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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  RECALL - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By krudulph - December 27 - 6:19 am

  Dont buy this car, I have experienced one problem after another from the transmission failing in 2 years from the catalytic converter and solenoid failing at 5. That is over $8,000 in repairs. Do your homework on the Maxima years 2004-06 (mine is a 2005). There is a class action lawsuit against Nissan. Beware, this is an absolute lemon!

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  Infiniti, BMW and Lexus watch out! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Hokienut - December 27 - 6:10 am

  My wife and I just purchased the 3.5 SV premium fully loaded. The looks of this car are great inside and out. The engine and transmission are second to none for its class and there are enough gadgets on the car to make any “gadget freak” blush. There are 2 modes for driving: an automatic mode or an “aggressive” manual mode which we found impressive. We test drove the Infinity M35 AWD prior to our purchase and the Maxima gave it a run for its money; in some instances beating it. The car is roomy and comfortable, however if you’re a person over 6’ tall, I recommend not sitting in the back seat with the front seats all the way back. I would be surprised if this car didn’t win best car of 09.

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  Cream Puff - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Yeah!!! - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best value for a performance sedan. Its acceleration is great with an automatic or a stick shift. Ive owned both; the manual is much more powerful and fun.

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  03 MAX TITANIUM EDITION - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By CARLOS - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Apr 03, Really wanted a used 2001 Max SE because the design looked much better. Wanted very low miles (0 mi), so decided on a new 2003 Max SE. To my shock salesman told us they did not have anymore of the 03 Max SE and Nissan was not going to be making anymore 03 Maximas. All they had were the ugly 2004s. Told him were only in Apr 2003 and no more 03 Maximas??? Why was the 2004 Maxima introduced so early in the year.He said the redesigned Altimas sales were by far exceeding Maximas sales and Nissan had to do something, so they did. All I could do is wait for used 2003 Titanium Ed. Max.

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  STYLISH AND AWESOME - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken Harris - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWENED 4 MAXIMAS PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF 2001. This vehicle unbelievably reliable. The hadling and performance are out of this world. The 2001 body style makes the Maxima a real sports sedan especially with 17 inch wheels. The comfort and cabin space are execllent. This isnt any other vehicle that I would purchase. I plan to keep the 2001 for 10 years.

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  Fun family car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WRJ - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Acura TL, G35x, and 04 Max. All great cars but Max won out on best value, dealership, ability to carry 4 people most comfortability. This car can move. Torque steer is present but not a major issue.

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  Still a great value - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jeng - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima is a great all around car. It has the performance of a sports car in acceleration and handling and the refinement of a luxury sedan with ample room and amenities. The six speed manual is a blast to drive and it is great on gas (close to 28 mpg in mixed driving). What more could you ask for for a price in the mid 20s.

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  Hard to beat at this price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chaz - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Max SE for $29K drive- out, completely loaded. The interior is great, complete w/ very useful Nav system. The build quality seems impeccable and rock-solid. Love the xenon headlights. The engine is the smoothest engine I have ever driven, with loads of torque. The car is very fast for an automatic. The seats are a little hard though.

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  Poor Quality high price - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joseph misrendino - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has the low profile look and price of a sports sedan.It runs on premium fuel like a sports sedan but that s where thre simalarity ends. the Tourque steer is so strong it is dangerious,mine came with limited slip Diferential and the pull on excelleration is still cripleing.The steering feels loose over 60mph. Dificulty seeing over the dashbord. interior is poor quality. shifer is nochy with a lot of play, feels cheep.my carshifter tends to pop out of gear a huge safty hazerd.7)the car feel bigger than it is.The turning radius is huge for a car this size.my vechicle has been in 3 times for the shifter sliping out of gear,consumer affairs has heard

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  Impressive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By davechoc - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Its exciting to drive. Once you get used to the torque steer you dont mind it much. Some sloppy assembly - a missing nut under the hood. A breather hose that wasnt attached.