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 Maxima -- outstanding - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Igreaves - September 26 - 10:00 am

  How many 6-cylinder mid-size sedans can return a highway mileage in excess of 32 mpg? I can consistently achieve this economy with the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with manual transmission. The 6-speed manual transmission takes some getting used to, but it is silky smooth, very responsive, and above all economical on the highway. With a mix of highway and local driving, I can average 30-32 mpg and still have the sporty feel and comfort of this first rate automobile.

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  The Maxima is a must have - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kennyinbalt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I truly love this car! It was a toss up between a Lexus and the Maxima and the Maxima won by far! It is very stylish and dependable! I feel this is an excellent value for the money. The car feels very solid and safe to drive, I dont feel like I m driving in a tin can on wheels.

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  Buy you one! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Steviec - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love it, it is fun to drive and it will haul a$$!

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  Its Okay - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Snowbird - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my car!! But the turn radius is not the greatest. It handles good except when tight turns are necessary

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  I am so Happy! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CarlyT - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have always had SUVs - this is my first car and my first foreign vehicle. I am loving it. The price was a little high, but I am definitely reaping the benefits. I actually had someone tell me it looks like a one hundred thousand dollar car. The sleekness of it is so gorgeous.

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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Renay - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 Nissan Maxima over a month ago, and I LOVE IT. Its sytlish, fun to drive, and easy to handle. This car fits my personalilty - which is professional, fun, outgoing, full of energy, and stylish!! I highly recommend the 2004 Nissan Maxima. This is my second Maxima, and I am sold on this car.

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  Still the king - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Topper - September 23 - 11:43 am

  Every 2-3 years I trade my vehicles in. So far out of the last 6 vehicles I have owed, 3 have been Maximas (and for good reason). The first one I bought was a 93 that I loved. I traded it for a new V6 Honda Accord that I drove for 2 years missing my Maxima daily. 97 I finally traded the Accord back in for a new Maxima that I loved. Back and forth, back and forth, you get the idea! Maxima has always been a true sign of style and class which has never meet an equal w/in its price range. With its quick speed, smooth ride, and stylish looks, the Nissan Maxima will always remain my favorite vehicle to own in any price range. Thank you Nissan!!

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  owner - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By luv thacar - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles anyone could want to purchase.It has speed, looks and oh the style of it. Great all around vehicle to own and of course drive.

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  One Fast Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dt - September 18 - 10:03 pm

  My Maxima SE has all features except the navigation system. I was one of the first around witht he 6 speed manual. Incredibly fast car that still somehow gets above average fuel economy.

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  My Last Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By kempro - September 18 - 12:16 pm

  After owning 5 Maximas (1990, 1991, 2001, 2003, and 2006) I am sadly looking in other directions. I have loved every aspect of the previous models but the 2006 has put me off. My favorite aspect of the Maxima was the joy in driving it. Its fast and responsive and fun to drive. Unfortunately, the build quality of the 06 is very poor. I had to replace tires at 36000 miles, battery at 46000, brakes and rotors at 50,000, headlight ($285) at 51000, and the top of the adjustable arm rest came off which the dealer wanted $485 to replace. All of these problems are common as I have a friend who also owns an 06 and has had similar repairs.