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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  A 10+ car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By AlarmGy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is the most fun to drive car Ive had in years. When I first saw it, I thought OK, it looks nice. But as soon as I drove it I knew I was going to buy it. Ive had the same reaction from everyone whos been behind the wheel. The ride is a little stiff, due to its sport suspension, but if you can get past that, youll really like this machine. It really is 10+.

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  My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeffert - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. I believe that the Maxima is a full size verson of the 350Z or better stated a 350Z for us older folks. Fun to drive, almost too fast, this car has style, handling, go and wonderful features for any gizmo goon! The design is the best in class!

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  04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jackconly - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned a lot of cars over the years but, except for a clssic 1963 Lincoln Continental, weve never had a vehicle that turned so many heads. Strangers come up to us on the street and say, "What a beautiful car." Really amazing. The engine is quick and smooth, seating comfortable for long trips -- we take it down to Mexico in the winter -- the only drawbacks are the control center screen is a dust magnet, and theres some torque when you kick the acceleration. Wed definitely buy another when the next generation comes out. Ours is black with grey leather.

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  Great Car for the family - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith 1 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased one of these vehicles and it is GREAT!!!!!

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  Good car, could be better - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By cdub4 - August 11 - 7:42 am

  Purchased in April. Now have 10,000 miles on it. Overall very happy, something I wouldnt have said two weeks after purchasing, but time and service departments can heal all wounds. Within a week of purchase the steering wheel controls all died. It was thought that it was a fuse but needed a new cable system. Since replacement it has worked fine. Two weeks after taking possession when shutting the car off it went into On mode and drained the battery. Another 25 mile trip to the dealer only to be lectured on how to turn the car on/off properly. This is our 3rd Nissan, we know how to turn it off. It has shot into the On mode since but we are careful to watch for it.

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  Cramped - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Disappointed - August 10 - 8:36 pm

  Looking for a car that had some space. Trunk is small. Front seats comfy but, felt like confined space wise. Ride was nice. Bought an Impala. A car with a huge trunk and more cabin space. In your review the breakdown in each category would only register GREAT OR POOR. OK would not register in the survey. Big difference in describing the customers view points. Fix it or delete it.

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  Really great car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By rbagnate - August 10 - 12:04 pm

  Ive always liked the 5th gen Maxima. I finally had the chance to get one from California. Purchased August 2014 with 50,000 original miles from an elderly couple that took real good care of it. I live in Colorado and book the trip to Dublin CA. Drove the car back and got 32mpg, she did great! One issue the radio had to be replaced and the power coming from the engine...WOW! So far Ive added 12,000 miles driving for work out of state and Im happy I bought the car. This car was immaculate inside and out.

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  This car is impressive - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Denis - August 8 - 8:13 am

  I am very impressed with the clean look of this car, especially the shape of the hood and the side. The color of my car is white and this color also improved the lines of the car even in the snow. The car has excellent traction in the snow because of the very good traction control and the Toyo winter tires. The handling both on highway or back roads is very precise and solid. The acceleration is amazing for a front wheel drive. I can not see anyone that enjoy driving sport car be disappointed with the 2009 Maxima. I highly recommend it to anyone that just like me, wants a classy look with the serious performance of a sport car. Bravo Nissan superb package.

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  Cheap original parts - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By kievguy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner, soon to be 4 years. The car is good, no questions about it. Main source of the problems - cheap and low-quality original parts that owner is responsible for. Tires wore out in 30K, clutch in about 48K of highway driving!!! A lot of people I know have the same problems: Nissan produces Maxim cheaper by pushing extra maintenance over owners. Beware!!!

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  To the max - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott D. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I work within the car industry and drive a great deal of cars from various makes and models ranging from all prices. For the price this car blows away all competition.