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 - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By timee - September 18 - 10:00 am

  have 200,000 and it runs great.....never have had a major problem

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  Cant Afford To Sell It - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Art Nor - September 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Maxima SE w/auto transmission after considering the V-6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Avalon. Felt the Maxima gave us the best bang for the buck and the "Max" has not disappointed us. Engine gives excellent performance, uses no oil, and gets 28 mpg on road trips. We have concluded well be keeping her for at least 3 more years.

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  Good Stuff - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By ktklev - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is reliable, quiet, and handles well. A little pricey, but then again you get what you pay for. Love all the options. Ive got em all. Heated seats, roof, BOSE, leather, etc..

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  Not a TL, but good - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By G. Charles - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, fast, handles well; whar more ciould I want?

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  Proud Owner - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By alex - September 15 - 7:06 pm

  I sold my 2001 BMW 325i and bought a 2005 Maxima SE, and am very happy with the choice. The car has great looks, comfort and ride. Finally enough room to accomodate car seats or co-workers.

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  Maxima 2004 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy Aaberg - September 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. It has a lot of power. Extemrly comfortable with lots of leg room

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  Never buy a Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By lordavot - September 13 - 9:36 am

  I bought the sixth generation 2005 Maxima when it was abt 49k miles. At abt 70k miles I starting experiencing transmission problems. shifting from park to drive, it jerks and it is really bad when the engine is warm. from drive to reverse or reverse to drive it does the same thing. The engine slips and the RPM races to 5 or 6 when you accelerate without any pick up. When I contacted Nissan they told me there is nothing they can do about it. Thousands of sixth generation maxima owners are having the same problem but nissan will not own up to their defect and recall and fix the problem. I am going back to TOYOTA. always faithful. NEVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE WILL I BUY A NISSAN PRODUCT.

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  Great long term car. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By jcopeland - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought the SE new in 98 and aside from one malfunctioning indicator light (under warranty), it has never needed a repair. I drive it pretty hard and its yet to let me down. Only complaint is an occational vibration noise from the dash but the sound is very minor.

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  Looks Good - Quality Bad - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike A - September 10 - 1:40 am

  14,000 miles - Sun windows leaked causing rust and paint to bubble. 21,000 miles - Significant shimmy in steering wheel at speeds above 45mph. Deal stated nothing was wrong. Tires needed replacement. Non-affiliated repair shop identified cause of shimmy and tire wear as being out of round wheel hubs. This is a very common problem with this year / model. Hubs were replaced and problem was corrected. 47,000 miles - ABS system failure. The causes are the bolts on the hub and wheel assemble rust. This allows the mounting plate to move causing the sensor to short out. This causes the control unit to burn out. The repair is $3,000.00 This is a very common problem on this year/make.

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  Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Nichole - September 8 - 10:06 am

  My new maxima is wonderful! The minute I test drove a Maxima I knew I had to have it. Its quiet engine and smooth ride is just the beginning. The power is incredible. Ive loved the look of these cars ever since they came out in 2004. Then I test drove it and It was love! Thanks