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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  Solid Near Luxury Sedan - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Riverdog - March 21 - 6:06 pm

  I thought it was bit pricey until I test drove my new Maxima SV. Its a solid near luxury sedan with excellent performance. My only concern was with the CVT but Ive learned to like it especially for economy and the manual mode is a hoot but watch out for the law as this thing gets up to speed in a hurry. My mileage has averaged about 24 in combo driving which Im quite satisfied with. In my opinion, the exterior (mine is Crimson Black) is absolutely gorgeous and the interior is about the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Lots of power, no good on gas - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dwillington - March 17 - 9:43 pm

  What I like most about this car is its power and performance. 260 hp, this thing flies. It has performance tires for a reason. Do not like the interior, it looks cheapish Japanese style, like a cheap electronic calculator. The leather is nice, most of the trim great, but the gauges could seriously have benefited from a different designer. Gas consumption is NOT good, youll notice pretty fast youre paying at the pump a lot. But overall, its a nice sporty sedan.

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  Great car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By vinnnn - March 17 - 1:23 pm

  very happy with it. 2 problems that nissan knows about but will not fix is the ignition coils and the rear calipers stick....

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  Love my 04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Glenda Porter - March 15 - 7:20 pm

  This car is fun to drive with a lot of power and it has all kinds of features, like the garage opener and the home link it comes with the vehicle so you can get rid of the opener, this feature is located on the rear view mirrorf and in the event that u return back to your house and u forgt to tun the lights dont worry home link can turn the lights on for u , I just love it

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  Great all-arounder - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bigtex144 - March 14 - 9:36 am

  I bought my 97 Maxima SE 5-speed about 2 years ago and am in love with it. The fact that its my 4th car in under 2 years says a lot! I bought it with 307K miles on it (a testament to how unbelievably solid the car was and still is to this day). Im now over 343K miles and have had to replace little; The 02 sensors, the struts (which were original), and slave/master cylinders. I get 30-33 mpg almost every tank, and thats even with mixed city/hwy. Power is still great after all these miles when I need it too! Did not come with the Bose stereo; stock CD player and volume knob didnt work and all 4 speakers were rotted out, so I replaced those and it sounds great now

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  Love my Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Stuart Alperin - March 14 - 3:46 am

  I have been purchasing a new car every three years with most being "upscale" sedans. My most recent car was a Volvo S-80 T-6 and this Maxima surpasses it in every category and costs $10,000 less. The normally aspirated Maxima is just as fast as the Volvo turbo. The looks are great and it has provided trouble free performance. Most of all, I love driving it. The only negative I can think of is that the turning ratio is is a bit too wide.

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  Still the Fastest, Best in its class! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By KrazeDiamond - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Since 92 after I got my very first car, a Maxima SE, I quickly fell in love with it. At that time, it was really the better car to get for my money. And ever since, I get myself a new Maxima every 4 years(so I can always drive the newest designed Max!). Never had any problems with them, except the ride is kinda rough but given that its sport-tuned! the Maximas can outhandle any car in its class, and thats why I went and bought the 2003, with the new 3.5L engine, this baby tears up the road!

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  My Max - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Lenita - March 10 - 2:46 am

  The new Maxima is great to look at and drive, however, the third week my check engine soon light came on and its a brand new car. Thats scary, other than that I am in LOVE with the Max.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Happy - March 9 - 10:40 am

  Ive owned this car since November and Im still smiling. I was going to buy an 02 Altima but a loaded Altima V6 would have been only $1K-2K less than a GLE Maxima. I test-drove a Maxima and I was SOLD! The car has incredible power. My dad is looking to replace his 99 Avalon with an 02. I told him to take a good look at the Maxima because you get A LOT more for less money. I havent had one problem with the car (and I drive it hard). The 02 Maxima is a GREAT car.

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  The Best I Ever Had - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By carz10 - March 8 - 7:46 am

  I just bought my Max 02 SE and have had for 3 weeks now. It is great. I am now a 4 time owner of a Maxima. Prevous I have owned a 1989 SE, 1993 SE and a 1995 SE. They just get better with time. What I like about the 02 is how quiet it is and the interior layout. The car feels tight, handles great, and needless to say with 255 HP it,s a bargin.