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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  Warts and Gems - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Wayne - May 31 - 10:13 am

  Maxi has been a good car but I have also had the rough engine engine problem (its the fuel injectors clogging up, folks - use Techron every 3 - 6 months from the day you buy the car or youll be replacing them). The fuel filter isnt as efficient as it could be. Ive replaced the CVs, rear struts, the clutch, 2 injectors (so far - at least one more is going bad), but it doesnt use a drop of oil and it always starts. How much can you really complain about a $1,500 car?

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  Maxima SE 2001 - Not So Good - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By JeffT in Texas - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I know numerous people that love their Maxima, but Im not one of them. Heres why: 1) CD was bad when purchased and had to be replaced 2) O2 sensors were bad and took 5 trips for the dealer to fix. 3) Paint on front bumper doesnt handle road debris well. Looks like its peeling and very unsightly. 4) Alternator just replaced at 55K miles (car isnt 3 yrs old yet). Contacted Nissan about covering it (warranty)anyway - they asked a bunch of useless questions to determine if I was worth bothering with and refused to help. 5) SE model tires are very expensive. OEM tires (Michelins) perform bad in moderate rain. I will NEVER buy another Nissan again.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By the king - May 26 - 5:26 pm

  Got it brand new in 05, it runs great extremely quick and very fast and the handling is awesome. Had to replace the struts once but was under warranty so there was no problem there. there is a lot of room in the back and front seats so you can fit 5 people easily even with the front seats all the way back. i would recommend the NISMo air intake adds about 15HP and you can really feel the difference. AWESOME car!

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  Only buy if its a steal!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By travisbeamon - May 20 - 1:20 pm

  The car itself has been good to me for the three years Ive owned it until recently. The transmission is garbage. Just like everyone else my Maxima bumps, randomly shifts, accelerates, and downshifts hard when stopping. Sometimes it wont even downshift when I stop it will stay in 3rd gear. Only 70k on the car. This car has been serviced on time by Nissan the entire three years Ive owned it so it has been taken care of. Its just a known defect with these cars. I thought I bought a Nissan not a Dodge! $4500 to repair the transmission. Whos going to pay that much for a car that is 6 years old? Im looking to trade it in and leave Nissan alone because they wont stand by their products!

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  Superb Mid Size Performance Sedan!! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By jhatfie - May 20 - 11:38 am

  Having owned this car for a while now, I have to say that is still blows me away. It really has excellent power, on par with my tweaked 320HP Subaru Legacy GT I once owned. Gas mileage is averaging 25mpg in mixed driving, but have seen as high as 28mpg in heavy highway stints which is very good for a nearly 300hp V6. With the sport package the car handles very well with little body roll while still being comfortable. Interior is on par with entry level luxury model like the Infinity G37 and Lexus IS. Ride is quiet making it easy to converse with passengers or to hear audio details in the rather good Bose Stereo. Car is very handsome looking and muscular without looking overdone.

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  Nissan Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ridre52 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I own a 1997 Nissan Maxiam SE with close to 100,000 miles on it. There has only been two things wrong with it (Belts broke ($36 fix) and alternator (Factory Recall). So far (knock on wood), its a great car. This is why we decided to spend the extra buck and go with a 2002 Maxima SE with every avaiable option including the navigation system (which rocks). I recomend this car to anyone. They truely are great cars.

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  The best car I have ever driven - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By PeterNice - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt trade this car in for a BMW three or five series. I wouldnt even take this car over a Benz

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  04 MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GJ53 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have 9000 miles and no warranty issues. Will try to adjust doors on right side to see if road noise goes away. Great on long trips, very comfortable

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  ejmreview - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Edward Moskaly - May 16 - 10:50 pm

  I am satisfied with performance and styling of my 2005 Nissan Maxima. I would like to have running lights, self-locking doors, and leather on the door panels as standard equipment though.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Missilelaunch - May 16 - 3:36 pm

  This has been a excellent car. I ahve added a 10,000 Stereo and a supercharger to a car that I bought with 100,000 miles. It has never given me any problems aside from needing a new oxygen sensor.