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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  NEVER AGAIN - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By dhayward4 - October 19 - 6:11 pm

  Was driving a 01 Accord, got bored and wanted a change. So I purchased this car on St. Pattys Day in 09 with 57xxx miles on it. Got a good deal on the car. At first I loved my new car. But then it changed. QUICK. I heard of the transmission problems but figured that it wouldnt happen to me. Well it did. Shortly after that I had to replace all 4 tires 2 times. With 18 factory tires arent going to be cheap. Add the Z rating, now tires wont last long at all. After the tires came the headlights. $200 for all the lights up front to be changed. Next was the struts, shocks, bearings ect. $1200 later. Now I am in need to replace the timing belt. Car is a money pit.

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  Carls review - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pcnbpt - October 18 - 2:16 am

  love it so far...navigation system has some dead areas geographically

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  worth every penny - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By phil ct - October 18 - 2:00 am

  i bought my max a 99 se gle combo a yr ago its the best model you can order every option is installed and i have put 48,000 hard slave driving miles on it everyday. and the speedo doesnt lye nissan says it tops out at a max speed of 149 mph and i can vouch for that! guys like it girls like it better so what are you waiting for go get yours !!!!

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  Second time around - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Gumby - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Owned a 97 maxima SE, and after 181,085 miles, I got tired of looking at it. Never broke, great performance, just tired of shifting. Bought a used 2001 with low miles, and an automatic. Great car, great reliability.

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  Wouldnt buy it again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rachel - October 13 - 11:03 am

  Bought this car after owning an Acura and a Camry. Both the Acura and Camry which are now 15 years old have had less problems than this Maxima. Had to have transmission replaced after warranty ran out. AC compressor had to be replaced. Motor went out on the driver seat and it will not move- not worth the expense ($250) to replace it. There is a constant rattle in the back panel. Nissan has not helped one bit with any of this or with the poor service and the run around I got at a particular Nissan dealership. Lastly the interior design with the radio, temp control, etc. is terrible and difficult to use while driving with all those buttons. I will never buy another Nissan. Get a Camry!

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  The Shoe - Living Legend 194000 - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By The Shoe - A Legend - October 10 - 4:33 am

  I love this car. It has been a part of my life for 10 years, a I have loved every part of it. Reliable as anything I have ever owned. We call it the shoe, because well, it looks like a black shoe. Has 194000 miles and 58 oil changes. Runs like a champ and still gets 20 mpg.

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  Transmission - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By kevin - October 9 - 11:04 am

  i should of looked this car up before i brought it cause everybody is talking about a bad transmission got mt car with 85k miles on it dealer said he just put a new transmission in it but doesnt seem like it car jerks forward alot when shifting gears i think nissan should have to recall this car if everybody is having the same problem.

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  CVT is HORRIBLE!! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Fred - October 8 - 10:23 am

  This is my 6th Nissan (third Maxima) and my last. There is a constant rumbling vibration felt through the gas pedal and steering wheel between 20-45 mph. Dealer tried couldnt fix it, so rep came and said "this is normal for this transmission". NORMAL!? For a $30,000 car! They tout this new transmission as seamless, which apparently its not. So, Im now stuck with it! Its a design flaw Nissan wont admit to.

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  A great Car for the money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By rsudarsa - October 8 - 10:00 am

  My SE is about only two weeks old. I find that the car performs extremely well and handling is superb: power on demand, especially when merging with traffic in the highways. Performance is inversely proportional to mileage. Xenon lamps are great and the audio system is decent too. Opening the windows with a remote is an ideal feature. A good performance car in all respects.

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  To the Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lenny B - October 8 - 10:00 am

  After five years in a Volvo, its a true pleasure to be back in a Maxima. Everywhere I go someone is looking at and complementing this car. I continue to be suprised at the available performance when I need to use the accelerator. After driving the SE model and the Infinity G35 sedan I selected the SL for its quietluxurious ride and standard features. With the 320 w Bose audio system playing my favorite CD I become lost in the spacious cabin and the idea of "Road Rage" is a thing of the past. Several switches located on the dash and in the center console could be relocated to allow the operator to see them.