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:
Showing 1421 through 1430 of 3,122.00-
Maxima Fun - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Peggy - August 11 - 8:53 pmFolks, this by far is one of the best cars I have had the pleasure to own. What a dream in performance and the power under the hood makes it a fun car to drive. I love the interior space, I am 6" tall and can move the seat all the way back and another 6" person can be directly behind me with plenty of room; You do not give up trunk space for this either.
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Power needs RWD or AWD - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By jolros - August 11 - 8:33 pmIve owned the basic, basic Maxima a year now. Great power. Need to merge on the freeway? no problem itll suck everyone to the seat. Any pothole or uneven surface though will pull the car in the direction youre steering with the torque. I didnt get the 19" rims and regret it. It doesnt handle like my IS250, but will smoke it at any speed. Needs AWD or RWD, but nice and roomy, where my IS250 has a huge bump for the drive train. Get the high intensity lights too, I cant tell if my lights are on. I wish this car had half the turning radius of my IS250 which can u-turn in like 1 lane vs. 3 lanes for the Maxima. All in all, very pleased. 0-60 in 6.2sec by just mashing the gas. Its fun.
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Dont ever buy this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By theresamon - August 9 - 12:20 amI own 2004 Maxima. Worst car on road. Bad struts, bad brakes. Makes clunking noises. Nissan USA has denied any problems with this car, but I have been plagued by many. Will never again by a Nissan vehicle. I think they will be facing worse problems than Toyota is currently facing. They are denying brake problems, but I guess after I get killed when mine fail theyll listen.
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255hp and 6spd - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By burnout - August 8 - 2:00 amThe most car I could find for the money. If you want a powerful sedan with a manual transmission and great reliability this might be it.
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New Experience - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By JPSAWAT - August 8 - 2:00 amThis is a stylish looking sedan that gets compliments from strangers. It is a very fun car to drive with lots of leg and head room. The handling is superb and the ride is exhilarating. I have owned all makes of automobiles and this is the perfect match for me. It is not just transportation, but always an anticipated experience.
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Probably the worst car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By yankee3423 - August 8 - 2:00 amJust got rid of the 2004 Maxima I got in June. First it was a brutal wind noise that after 4 visits to the dealership was finally fixed. Then, the sun roof stopped closing. It would open fine but would tricky to get closed. I could not handle another trip to Nissan Service to fix. Hence, I am the happy drive of a previously owned BMW 525I with 9,000 miles on it. Take my advice, go to BMW and go with a proven winner. This is a 30K car but if you need service you are relegated to the no frills Nissan Dealership. If you must buy from Nissan at least step up to the Infiniti, that way when your car has its problems you will at least be treated well.
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LOVE IT! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Jeniffer - August 8 - 2:00 amit reliable and comfortable, this car is great i havent had a problem with one of my nissans... its a great car and it only gets better, ill never own another car other then one of the nissans.
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Geat bargain - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By gs42 - August 7 - 6:53 pmCruises like a luxury car and feels like a turbocharged sports car when pushed harder. The S model is better equipped than competitors. This car has its own niche. If you want it all, reasonably speaking, no other car in this price range is close. The G8 is faster but try to buy one with these features at this price.
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Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By DonsMax - August 7 - 10:00 amThis is my third Maxima...owned from new an 88, 95 and this 97. Just normal maintenance was performed and very, very, minimal repairs on the 88. No problems ever with the 95 and this 97. All have been a true pleasure to drive under all conditions. My wife has had two Infiniti I-30s--a 9 97 and 99 (virtually the same car as the Maxima). Not a single problem with either of them! So, to sum up: Nissan makes a terrific, fun, super-reliable auto.
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Wouldnt hesitate to get another - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By LoneStar - August 7 - 10:00 amMy first Nissan experience was a bust...Quest van had so many problems I swore never look at another Nissan. Then I sold them for a time and drove them everyday. Renault has turned Nissan around. I no longer sell Nissans but I have no reservation of going back for another Maxima when this lease is up. It is far and away the best car on the road. The SE manual is a blast to drive. I got luxury car and sports car rolled into one.
