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:

• 

  A car that will shorten your trips - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MOHSpearhead - November 1 - 2:00 am

  After 3 months ownership I am more impressed with the car now than when I purchased it. Excellent ride and performance. Very comfortable, two hour drives seem short. Great fuel mileage of 22 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the road. Chose this car over 2004 Infiniti G35. Maxima is larger and more roomy. Maximas retain better resale value after 4 years than Infiniti (wife has 2000 Infiniti I30 and 2000 maximas bluebook for more.

• 

  Nissan Maxima GLE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By kabisco - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car has a roomy interior with very comfortable seating. The exterior design is sleek with smoothh contours. It is very sturdy on the road with little or no noise penetrating the interior. It seems to be very reliable thus far, requiring only basic maintenance to keep it performing at an optimum level. I would definitely, highly recommend it.

• 

  fun to drive - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By GPB - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car a month, but Ive driven my brothers 97 SE and liked it so much I bought one myself. Great acceleration, good handling, fantastic Bose stereo.

• 

  Top Gun - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By LStrick - October 28 - 1:20 pm

  The car is a blast to drive. Keep your fuel injectors clean! Mine is an automatic SE, leather interior. What I love most is that no matter how fast Im going(60-90mph), when I step on the gas, I get instant hard strong acceleration. The faster I go, the more stable it is. I drive LA Basin freeways, people speed up to try to prevent you from making a lane change in front of them, but the Maxima is too fast for them. I accelerate too, and all they can do is watch my tail lights. Mine has 150,000 miles on it, and still going strong. I commute 90 freeway miles one way to work, and wouldnt drive anything else.

• 

  02 MAXIMA SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By kkitchens - October 26 - 8:26 pm

  The car is the compromise for a sports/luxury/family car. I love the car esp. the power. The front wheel bearing went out at 34,000 and I know someone with a little over 100,000 on his 02 SE and it has went out 4 times. It makes me think I need to get rid of mine. My O2 sensor went out the next after my bearing. Thank God it is still under warranty. Nissan needs to try to fix this problem. This is my only gripe about this car. The customer service you recieve could be improved by leaps and bounds.

• 

  Great Performance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By YoYoMan - October 26 - 6:46 pm

  Been a Great Car so far. Fun to drive, great for road trips. 33 MPG on the highway! Love the engine, friend has a 2005 Mustang GT and the Max gives it a run for its money. Looks spectacular with tinted windows and 18" Chrome Wheel Package.

• 

  Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Reypsu - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a great deal. The performance is excellent and the styling is good.

• 

  20 th Ann. Max! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Cacace - October 21 - 10:00 am

  All Great and even after 3.5 years.

• 

  Camrys and Accords are for suckers. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By thor444 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  It has a Six Speed Manual, 255 Horsepower Yiming Chain Driven motor, LSD front end, HID Lights and never needs anything. People who compare Camrys and Accords to this car are diluting themselves.

• 

  4000 Mile Update, love it with a few gripes. - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By tmac4718 - October 21 - 3:32 am

  My overall satisfaction with the maxima has been very good, not spectacular, but very good. Lets get the bad things out of the way first. Annoying rattle coming from the rear deck, rear deck speakers, brake light or somewhere. I have never owned a car with any rattle before so not impressed, it didnt do it when I took it in of course but will keep looking. On sunny days the auto climate control fan speed stays on way to high, will never calm down. My 08 altima didnt do this. The passenger seat is one of the most uncomfortable seats ever ridden in, thank god I never have too. It sits to tall, almost like it was designed for a kid, and much more adjustability needed.