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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  Maxed OUT - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick - January 2 - 10:43 pm

  Fun car, but have never experienced significant repairs with previous Maximas. Have replaced air conditioning compressor, timing belt, and battery (3 times). What happened to the quality with which I was accustomed? Was considering another Maxima, or even an upgrade to Infinity. But, this is my last Nissan of any kind until the reliability comes back.

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  Fun Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By waveman - January 1 - 1:00 am

  Had my 2009 Maxima for week now, fun to drive. Cant wait for next trip. Mileage seems to be good. Bought the 2009SV with Sport Package, mats and splash guards. List $35733 paid $29700 minus my trade.

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  super car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By threedayride - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Maxima, and Ill drive it for 300K. Rode first one 220K, then gave it to my son who has had no problems. Style is dated on the 2003, but i couldnt wait for the 04s, which are beautiful. Totally dependable, no warranty work required at all.

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  Nissan Maxima 02 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ignacio Mejia - December 31 - 2:00 am

  The 02 Maxima is very sporty, powerfull as well as atractive. It looks like a luxury car, and drives like a sports car. I have been very pleased with everything my Maxima has to offer. It is not that good with gas mielage, but then again, I used to drive a celica.

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  LMs review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By pawhappy - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have never before been in a car where anywhere you go heads are turning. This car has and does it all. This is my 5th nissan. Ive owned saabs and toyotas I will never buy anything other than a nissan. They are great cars for a good value.

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  Its a dream - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JWG - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a Nissan before. I am more than pleased with everything about this car. It is got the power, comfort and looks. I could not be more pleased. Well, seoond thought, maybe if it were not as expensive.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima SE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jzmayer - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The family car with a kick in the a$$. With 255 HP this car has power to spare. This is an entry level luxury car. Bigger than the Altima, more power and cheaper due to less demand. This car is far superior to the Camry. This is the MANS car with a touch of class for the ladie.

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  Short timer - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tonyval - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the 222 hp. and the suspension is fantastic. Interior is well laid out, especially convenient are the radio controls on the steering wheel. Chain link drive belt is a plus for reliability. Plenty of room for a family of four (mine).

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  Allens new Maxama - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By George Eiring - December 29 - 5:23 pm

  Im 64 years old and have owned many vehicles in my life including a 1988 Nissa 300 Z . Very glad I went back to Nissan. This particlur car is first of all, absolutly georgous looking and the performance is supburb.The fit and finish is also supburb. I just love this vehicle. I would recommend this car to anyone especially what you get for the price. The list was 32,000. Incrediably low for the type of performance I feel. A friend of mine who owns a BMW drove it and said "I cant believe I like the handling of this car better than mine." THat tells it all

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  Disappointed - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By melr - December 27 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my 2006 Maxima slightly used in late 2006 with 15k miles on it. Everything was great for the first couple of years. Did go through two sets of tires though. At 72k miles the A/C began blowing hot air. A couple of months later, the transmission went out (hard shift between gears). A couple months after that a fuel leak and cracked motor mounts. The good news is Im now at 80k and am just replacing the brakes. There is also a hollow metal sound coming from the car. Fortunately I bought a great extended warranty (that expires in Nov.) that has picked up everything but the A/C. Come Dec. I will likely get rid of the car since its too expensive to repair.