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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  Nissan makes a great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Abstractor - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I really like the Nissan line. This is my 2nd Maxima, I have owned a Stnza and and Infiniti J30. The car handles well and is fun to drive.

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  The Nice Max - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Dylan Reed - July 26 - 10:33 am

  The Maxima is one of the hottest cars on the road.Although critics say that you pay a premium price w/o a premium name plate,who cares about a name plate.Part of my attraction to the car is that not many 3.5 SE are on the road. I would take this car over a 3 series BMW any day of the week.The Maxima is one of the best "values" currently on the market.The only other car I would choose over the Maxima would be the Acura TL, but at $10,000 more, there is hardly any comparison in price to value. The reliability is unbelievable.I would challenge any car, BMW, Benz, Lexus included to a durability and relibility test.If you want nameplate get a BMW or Benz, want value buy a Maxima!

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  Great and reliable - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By reggaedg - July 26 - 5:25 am

  Got this car from a friend 18 months ago, car was sitting for a year. This car has 268,000 miles on it and you could walk by it and not know that the engine was running. Installed new brakes and rotors and a paint job. Car now looks and run like new. Love the car, very reliable and the gas mileage is excellent for a 6 cylinder. Step on the gas and this car will launch you in a new dimension. The ride is tight, well it is a 4 door sport car after all. This car is fun to drive and if you plan to lend it to someone be certain to advise them on the quick throttle response. They could get a whiplash on take off.

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  Great Ride! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By CajunMaximaCpl - July 24 - 7:20 am

  The wife and I took delivery of our 06 Maxima SL (pearl white, tan leather, and functional sunroof - LOADED) after driving numerous family sedans. Came close to deciding on the 06 Altima (V6) UNTIL we drove the Maxima -- it sold itself! Awesome looks and drives like a dream. Our deal was 2% over invoice, which came out to be approx. $560 over -- very pleased with that deal! Our salesman was never, ever pushy and let us make our own decision about buying a vehicle and the time we took to decide.

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  i do not like it - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By clarkoii - July 23 - 9:48 pm

  my first car was a 98 maxima GLE, not a big fan. it had trans problems every 2 or three years. my ford now is the best car i have ever had. still have that maxima for some reason i cant throw it away

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  Whats not to like. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By epedal - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The car performs well, corners and accelerates proudly. People look at and like to look at this car. You will be the preferred driver for going out to lunch though.

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  206 Maxima love to hate it... - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Atlfalcons09 - July 22 - 2:06 am

  Bought my car in Jan.2007, very excited about finally owning a Maxima, just recently my transmission went out, struts are horrible and the car is very noisy, has knocking sounds under the car that the dealer cant figure out the problem, which is strange how they can figure out the major expensive stuff! The good things are the comfort and space...very good car to travel in and alot of trunk space. The car has very good pick up. The tires are very expensive and wear easily for some reason the dealer cant explain this either. Nice stereo system and speakers. Another complaint is this car has no change holder, 2 cup holders but no where to store change. Overall its a nice car.

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  Worth the Money! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith - July 18 - 8:43 pm

  I traded in my 04 Maxima SL for an premium SV with Tech. The only two things I hated about my 04 was the turning radius and heated seats. The 09 has been greatly improved. I compared this vehicle to a VW CC and Acura TL. The features, looks, and price blew the other two away. Fantastic interior and a quiet ride. The voice activation works great. I never have to repeat myself. Took a while to figure out that I cant hop on the gas and expect to get great gas mileage. Average 22 around the city. Havent taken it on a long trip yet, but hopeful it will meet the 26 mpg it boasts for highway mileage. I had no problems with my 04 after 115000 miles and I am hoping for the same with this

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  funto drive - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By mrmugs - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Owned since June-love the performance,but already see that the factory Bridgestone Potenzas HAVE to GO!With the power this car has,lousy wet traction and easy hydroplaning.Looking into winter tires,but a very hard size to find.

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  Room for improvement - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Shonte, NY - July 13 - 9:23 am

  Overall the 07 maxima is a nice looking car to the eye! But, there are downfalls. Such as, cabin noise, front end humming, mechanics state theres no problem. tire pressure light consistently comes on. On acceleration the steering wheel shakes at about 55 mph.