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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  2004 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Stephen Napolitano - May 9 - 2:00 am

  My Maxima now has 6,000 miles on it and I have experienced absolutely no problems with it. It runs and handles better than the (now old) BMW 5 series. The skylight is a little different but the kids like it. The trunk swallows golf bags and the back seat is actually comfortable.

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  Great car for your money - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Artur - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased the car a year ago.I have 34000 miles on it, and I drive this car to its limits everyday, very fast, and very harsh.The whole time I owned this car, the only problem I have is with the gears on the car, are always late on shifting, other than that the car has not given me any problems, and is very fun to drive.

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  Check out the 2002 Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Dodgers - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I fully researched this car before I bought and found very high reviews from Consumers Reports, Edmunds, and others. I had previously owned a Maxima and a 300Z. This car was everything I expected EXCEPT the rough ride with 4 passengers. It tends to "bottom out" when going over a dip in the road. With two passengers it is not a problem exept it does not take rough railroad crossings very well.

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  Deceptively Quick - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cndrdan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a half a dozen Nissans, and have been pleased with them all, but my 2004 Maxima stands head and shoulders above its predecessors. A real attention getter style-wise and very fast off the line (especially for an automatic transmission). I LOVE IT !!

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  Love this car!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By AnotherMaxima - May 3 - 1:36 am

  This is one hot car. From the exterior design, to the interior comfort to the superb V6, this car delivers. Im averaging 24.8 MPG in combined city/hwy driving. Im averaging a shocking 27.3 on the hwy using the recommended 93 octane. The engine is tuned for nothing less than 93 octane fuel. I love the handling, the fit & finish are excellent. Take one for a ride. Then wait and do it again. Then decide for yourself. You wont be disappointed. Really.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Vrhodes - April 29 - 11:50 am

  Love it! love it! love it! Ive owned mine for two years. The only thing I would change is the cup holders in the back should be larger. they only accommodate a cup the size of a soda can. bummer for the kids. other than that...LOVE IT!

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  96 Maxima Review - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By AlexMaxima96 - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought 96 Maxima brand new. Now 7.5 yrs old with 82k miles. Have had almost no major problems, unbelievably great car. Plan on keeping for at least another few years. This car has been really good to me :)

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  go maxima for maximum performance - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By g-mann - April 28 - 10:00 am

  The maxima is one of the best cars i have ever owned, besides the visible fact that it can be a little hard on gas, its performance and comfort is worth every dollar of fuel you invest in. The maxima is also very reliable but that can also be said for most nissan products. If you like to put a vehicle to the test and be considered as one of the fastest on the street but still want to hide performance parts or give your mother or grandmother something to take grocery shopping, the nissan maxima is the car for you.

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  Maxima keeps getting better - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Aaron LA - April 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima, had a 87, 91 and now this. I have had it for over a year and have put 30,000 miles on it. Just had to replace brakes and tires. Its a GREAT car with great features. Super reliable, has great pick up (especially since mine is manual), great friendly features, and overall is a fun car to drive. I do wish it had more power like the newer versions though. Bottom line, an incredible car at a reasonable price.

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  Better than a Beemer - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JPG - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, the engine performance is all I had hoped for. I love that there is a lot of space inside and compared to both the 3 and new 5 series BMW, I feel you get a lot more bang for your buck, especially when you consider maintenance costs. The navigation system is a big plus for me and although it took some time to figure out it has some great features!