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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  Terrific car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom in Dallas - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car a month and just love driving it. Its peppy and handles great. Good gas mileage. Many terrific features (See Favorite features). This is my second Maxima; I base the reliability on my previous (95) auto.

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  Zippy and agile - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By California_Poppy - July 2 - 5:10 pm

  I drove a manual 1991 Maxima that got totaled after 219,000 miles, so I bought the manual 2000 right after. Its zippy, agile, smooth, and quiet. My commute is an hour a day, so Im happy to have a comfortable and reliable car. I get about 300-330 miles per tank. I bought my car in 2007 from a guy who took very good care of it. But in the past three years, Ive had to replace the front wheel axle boot, the clutch hydraulic line, and the clutch itself. After ten years, the last didnt surprise me. The O2 sensor gives false readings and has had to be re-set. A friend of mine says to expect to pay about $100 in repairs for each year the car is old, and so far, thats right on target

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  Great Car; large engine=a bit lower mpg - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By baroja - July 1 - 7:56 am

  This is my third Max; had the first one in 1989, and 2000. Love Consumer Reports, but they are dead wrong complaining about light steering at low speeds. THAT is one of the features that enables this car to maneuver easily. Driving around town,however, I am only getting about 19.5 (avg of -30 mph). Started to go cheap, but when compared, the features of the SV far outweigh the S for the $. Had a 2006 VW Passat Sports6, and while the Max doesnt drive as tight as that, it is far more comfy, and I dont anticipate living at the dealers service facility for minor stuff that = a thousand cuts.

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  Fun - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Driven - July 1 - 5:50 am

  Power Power Power. This is a fun car to drive. I bought mine used with 26000 miles on it. The mileage is horrible, but the power has to come from somewhere. The tires are 225 which are high performance tires and are expensive as well. Did I mention the power? Overall great buy. I think I will go wash it now.

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  Junk Car, Stay Away from Nissan. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Junk - June 30 - 8:36 pm

  Bought Brand new from dealership. Like interior and exterior but quality is bad. Coolant leaks cost $400 and Timing Chain also went bad $1500. A coworker had Frontier pick up also had the same problem. Google on Nissan cars and trucks with V6, it seems like common problem. Never heard timing chain replace before. Had 2004 Corolla with 162,000 miles and still running like brand new. Go with Toyota or Honda and forget nissan.

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  Simply Remarkable - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan G - June 28 - 7:33 am

  I was looking for a Honda but the resell value was too high so I purchased the Maxima and I have not regretted it since. With nearly 150,000 miles the engine still sounds new and it performs incredibly well. Incidental maintenance becomes an issue as the car gets older i.e. alternator, cylinder, plugs, but major failures seem near impossible. If you have a choice this is the best pre-owned car value on the road!

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  Look No Further - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima09 - June 27 - 2:43 am

  Coming off a S60, checked the choices but could not pass up the 09 Maxima. Lots more for the $$ compared to what the luxury brands offered. U can feel the 290 horses. Interior space much better then the luxury competition.

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  Did anyone have this problem? - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By himileagemaxowner - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 135,550 miles on this 5 speed 97 SE, right now its in the shop with wheel bearing/axle problems. Mechanic said somehow the boot near CV joints broke and grease leaked out. Its going to be a $1200 plus repair. Does anyone know if maintenance is required on those parts? Owners manual sure dont state that it is. Kinda envy people on this post with 150k miles without these major headaches. Its been a great car until now...!! Wonder if this was owners neglect or manufacturer flaw. Anyone care to shed some light?

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  Der Maximator 6spd - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By prodigalsun - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Got this car 3 weeks ago, and have put about a 1000 miles on it. Other than the Saab 9-5, I cant think of a car that depreciates as quickly, yet is as flat out reliable as the Maxima. The Maxs acceleration is awesome, the suspension while sporting for a family car, leaves a bit to be desired. I may invest in an anti-roll bar and a front strut brace to start of with to see if thatll cut down on the body roll. Overall, very pleased!

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  Overall, a fantastic car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By mipsmaster - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The best part of my Maxima is that its so fun to drive compared to every other four-door out there. Get the five speed version if you dont have to deal with too much traffic - youll have tons of fun zipping around town. The other reason I bought this car is that it is extremely reliable, and from 35,000 to 85,000 it has needed no work - just routine maintenance. Too bad America cant seem to make fun, reliable vehicles affordable.