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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  Infiniti...err Nissan Maxima SV - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian - April 27 - 2:26 pm

  Coming out of a 2008 G35 sedan, I am thoroughly impressed with the Nissan Maxima and cant believe it actually is a more refined vehicle. From the leather, to the dash material, to the leather on the wheel and updated Navigation software...the Maxima might as well be an Infiniti. My biggest disappointment with the G35 was the materials and the Maxima definitely beats it hands down. Even the 2010 G sedan doesnt have the refinement the Maxima does. The editors have it wrong...price being equal, the Maxima is a better vehicle and far better value.

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  best car ever - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By reveti - April 25 - 2:00 am

  The nissan maxima is the best vehicle you can own. it even beats out the camrys and accords. much more comfortable. this is a cadillac without problems.

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  Maxima Rocks! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom in Portland - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Was told to look at this car by a friend when we we looking to buy. Hadnt even thought of the Maxima. Test drove everything else out there under 25K and nothing compared. This car is a screaming value! Performance for the price is off the charts. Now has 130K, and going strong. Car is still tight as the day it was purchased. Only problems were bad Oxygen sensor @30K, locks need to be rekeyed & buttons on radio are worn down. No other mech problems! Drives like a sports car.

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  A powerful and reliable car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Kennth Wang - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I had my first 96 Maxima GLE at 96k and it has not brought me any trouble. I runs perfect and very comfortable. I love this car so much that I decide not to sell it.

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  a look back - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ew - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Maxima has been a pleasure to drive. The handling is excellent and the car is quick! Many people have stopped me to ask questions. It looks good. I have two friends that have riden and driven my Maxima and both have ordered the 2005 model. This is the 3rd Nisson Ive had and all have had incredible reliability. I will probably trade my 2000 SUV in on a 2005 Pathfinder.

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  my maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By knowdogg - April 19 - 2:00 am

  luv it smooth . bought it from hertz nice plesant experience . no hassel

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  What in the world did I pay for - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Deborah - April 16 - 2:13 pm

  Yes, I know you dont buy a car just for all of the bells and whistles. Doesnt that add to the decision of your purchase? I traded a 2012 maxima for this beautiful 2016 Platinum. There are a few things that really bother me about the vehicle like stupid visors. They look like they were forgotten about and just had some thrown on. The curves on the outside of the visor are just in the right spot for the sun to come through when you use the slide feature. In the previous Maxima there was a sliding extender that worked very well for blocking out the blinding sun. That did not need to be changed. I also had a six disc CD changer that also included a feature that I could record my CDs and save them right there in the system. Now I have just one disc option . That did not need to change. Now the thing that really makes me upset with my purchase is the fact that all of the cool apps I was told about are not available on the TOP OF THE LINE, FULLY LOADED 2016 NISSAN MAXIMA I PAID OVER 42, 000 FOR. Talk about buyers remorse. if the little small things I thought I was getting could change then this would be the perfect vehicle. If I could turn back the clock a few months I would have kept my 2012 and waited until these stupid things were fixed. On top of all of that, there was a recall already on the fuel system/gas tank and after starting the vehicle there is an annoying clicking when I apply the break that I was told was something that I would just have to live with.

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  $1450+a tranny! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian-Las Vegas - April 15 - 10:33 am

  I have had this car 4 yrs. During the 1st week of Feb. 05 I spent $1450 on replacing the ignition coils, mass airflow sensor & throttle response sensor. Nissan should of extended the warranty on the coils. Nissan is well aware that the coils are junk! In addition to the above the dealer replaced the A/T under warranty at 58,500 miles. I have never had a transmission fail at such low mileage! The rebuilt unit is only warranteed for 12/12. I am a preventive maintenance junkie. I installed an external A/T cooler in series with the factory unit. The transmission was serviced twice in 58,500 miles. This should never of happened. I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY ANOTHER NISSAN!!

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  I love this car! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ddamon - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have had is, "the passenger seat is not that comfortable to ride in". Otherwise, its fun to drive, easy to maintain, and a good value!

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  Shoulda bought a Grand Prix GTP - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Max-owner - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Not bad. Powerful, comfortable, but I liked the 1996 version I owned better. It was classier and more practical.