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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  Very few better cars - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Fan - June 22 - 2:50 pm

  Ive owned 2 1997 Nissan Maxima SEs. One had been in a wreck and had been repaired. (It stil drove like a champ though.) And the other was only two years old when we bought it. This car is the right car for someone who wants a dependable sedan, but also wants a sporty car. Maximas are known as "FDSC" Four door sports cars and they hold that name very well. I had it for a long tome and it didnt have any problems that werent recalls. The alternator has a recall on this model. Note to all considering the 1998-2002 Honda Accord: The trannys are TERRIBLE. Just look on this website at the consumer reviews and youll see what Im talking about. (although Honda does make a good car.)

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  Even If I was rich, I would drive a Max. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Loyal MAx Owner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I just bought one a few days ago, coming off a 91 max. I thought my 91 was powerful, man I was wrong. The power and acceleration of this car kicks butt! I love it. All the features and the comfort. Love the bose, auto temperature, Sunroof, 17 rims, everything! I bought my 5-speed 91 with 91k on it for 2 years. rarely did it give me any problems. Now I bought a 2000 with 43k and I am in heaven!!

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  Maxima 1995 - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By gocubbies - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. No problems. Just general maintenance. 1995 With 90,000 miles and still rides great.

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  First Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By abbyaberlour - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I dont want to get out of it! I love almost everything about it! Previously owned a Toyota Celica. I think I will stay with Nissan. The Bose system is great. The power is amazing.

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  Was great, now headache - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By young max - June 18 - 1:36 am

  This car was a dream in the beginning, It had great acceleration, high text gadgets that all worked, heated seats and Xeon head lights and a wonderful sound system. I brought this car with 30k miles back in 2007. Now in 2009 I have replaced 3 wheel bearing, A Bose sub woofer, (by the way the Head unit isnt a BOSE unit), a drivers power window and a very costly transmission. My advice is to stay away from this model. It looks great, but the cost of up keep will disappoint you. For a car that was once over 30K isnÂ’t built better than a car you can buy for 10K. Go with a higher quality car, maybe the Infiniti. Nissans flagship is a joke. My 1996 Honda Accord was a way better investment!!!!

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  Awesome performance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Gene - June 17 - 9:06 am

  I was amazed of the performance and pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy. The ride is a little harsh on the rough wintery roads of New England but I am happy to sacrafice the ride for the handling. So far I love it.

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  OK, its worth it, have fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark in Dallas - June 16 - 11:16 am

  After 1750 miles,this car rocks, and it is understated to none. I did not opt for the nav or Premium Pkg. as these items are easily added OEM portables. I dont need heated seats, the cockpit is extremely well-configured, I am 62 lots of room, tested Acura TL, the same class Lexus, BMW and VW. MPG on the 315HP with K&N filter is a rocketship, a loyalist is formed; price is a value after you drive this sexy rocket, and compare. With the look of a thoroughbred, it just calls to be driven, I cannot stop staring at it, but I have taken up residence again in the house, it was difficult to leave alone and it calls now... bye

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  Too soon, but I have a good feeling - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Super.Dave - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the Maxima. I had been looking for a low milage 99 or 00 and found this 99 three weeks ago with 36,000 mi. One test drive and I bought the car 10 min. later. How could someone give up this beautiful little car it is in perfect shape?

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  Best Vehicle I Have Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul G - June 11 - 6:20 am

  This is a great car. The performance is outstanding and the interior is very good, especially considering that I am 6 6" tall. The only problem that I have had is with the soft rims and low profile tires, all original equipment. I have damaged 3 rims so far.

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  Not a good car for the $! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By amik - June 11 - 5:10 am

  Ive had 4 other Maximas and the last one I had was a 2000 model & had over 250,000 miles on it when I traded it in and it was still going. The 07 Ive only had it 3 years now & LOTS of problems. In the shop every 3 weeks. ONLY use premium gas & make sure you do not drive this car low on gas, trash will get in cam shaft sil. valves & cause timing & knock in engine & will smoke BAD when you crank it up & it cost $600 just to replace front set and 2 months later had to replace them again & just been told they need to be replaced for a 3rd time. Also change oil at 3,000 miles even though book says 5,000. Also A/C has went out 2 times in 2 years. Now have to replace oil pump & possibly motor.