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 my Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By KRIS - October 8 - 12:00 am

  Well my husband bought me a Maxima on Jan. 2nd. It was not really a planned purchase, but I am very pleased with this car. Going from a ford SUV to this car is like a dream come true. Its comfortable and beautiful. I love the bluetooth, iPod doc and nav system. My mom has a 08 cadillac cts and she says she wished she had saved some money and bought the maxima. The car is beautiful, handles well, and I will enjoy driving it for years to come.

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  Love it ! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Luxurious Car - October 7 - 9:33 pm

  I love my car. Its reliable, handles well and fast. The MPG is great. It is sporty and very luxurious. I love my new Maxima. Way to go Nissan.

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  What a car! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By BE2DMAX - October 2 - 1:16 am

  Bought this car new in December, 1999, 5-spd manual. Changed oil every 3,000 miles, maintained according to dealer and Nissan requirements. Did slip on maintenance a few times; but car never had issues as described by other owners. Car driven as daily commuter and for long trips, driving was a dream; "drove it like I stole it"! My baby is now hitting close to 10 years old and now having some issues. Tiny oil leak, bottom of engine somewhere leave a couple of drops every time I park and transmission getting whiny. But still runs as strong as day driven off show room floor.

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  not bad - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dan - October 1 - 11:53 pm

  Been driving almost two years. VQ engine is smooth, powerful, and fun. My biggest complaint is the rear beam suspension. Used to drive a 99 mazda 626 (independent rear) and the tail felt less fishy and more planted than my Maxima. Tires are awful too. poor tires + beam susp make the perfomance subpar for a sports sedan. Build quality can be improved. After two years of driving on stiff suspension and poorly maintained roads, there are quite a few conspicuous interior rattles and creeks.

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  95 Maxima GLE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By TP - September 30 - 4:13 am

  Very reliable, I have put approximately 120,000 miles on it and the repair cost has been reasonable if not low. Durable, saved me in an accident, great car that you can count on if you (or the previous owner) has taken car of it.

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  Fun to drive! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DGR - September 29 - 12:43 pm

  I bought this car used with 45,000 miles on it last year. City mileage is in the low 20s but I get nearly 40 mpg on the highway! The car has incredible power and handles like a dream. The ride is firm but very comfortable on a long drive. The headroom in the rear is too low for my 61" son.

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  Thin line between love and hate - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By E.Zinn - September 29 - 4:16 am

  Having bought this car as a demo with 5000 miles on it I attributed many of its brake, strut, rotor problems to being abused by the dealer. After reading many of these reviews now I realize they are design issues. Despite its flaws (see suggested improvements), overall I am happy with the car. I get about 430 miles per tank for the type of driving I do which is a hybrid of mostly highway/city driving. The car has plenty of room for 4 adults. Acceleration is excellent, just be prepared for the torque steering when you punch it. Car pulls when stopping and steering wheel shimmies on highway. Replaced horrible goodyear tires with Michelin Pilot MXM4 and have been 100% happy with them.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By aaa111 - September 27 - 4:16 pm

  You should be able to get 6 to 7K off MSRP on the 2010 Maxima. I have seen this offered at several different dealers in Central Florida. I just picked up a Sport / Tech ($39080 MSRP) on a lease deal. $0 out of pocket with tax included on a 39-month, 12K per year lease: $450 per month. I know I got an excellent deal because 3 other dealers in the area couldnt do it. Got the crimson black. It is sweet - looks like "black cherry" - appears black but is a deep red when sunlight shines on it. I love the car. I had the previous model and this car is a tremendous upgrade in every respect. The increase in power is substantial and the ride and operation are much smoother.

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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Gold Maxima - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great all around sedan. Plenty of power and has a comfortable interior and rides very smoothly. One of a kind sedan.

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  03 Maxixma - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Oost81 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Maxima is the best car I have ever had. This is the first car I have purchased in my young life and I dont think I will ever buy anything else. The car rides so smooth its like your riding on air. The power from the 3.5 V6 is amazing! I love the way it handels. And the way it accelerates. I have not had one problem with it.