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 this car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Rainman - August 6 - 2:43 am

  I leased my black on black sv. Great deal! This car looks great but doesnt ooze snot like driving the bmw, mercedes, lexus. I have had tons of compliments, even from the kids.

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  THIS CAR NEEDS HELP - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By RAG - August 5 - 3:00 pm

  the car looks great, perhaps the reason I went for it, but it handles like crap. it consistently pulls (drifts to the right) and the dealer has tried, but has been able to do nothing to fix it. I must fight the car to stay straight and I am calling an attorney to do my best to get out of this car. The dealer is very receptive, but will not make any concessions. for a $35k car, it is NOT worth it!

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  2002 Nissan Maxima GLE Meredian Edition - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ivan - August 4 - 6:23 pm

  It is my opinion that the 2002 Nissan Maxima is the best sports sedan for under $30,000. You cant buy a better car for the money if you factor in all the options and excellent reliability of this vehicle. My wife has a 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE with over 100,000 miles and the only thing she replaced was an $18.00 halogen headlight. Now with more power (255hp) and torque, this car is a pleasure to drive.

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  Japans Finest - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Fan - August 1 - 10:53 pm

  225k miles and still strong. Idles and runs just as smooth as my 03 I35. I drive from Southern VA to Northern VA daily. Everything works well. Bose sounds great. Seats are still comfortable although worn real bad. It needed a little work when I purchased it (struts, cv boots, clutch, tune up) but it was expected with 200k+ miles. All buttons still intact, nothing is cracked or broken. Nissans are amazing vehicles. I would recommend Nissan products to anyone. Love the car. I am a Nissan fan forever. This makes our 4th Nissan we own right now.

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  Did I get the only lemon??! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By C.A. - July 27 - 9:56 am

  I read these reviews and purchased a 1996 Nissan Maxima with 76,000 miles. I thought that it would have plenty of life left. I have replaced the odometer, the radio works only about 20% of the time, locks malfunction often, and the passenger door gets stuck and wont open so we have to crawl through the drivers side. It has been out of service twice lately and had to be towed. The repair shop said it might be best to get rid of it.

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  Love the Intelligent Key - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kinta77 - July 27 - 8:00 am

  I have always been a fan of the Maxima and the Nissan brand. I have owned 2 Altimas and 1 Maxima. I previous had leased a 2004 Nissan Altima SE V6. My lease was due to expire in July. I decided to purchase the 2008 Nissan Maxima. I have had my Maxima for about 6 months now currently with 13000 miles on it. I have not had any problems with the car so far. I really wanted the 2009 Maxima but decided to wait until later to get one, but I am very satisfied with my choice. The CVT did take a little while to get used to. The car does have a wide turn ratio and can be difficult to park at times.

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  Grandmas sports car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Johnny Customer - July 23 - 7:20 am

  In an attempt to overcome its severely lacking power, I put new 18" rims that are each 7 lbs lighter than stock, a new catback exhaust system, and a cold air intake from Stillen. I still could not get a 0-60 time that was under 8 seconds with about 20 tests. The car is unbelievably slow, mostly due to the horrible transmission and power band. The car creeps up to 20 mph before giving you anything, and then stalls out above 5,000 rpm at any speed. Theres also very poor support in the aftermarket performance upgrades. Leave this sports sedan to your grandma and instead get a VW Passat, Infiniti G35, or Toyota Camry.

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  Well Satisfied New Maxima Owner - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By balsambeauty - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  Decided to move up from an 02 Altima to the 07 Maxima. Also test drove the 07 Camry. The Max hooked me over the Camry with its overall sportier look, better selection of colors and roomier interior. Also like the awesome technology and safety features over the Camry. Performance and responsiveness are great. This is just a fun car to drive. The ride could be a bit better - not as smooth as I would have hoped for. Mileage has been as I expected for this type of vehicle - I only have 600 miles on the car and am getting about 26 mpg. The overall quality of my Maxima is excellent both on the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

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  Comparable to my BMW - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Joan - July 22 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned 2 BMWs and one Lexus. I truly believe I am sold on the Maxima. It handles well and is definitely fun to drive, especially long distance. It hugs the road and I feel very safe and comfortable in it. It has excellent gas mileage on the freeway, I cant judge it in town yet. Most definitely comparable to the BMW. Lithia provided excellent staff and service.

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  4 door sports car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By mattyboy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have most other imports and find the maxima se, as good for less $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I should have followed my fathers lead to Maximas years ago. Bravo to Nissan on the 05 Maxima.