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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  Nissan Max base model is fine - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By ye Stevens - November 17 - 11:23 pm

  Ive read the other reviews and compared to them my experience has been good. I never had to take it back during the warranty period. I can related to comments about occasional rotten egg smell, and very bad turning radius. But its fun to drive and feels solid. Tires very pricey (I ruined one).

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  Great Car - 2014 Nissan Maxima
  By clh6 - November 16 - 7:58 pm

  I have had my Maxima for a couple months and love it. I have had it on short trips and 3 plus hour drives. The comfort is a welcome relief..even after 3 hrs I am not miserable and back does not hurt. I average 26mpg hwy and city driving, If I had to complain about anything it would be that there is not an audio warning on the back up camera. This car drives like a more expensive make. Friends cannot believe that it was under 35K.

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  Excellent Car; Excellent value - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Chad - November 16 - 7:56 am

  My wife leased her 2006 Maxima SE 5AT and really enjoys it. We got a great lease deal that was much better than anything else in this class. Overall the car seems great; will know more once we put some miles on the Maxima. The engine, style (both interior and exterior) are very nice, and the features on this car are better than many cars costing $10k more. I recently purchased a 2006 G35 sedan 6MT and it lacks several of the features this car has and costs 10% more. You will not be disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Used Maxima - Good Experience - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By FredoinSF - November 13 - 7:16 am

  I bought the 2000 Nissan Maxima after being a loyal BMW follower for several years. So far I have not had any major issues. The car rides well, is very roomy, and very comfortable. I wish it handled as well as the BMW in the twisties and had a smoother and more direct shifting manual transmission though. Given the price that I paid for the Maxima, these are minor complaints. More concerning is the turning radius - I think a school bus cuts corners better. Nonethless, this is a great car for commuting and road trips. I would buy another Nissan product in a heartbeat . If I had to replace the Maxima today, I would have an Infiniti G35 in the garage. Its faster, handles better, and turns like a car instead of a truck.

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  My first Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By The McGrath Clan - November 12 - 7:06 pm

  I had traded in my 01 Quest for this first time beauty. I am floored by its performance and handling. At first glance it is easy to mistake it for a heavy luxury car. Drive it once and put that myth to bed. It is practical for the family issue, yet youthful for some solo time. I actually wake up earlier than normal, ready to shred some much driven road. Cannot say enough what an absolute blast this car is to drive.

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  Fantastic Maxima - Best in the Market - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MAX2004 - November 5 - 11:33 pm

  Usually I do not give review unless I like the vehicle 100%. The 6th generation maxima is best in the industry. I purchased the vehicle in Aug, 2004 since then I put on around 18500 miles. No major problems. Only problem I had initially was with balancing. That was resolved with in 2 months after I purchased. Since then till today, I have no other issues. I always use premium fuel and getting consistent 25 miles per gal. Till today my car looks beautiful as new. Excellent performance and very comfortable. Before I used maxima, I used Toyota and Honda vehicles. They never come closer to the 6th generation maxima. I love my maxima. Thanks to Nissan

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  "Smooth Car" - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TomB03 - November 4 - 1:43 pm

  This car is smooth. Abundant torque, loads of space, plenty of amenities and four doors make for a very fun ride indeed.

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  Super comfortable! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By jwhizzz - November 2 - 3:58 am

  Ive had a lot of cars, and this was by far the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever had. I was the third owner and at 136K miles, it was totaled after being t-boned but still drives great (wow!). I had a problem with my airbag light flashing, but didnt worry about it. Smoothest ride EVER - great for road trips, and fine in my old neighborhood with street dips. No little annoyances like in so many other vehicles. Keep up with maintenance, and youll be so happy with this car. Highly recommend.

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  My Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Sheliteful - November 1 - 11:33 pm

  I bought this car for 9,000 in Jan 2006, it had 80,000 miles and was in exceptional shape, clean engine, clean interior with a couple of superficial tiny scratches. It now has over 104,00 miles on it and this year marked the first time i had to have any work done ....New Alternator, belts & battery, pretty good considering the battery and belts were the originals along with the alternator. Its a great car, rides smooth, can hardly hear the engine, everything still works...a/c, steering wheel audio control and cruise control. The headlamps do tend to cloud & I feel they are a not as bright as they should be.The front passenger window moves up and down extremely slow (Has since i bought it)

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  a good compromise - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By skippys - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Good compromises: its spirited yet soft and peppy yet docile. Backseat and trunk more useable than some of its competitors. Engine pulls hard and sounds good throughout most of its range although top end thrust is lacking. Auto has a hard 1-2 shift when cold. I found the steering wheel more comfortable/responsive than others. Interior looks great although there are a couple of rattles/squeaks (easily fixable, but still). Overall Im pleased and wouldnt be considerably happier (for what I was willing to spend) without two different cars. It can either comfortably haul around four people or I can play.