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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  Tranny - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By tunderk - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car until the extended warranty ended. Then, needed new 5 sp manual trans Other negatives are high priced tires for optional rims.

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  Every Max I get is better - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mitiwanga - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissans since 1971. This one is by far the best. Lots of power, and although Im somewhat disappointed in the gas mileage (about 22.5), I expect it to get better. The Bose is great, and I like the computer in the middle of the dash. I opted for the sun roof instead of those faux pax sun screens, and I think I like the sun roof better.

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  Beautiful. Waste of money - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ataylor13 - May 13 - 1:07 pm

  I purchased this car due to how beautiful it is and powerful, got a great deal on it but now I know why it was so cheap. After a week of having this car at 111,400 miles I realized it is having minor transmission issues. Going fast and staying at a consistent shift it drives like a dream. Stop and go traffic however; a nightmare. Wasted my time and money, currently looking for a new commuter due to me going to college and working.

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  Big Disappointment - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By buyer - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I waited for three years before buying this car. I shouldve saved my money for something more worthwhile. I loved the car at first but things just keep cropping up. The drive by wire throttle sucks, creaks and rattles are starting to develop, the exterior fit and finish leaves something to be desired and the paint job is of very low quality. The resale value on this car is also way below what youd think. Yes, Im already trying to sell it. Do yourself a favor and save your money for an Acura TL or Lexus I30 or a BMW 3 series.

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  awesome car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By widikerb - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. I have had honda and toyota but this is my first nissan. I shopped around considerably and found this to be the best deal for the money. I am very impressed with everything so far and have not had any problems. I am averaging 20 mpg city and 30 hwy. Great pick up really loves to go with the pedal to the floor.

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  New Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By John Coontz - May 12 - 3:06 am

  First Maxima, shopped for 3 months before settling on the SL. Great ride, sufficient get up and go. Noticed the oversteer, but disengaging the TCS seemed to fix that. If you want a tighter ride, suggest the SE. The SL feels luxurious and the interior is solid. Still feeling out the quality, havent had an issue yet.

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  Maximas Rock!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By krissyc - May 11 - 2:23 pm

  What a car!! Havent owned my Max that long, but the ride, handling and power are awesome!!! Love the comfy leather seats and wood grain design. A very safe, dependable vehicle. Bought for only $3,300 with 139K. What a steal! Ill never get rid of this car! Very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Smooth but Slow - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Jones - May 9 - 6:40 am

  I previously had a 2004 5 speed automatic. It was very quick. The new CVT tranny is interesting and creates a quite pleasurable smooth ride. However, Im very disappointed with the performance with the CVT. From a dead stop, full throttle the car is quite slow. Other than the off the line, the car seems to have more than enough power. If it werent for the slow off the line this car would be an easy 9.5-10 across the board. If a smooth comfortable ride is your thing this is your car. If you liked the sport from previous Maximas, Im sorry to say its been killed.

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  Nissan? Is it what it is made out to be? - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By NKING - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, it is a fun car to drive with great power, but when the car got about 70,000 miles on it, little things would go wrong like shrtage in lights. In November 2003, I had the car serviced and they supposivly serviced everything! By the end of December the car was to the point where it did want to stay running. I found that it was the ingition coils and they said all 6 had to be replaced instead of the one bad one! $850 to replace them. The car has been in the shop four times from minor problems. PEOPLE, KEEP THE MANUAL YOU RECIEVE ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY! IT IS YOUR PROOF OF COVERAGE! If I had the chance to repurchase I WOULD NOT!

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  maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Hughm - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, strong & comfortable. Great room for the tall people, that goes for the back too. Good pickup. Very good price for a nice sedan that will last 200k miles and more.