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:
Showing 1531 through 1540 of 3,122.00-
1997 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Aaron - April 11 - 9:53 pmThe car performed great for the first 95,000 miles. - 95,000 front left strut (covered by the 100,000 warranty I added at purchase) - 130,000 the radio volume knob doesnt work well, speakers deteriorated - 140,000 starter ($480) - 145,000 alternator ($470) - 157,000 right front wheel bearing, both axle boots ripped so replaced axles ($830) - 158,000 (currently) the front brakes are creaking horribly (brakes are quite new) So after $1780 in the last two years, I wont be spending anymore money on this car. And will not be buying another Nissan, too unreliable. I treated this car like a baby and it basically started shutting down on me.
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Iphone and Aux Audio system.. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By et2aussie - April 11 - 7:20 pmI really like everything about my maxima. Except that they only have a usb port to use with your mp3 player and if you have an iPod, it wont work. I have an iphone and wont work when I plug it to the audio system of my car.
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Great Blend of Handling, Ride, Power! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By hgwells - April 9 - 7:30 amI found this car to be the best blend of looks, power, handling, ride, quality and fun-to-drive compared to Lexus 350, Infiniti G-37, BMW 328i and Hyundai Genesis. It is a great value and vastly under-rated in some professional car magazines. CVT transmission, HID headlights and audio system are among the best. (Somewhat taut suspension is fine on most roads but sensitive to poor ones.) Ive had it 13 months and no problems at all. Service at two dealers has been fine.
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Awesome Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
By AW - April 7 - 10:12 pmLuxury car without luxury price
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Awesome Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
By AW - April 7 - 10:12 pmLuxury car without luxury price
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Awesome Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
By AW - April 7 - 10:12 pmLuxury car without luxury price
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What a car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By hutch1 - April 6 - 8:26 pmTraded in my 2nd Camry for my first Nissan, and I have to say Im thrilled with the purchase. Basically have now found what it means to have a sports sedan instead of a family cruiser and I will not be looking back! Test drove approximately 10 cars and never really found that perfect fit of sports sedan, luxury, good looks and reliability for a great price until now.
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2017 Nissan Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Maxima Leaser - April 6 - 12:13 amGreat looking car with eye catching design. A feel of quality inside and out. A little to be desired in the sensing features if you have been used to them from another vehicle. You will get a kick out of the acceleration in sport mode.
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Not a good buy! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Not Happy - April 5 - 3:23 pmI bought this car at about 20,000 miles and it was fine at first. But then started having problems and had to have the transmission replaced at about 70,000 miles, good thing I had extended warranty otherwise Id be in the hole for about $5,000+! What a rip! So I took it in for an oil change and apparently it now has something cracked that leads to the transmission. SO OVER IT!
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Fun to Drive, Great Electronics Too - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By bigstarfan - April 1 - 10:13 amI seriously considered (and test-drove) the Toyota Avalon, the Lexus ES330/350 and IS250, and the Maxima was just a better overall vehicle. Its comfortable, stylish, feature-rich, and extremely fun to drive. The CVT transmission is very responsive, the engine has ample power, handles like a sports car, yet has room for 4 people (it has seat belts for 5, but the 5th one had better be a midget). I fell in love with the iPod integration immediately, and the center console computer (I didnt buy the nav) has bucketloads of information if you desire info. I cant say enough about how I enjoy the SmartKey (breaking the habit of taking out a key was easier than I thought). Terrific vehicle!
