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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  Precision Grey Max SL - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By beavis - January 14 - 10:56 pm

  Recently purchased a SL with the platinum package (no sunroof). There was too much wind noise with the roof - even with the wind deflector. I drove just about everything out there and this seemed the best bang for the buck. I highly recommend the Platinum package ... you feel like you purchased a luxury car. This car is fast. I am coming off a 540i. While the max has more body roll than I am used to, this does the job for about half the money. In the first week of having the car, I got my first ticket. When your cruising at 80 mph, it really feels like 50mph. Gas mileage is at 21. For mileage cars, Honda and Nissan is where its at. Toyota will put you to sleep.

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  Fun - Luxury & Performance - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony - January 14 - 7:30 pm

  This is the 4th Maxima I have owned. It is by far the the most sporty. I compared all the other cars (TL, Accord, Camry, Avalon, G35) and came back to the Maxima. It has the best engine and features for the money. My last Maxima, I had to replace the oxygen sensor and alternator although it had low miles. Even with a couple of repairs factored in I come out ahead of the other cars. Ive had no problems with my 2006 SL and really like all the features including Bluetooth, which comes with the driver preferred pkg. This car drives excellent with great power and a nice little growl from the engine! Steve Hipshin with Tom Peacock in Houston is the best salesperson- great price and service.

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  Transmission Failure! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Jerry W. Van Allen - January 14 - 2:25 pm

  I have a 2011 Nissan Maxima, and the CVT transmission has failed on the vehicle. I researched the web, to see if there were any other concerns with this type of transmission, and I found that from 2003 - 2010, a large range of Nissan vehicles had their warranty extended from Nissan, due to the CVT transmissions failing on the vehicles. Being that my vehicle is a 2011, their corporate office is saying that they will not assist me with repairing my vehicle, due to the vehicle being ONLY ONE (1) YEAR OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY EXTENSION ON SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES. Funny, there is an article listed on edmunds.com, on a 2011 Nissan Maxima CVT transmission failing him just after his warranty expiring (A 2011 MODEL). I am in the automotive industry and have a large influence in the Memphis area, so I am informing everyone that I know, to not ever buy a Nissan product, due to them not wanting to own up to their engine concerns and problems.

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  First Japanese Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Goforit - January 13 - 10:00 am

  As a former American car owner riddled with serious probs with Fords and Buicks I decided to go import. This appears to be a excellent car. Handling is excellent, Power is scalding, Interior is wonderfully balanced between comfort and tech. This car has been truly engineered by some of the most talented people in the automotive industry. I hope this car will be worthy of a review like this 3-5 years from now.

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  Fun yet sophisticated - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Smith - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my Maxima from the dealership I currently sell Nissans at. So far it has been a great car. I took it on a trip down south and it was probably the best trip Ive ever made of that distance. Its been very reliable so far as long as I keep up with the oil changes and what not.

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  Great Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Russ - January 9 - 7:56 am

  I ordered this vehicle when it was first introduced. The Maxima has been a great car. The only minor glitches have been some shoddy interior trim pieces; namely the power cord cover and the storage compartment cover below the radio. Performance wise the car is stellar. It has more torque steer than I care for though. All in all a great car and comfortable to drive.

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  04 Maxima worth the wait! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WendyRu - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have been researching this car since Nissan teased me with their mailings featuring the new body style. Like I told the salesman - he did not have to "sell" me the car. I wanted it the moment I sat in it.

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  Satisfied with Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Allen cat. - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Nissan always manage to improve on a already good product. I have purchased Nissans over the past 25 years and I have been satisfied with the quality and technology that NIssan manages to bring to the table.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By smbcpa - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Love it-been waiting years for the model update-third Maxima owned, and reliable as usual

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  Mixed results - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Lee - January 5 - 10:43 am

  Bought the car new (13 miles on it) from the dealer. For the most part the car performed well. 26,393 - driver side window stopped (warranty). 44,749 - engine warning light (catalytic converter replaced). 46,356 - engine warning light (catalytic converter replaced again). 56,784 - seat belt light (dealer convinced me I needed a new battery). Seat belt light came back on within 10 miles of leaving the dealership. Warranty expired 60,968 - replaced seat belt sensor. Later issues (after 5yrs, like clock work): back left tire bearing tie rod rear calipers struts. I should have gotten out between 4 and 5 yrs. After that things really started to fall apart.