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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  review of 1996 nissan maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By sputnik - June 10 - 10:00 am

  excellent car in town; lacks comfort on long drive; is a complicated auto; still dont know how security system work!! embarassing when horn starts blowing! is quick to start; low gear ratio, very good; gas mileage so so; about 20 mpg.

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  This Car Will Always Be Golden - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By SuperMax - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has never been better. Nice quiet ride with very aggressive and responsive pulls at hard acceleration. Its a 2005 so it doesnt have too many bugs, but thats yet to be witnessed. An overall good value.

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  great sounds - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By crazy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Really reliable and just a fun car to drive.

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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Pat C - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I got this car and have not wished i got another car. Works great and is easy to maintain. This is worth the money.

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  A Keeper! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bjb - June 4 - 11:43 pm

  Quality ride with great performance, excellent pick-up, handles great. Decent gas mileage. Reliable and fun to drive. I like my SE, but wish it was a quieter ride--too much road noise even when all windows are up. ALSO...be careful of driver side blind spot and wide turning radius--I adjust side view mirror carefully, and must plan ahead for VERY wide U turns.

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  Lost Its Value - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By vroom vroom - June 4 - 2:13 am

  I bought my 01 Nissan Maxima brand-new. I have loved it up to now, it has recently gone out of warranty, and has had some problems. I had problems with the starter..etc. I also slide around in the snow, . Lving in Chicago I need to drive my husbands Jeep around. This car has good looks and a lot of power. I now have 40,000 miles on it and it is worth only $11,000. It has deprectiated very quickly. Also my friends Lexus SUV gets better gas mileage than my Maxima.

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  Love my Max! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Cathie - June 3 - 11:56 pm

  We have owned Nissans since 1987. Each year they get better. This one is the best by far. So comfortable! Great features and fun to drive~

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  Awesome - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil M - June 1 - 2:50 am

  This is a really fun car to drive. The power that is available when wanted/needed is exhilarating; the responsiveness is incredible. The exterior has a speedy "swept back" look; the cockpit is futuristic and the interior is very roomy. Nice touches like heated seats and steering wheel, auto dimming mirrors inside and out, accessible 12v outlets, etc, add to the enjoyment. The only drawback with the car is that it is front wheel drive. With the HP available, when one really steps on the gas there is a noticable "torque steer" that is very disconcerting at times. Some may not like the audio and HVAC controls in the center stack as the buttons are numerous and small but theyll grow on you.

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  97 maxima SE bought in late 2001 - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By low1man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Mine has been a woderful experience with the maxima. When I bought it in 2001, 190Hp was still something to be proud of in a 4 door car. With the leather, moonroof, automatic climate control, and 5-speed manual transmission, the maxima combines luxury and sport and blurs the line between the two. She has been a wonder car to drive.

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  luv my Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By spaulding - June 1 - 2:00 am

  When ready to replace my 1994 Altima, I looked at the Altima, Maxima, and G35. The latest Altimas interior was unimpressive, the G35 was slightly smaller than I desired, but the Maxima was about perfect: a beautiful, fast, fun, roomy, well-made sports sedan. I chose the 6 speed manual SE trim w/ HLSD and all options ex. navigation and I have been very pleased. 2003 is the last of the Japanese made Maximas.