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 1581 through 1590 of 3,122.00-
Excellent Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By smarty666 - January 25 - 11:46 pmThe car handles and accelerates extremely well. The CVT has yielded very good fuel economy for a car with 290hp. The CVT unfortunately takes away from really making the maxima a four door sports sedan but it does make it feel and sound more like a luxury sedan. If you want to impress you can really use the driver sport mode to make the car sound and feel more like a normal automatic transmission which I have used quite often.
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Maroon Maxima Review - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Jayna Perry - January 24 - 2:00 amI have had this car for 2 years and it has been nothig but good to me. The mileage is considered low for being a car that is 7 years old and is very good on gas. The ride is very smooth and comfortable.
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perfect blend. - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By hydro - January 24 - 2:00 amthis car is like a good long island iced tea. it has lots of rum, gin, vodka, triplesec and most importantly TEQUILA!! and it wont give you a hangover in the morning. i bought it at 111k miles, and all the mechanics/car dealer friends were confident in saying it would last up to 200,000 miles or more.
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Fun Yet Solid Like a Rock - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By asktoknow - January 24 - 2:00 amNever had a day of trouble in five years. Still has the same throaty growl when the 3.0 liter engine accelerates. Wish I had bought three.
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Lovin it so far - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By ers - January 22 - 4:30 amIve had the SL for three weeks and I love it. I considered an Avalon, a G35x, a Passat, and the Maxima. For me, it was the best combination of sportiness, size, reliability and looks.
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Transmission Issues - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By P brown - January 22 - 1:32 amI brought this car brand new in 2006. Around 40,000 miles the transmission started to slip. I called the dealership and of course they said there are no issues with the transmission, this is the first time weve heard of this, yeah right. Called 1-800-Nissan but they werent any help either. I had all my service records but I just didnt get the car serviced at the dealership so they said there was nothing they could do since the dealership didnt service the car. 82000 miles in rush hour traffic the transmission goes completely out. The car was towed to the dealership who gave me a discount and put in a new transmission for $3,200.
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Sarah & Toms Ride - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Sarah & Tom - January 21 - 5:40 amLove everything about it, glad we went with the 07, Nissan just keeps getting better and better all the time :) This is our 4th Nissan, great performance machines ! Loved the Armada we traded for the Maxima but gas prices were not so good, so we decided on the Maxima. Great choice love the looks you get when you are setting at a red light :) It sure turns heads that is for sure. We love everything about it.
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Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Arnold - January 20 - 10:50 pmTraded my 96 Maxima over the weekend. A bit sad. Bought it in 1999 used with 70,000 miles. 10 years later 198,000 miles. Still runs great with lot of power. The best V6 engine in its class! I will miss her.
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Maxima.....Loaded Altima? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Foo - January 18 - 10:00 amI love the new Maxima. Looks great, superb engine, top notch interior (unlike the plastic woes of the Altima) and roomy. But I am doubting the strategy put out by Nissan. The Maxima is identical to the Altima mechanically and suspension and chassis wise, other than 20 more horsepower. For a car that cost so much more, I believe that Nissan should have forked out more development money to maximize the cars potential, especially chassis and suspension wise, instead of routing the cheap way, and building a car that looks great, but is just an Alitma. The car still handles well, but for the price, it could be much better.
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Funnest Car Ive Ever Owned - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Keith - January 16 - 8:50 pmWhen Nissan tagged this "the four door sports car", they werent kidding. Very fun to drive, excellent technology and a great price point.
