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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  Great looking, fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kpitzmc - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 2004 Maxima, but its a winner! Fun to drive, sporty, roomy, high-tech interior. Lots of bang for the buck!

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  Six month to decide - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By quallsrb - July 12 - 1:22 am

  I took a long look at Avalon, Acura TL and Buick before buying a Nissan Maxima. I was influenced by the sportiness of the car based on sons inputs in comparisons to all 3 other choices. I liked the Avalon a lot but it felt like an old mans car and overly lavish. The Acura TL was great but the trunk was tiny and it would not hold 2 sets of golf clubs. The Buick had lots of possibilities but it just felt to bulkish and not as well thought out. Shaqs commercial made me look at it twice. It is early but performance has been great, wife loves it and gas mileage is much better than the Volvo XC 90 I traded in. I have only bought Volvos in the past 5 cars but the XC 90 was terrible.

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  awesome car!! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By mike - July 11 - 5:46 pm

  i got my maxima a week ago, ever since then i have been in love with it, even my girlfriend loes it, this is the best maxima ever!! the seats are black leather (but really soft), and to add it more style i went to beverly hills tinting garage and i tinted my windows very dark!! (yes illegal dark) but i got a sticker freom the eye dostors saying that i can have the windows that dark (becase when i drive the sun gets into my eyes). All in the end i love my new 2007 nissan maxima 3.5 sl !!!

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  The 4 door sports car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Webber - July 11 - 5:13 am

  I bought this car used 3 years ago at 110,000 miles. It has been a great three years and I am now up to 150,000 miles on it. Then engine still is extremely strong and the cluth and trasmission have been just as durable. Car is alot of fun but I do wish I got the SE as it has more options than my GXE such as a sunroof and better suspension. The problems so far I have had are with the calipers which it has ate a few up the alternator, which was luckily replaced for free under recall. All in all this is a great car that has alot of power.

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  One of the best cars on the market. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By ccleveland2012 - July 8 - 2:34 pm

  Its a nice car guys. The neighbors love it, Strangers love it,people see it and they want to take it home. People with more expensive cars love it. A 80 year man looked at me and said thats a bad mama jama. Even though this generation of Maxima is a great car it has its flaws but most of you will come to find this car is very reliable and has much better reliability then 90% of the vehicles on the market it wont leave you stranded.

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  mostly a great car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By topper30 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this because I got a good deal on it. It has been a great car overall. I have had only a few problems that seem to be common for this car. I had the Oxygen sensor go out at 40,000 mi., tires prematurely needing replaced at 25,000 mi., and my cd player is dead. Not bad compared to most cars. I just got spoiled with my Toyota that I had previously.

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  Dont warranty to be approved. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By tbeard0902 - July 7 - 10:31 am

  I own a 2010 Nissan Maxima. I took it to Gray Daniels Nissan in Brandon MS for a warranty claim on the driver seat back. The pins on the seat back had broken and thus the back was laying on the rear seat. The claim was denied by the service manager in Aug. 2012 and again in January 2013 and again by Nissan Customer Care. The reason for not approving the warranty was that their was physical damage. However, they agreed there were no tears, scuffs, marks, or scratches of any kind on the seat or seat back. Thus the very reason we came to Nissan was for warranty of the broken pins and the reason we were denied warranty was that the pin were broken. WOW!

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  junk 95 Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By kris36 - July 5 - 11:26 pm

  After only 2 months owning this car, Ive never been so disappointed. With only 139,000 miles (not even broken in for a Maxima- or so I thought) and already internal motor work needed??!!!!! Youve GOT to be kidding, Nissan!! Its running on 5 cylinders and a very uncomfortable ride. Has bad valves! Still does have power left, but at idle, its rough. Stumbling and bucking upon slow acceleration and slow braking. Im VERY leery about purchasing another. ANY year. Im told the engines are smooth as silk from 95- 2001. With a used one, $3000. New/rebuilt-$5000. This problem is unacceptable! Now Im starting to doubt the build quality of Nissans. Get with the program, Nissan!

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Sal - July 3 - 3:23 pm

  We actually considered an Infinity G37X, but it is not worth another $2000 for what is pretty much the same car. Furthermore, Maxima fuel economy is better as is seating comfort. The car operates flawlessly with a ridiculous amount of power. The CVT transmission functions very well, although it does sound kind of funny upon take off. Ride and interior quality, especially the leather seats, are definitely top shelf -a real luxury care feel and ride. The Blue tooth system works well, people think I am merely speaking Im on a cell phone, although the voice recognition is fairly poor (it does always get numbers right when dictating a phone number). A really great car choice.

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  What new car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Notsohappy - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I was back in for service 5 days after having the vehicle delivered. I have made 6 trips to the service department to either have the car evaluated, service performed or part not available. This is 6 trips inside the first 3,000 miles. I still have strings hanging in the rear seat and parts of the buckles are covered in plastic that was not properly removed at the dealership. I dont believe that I would buy the Maxima again.