Imagine the cost for a non mechanic.

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  From 04SL TO 07SL - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By JSuggs - November 23 - 9:56 pm

  I traded up from a 04SL MAX .. The 07 is what the 04 should have been. MUCH improved in all areas. Quiet smooth ride. Build quality much improved. The more I drive it .. the happier I get !! It is different car than my old 04SL especially in ride and handling ....

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  What a pleasure to drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By xraymike11 - November 23 - 9:06 pm

  Pros: It feels solid and has quality materials. Quality has been exceptional. The Xenon lights are wicked bright. The 3.5L engine is powerful and smooth (my favorite part of the car). The radio controls on the steering wheel are easy and conveneint to use. The 17" wheels are beautiful, and corner well. Suspension is stiff, which is how I like it (other models are softer if you like). Cons: The turning radius seems exceptionally wide, making parking harder than it should. Power drivers seat took some experimenting to find a good position for me.

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  2001 Nissan Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By J. Mattern - November 23 - 4:53 pm

  Bought SE model, loaded, new in 01. Check engine light and o2 sensors a continuous problem for last 8 years. Dealers stick it to you each time attempted to fix these issues. Finally gave up years ago and just live with. Car now has 200K miles and continue to drive as winter vehicle, but must say the engine has been very solid. Bought a 15" Blizzak tire/wheel package (all four wheels) to replace the 17" Potenzas for winter driving and this car rolls through the bad winters of Upstate New York like 4 wheel drive! Would likely not buy another Nissan vehicle as the frequent warning lights on the dash are just a pain.

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  A dream car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony K - November 23 - 8:03 am

  This is my second maxima and I love it. My first one had 104,000 trouble free miles when I traded for the 07. This is truly a remarkable car and a dream to drive. I drive about 70 miles a day and with the maxima it is in maximum confort and safety. Love everything about it and it gives the maximum quality for the dollar. Keep it up Nissan, for you know what a consumer wants.

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  Better Than Honda, Toyota or VW - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By agraff - November 20 - 11:40 am

  We test drove Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Audi A4 and we were blown away with the new Nissan Maxima. The looks inside and out, feel and performance all stand out above the others we drove. This car handles so tight and has so much power that you feel constrained to drive the speed limit. The only negative is the recommended premium fuel and the gas mileage. The dealer really downplays the premium fuel, in fact we had to ask about it. We are getting right on the EPA fuel rating of 26-27 highway using regular.

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  Picked Over Accord - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Trudi - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I was ready to purchase an Accord until I drove the Maxima. Best car I have ever owned. I like the body style and colors offered. More horsepower with the Maxima. Great features. A true luxury car at affordable price. Interior is much more refined than the Altima.

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  Nice car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Stazer - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, except for 3 things that I dont like about it. Back seats are not good for tall people, suspension is Rough on the SE (you feel every bump), making a U-Turn is hard, same with parking spots. Also if you hit the gas and there is bumps on the road you better hold onto the wheel cause it locks up and and jerks really hard.

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  We love it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cdnbum - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car with a lot of power. It definately is a head-turner. It is nice not to see tooo many on the road, so it still seems to have its aura. This is my first Nissan (Black on Black), We turned in our leased BMW 328 and this car is very comparable in my opinion on all levels.