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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  BEST MAX EVER - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By TheMax - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of Maximas in my life time. Ive had a 1989 Maxima GXE, 1992 Maxima GXE, 1995 GXE, 1996 SE, And Finally a 1998 SE. These cars have been the best cars Ive ever owned. Ive owned Hondas, Acuras, Toyota ect. And the Nissans have been my favorite. Im 19 years old and i still have more cars to go, but the maximas are by far my favorite. The performance is excellent, handling and suspension is out of this world the car is just all in all great. Easy to work on and very fun to drive.

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  Couldnt be happier... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cheets - February 12 - 2:00 am

  We leased the SL with the Journey package. The navi is awesome and the screen is much easier to read than the orange one. My wife and I test drove several other cars (G35, Acura TL amongst others). This car has the most room front and back. Seats very comfortable for long periods of time. Extremely fun to drive.

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  Love it! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jake - February 11 - 4:46 pm

  I recently purchased the SL edition and I have to say I love it! Fun to drive, alot of pep (fast), so many interior options but most of all comfort. Great handling and good on gas. Not your typical sedan thats for sure. I also own a 1998 Maxima that has a ton of miles but, runs like the day I bought it. I definetly recommend Maximas they always have more to offer then comparable sedans and are the most reliable of any other car I have owned including Honda.

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  After one month - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Raybo - February 8 - 1:40 pm

  After one month and 4000 miles I am very happy with my Maxima. This car handles comparably to my 2002 Maxima, which I traded in with 215,000 miles. I have had no problems with anything at this point, just like my old one.

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  Great Improvements - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cali97 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Just acquired a new 2004 SE 3.5 and absolutely love it. Traded in 2001 Maxima and the improvements in the 2004 are sensational. Lots of room, great interior and exterior design and it has unbelievable acceleration. Great looking and fun to drive. Much more automobile for the money than comparable cars I looked at all the competitors and the Maxima was the winner hands down. You are making a mistake if you dont test drive one before you buy. Has so many bells and whistles at this price level it amazes me - heated seats, heated steering wheel, halogen lights, 18" wheels,auto set seats and steering wheel plus many more.

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  Fun & Roomy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By donnasaurus - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had the car a few weeks, but both my husband and I enjoy the Maxima very much. Great acceleration with 265 HP. But has some nice to haves, like telescoping steering wheel, 2 driver memory, and tons of on board storage. You feel like you are in a much bigger car. Rear seat passengers say how roomy it is. Also, the split back seats are another plus. So far so good, no defects found.

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  Not a Sports sedan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By daarrid - February 5 - 10:00 am

  The only good thing about the 2000 Maxima is the engine. Smooth, powerful. The seating position is poor and the handling is also poor. Wind noise is terrible (at highway sppeds)!!!!!!!!!!!!! The gauges are minimal with no oil pressure, etc

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  Gangsta - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jiggy323 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt sure if i shuld wait for the new Honda accord or get the maxima. But after the test drive....the choice was clear. Also the exterior of the maxima was soo much more appealing than the honda. IT was also more spacious. The ride can get rough sometimes in the SE.

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  Stick with toyota - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Junk - February 2 - 1:50 pm

  After having 2 Lexus and a Toyota, I wanted a change. I bought a 2005 maxima from an older gentleman that never drove it. It is a fun and fast car to drive, but that is it. The rides stinks. It is the loudest car I have ever owned, the sunroof broke with in 3 months of owning it, a switch had to be replaced in the heater, and everything squeaks or rattles when you go over a bump. By far the worst turning radius of any car. It is like driving a tractor! This by far the worst quality of a vehicle I have ever owned. Not to mention the resale is horrible! Good luck getting rid of this car without at least 3-5k out of pocket. Junk!

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  Good all around sports sedan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ioccaste - January 27 - 2:53 am

  Have had this car for about 2.5 years now, and have been a very happy customer. bought it with 70k, now at 103k. so far, have replaced tires, exhaust rear section, complete rear brake assembly, MAF sensor, plugs. need to have my a/c recharged soon. they say youll spend about $1000/yr on maintenance of any used car, which is pretty typical. so far, the car has been VERY reliable. its a stylish people mover, but able to romp with the big boys of GM or Ford (similar domestic sedans dont come close to the maxima power-to-weight ratio). on cold days, she hesitates while accelerating for about a minute. they say i have a small gasket leak somewhere. i get a lot of compliments. good mpg