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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Still going strong - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By UNT84 - December 13 - 9:10 pmI bought my 96 Maxima SE to take to college with me. It was very low mileage and had only 59k miles at 7 yrs old. Now, two years later, it has 114k on it and is still as good as it was when I bought it. I love the leather seats, sunroof, and esp. the Bose audio system. Ordinarily, it gets between 22- 25 miles per gallon and thats a combination of highway and city driving. The only things I would possibly change are the quality of the paint (mine is dark green) and I do wish that it had a manual transmission. Its an awesome car though, and more than likely I will have it until it dies.
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Original, Best 4 Door Sports Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By ILTHOMPSON - December 12 - 2:00 amI love this car. It out performs any other car in the class. Ive driven "suped" up Camrys, Acuras, and others and I like my car best.
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At 32K Miles-Poorly Made Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By Kay - December 10 - 10:53 pmThis is my 2nd Nissan (first Maxima) and my last!!!!! There is a constant rumbling vibration felt through the gas pedal and steering wheel between 20-45 mph. I have taken my car to over 6 different dealers and they couldnt fix it or really find the problem, so the service rep came and said "this is normal for this transmission"!!!! For a car that cost this much!!! There FLAGSHIP VECHICLE!!!!They claim this new transmission is seamless, which apparently its not. It is soooo aggravating, and to top it off now my car constantly sounds like it is revied up high!!!!!! So, Im now stuck with it!!!! I wanted to get the 09, but now I am scared....
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MAXIMA IS TAKING ME FOR A RIDE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By KIMMY0868 - December 1 - 10:00 amALTHOUGH THIS CAR HAS BEEN FUN TO DRIVE, IT IS STARTING TO BE A NIGHTMARE FOR REPAIRS, BUYERS BEWARE!!!! I BOUGHT THIS NEW AND AT 25,500 MILES THE COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.OK, NOW, AT 41000K THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT A WHOPPING $780.00. I AM CURRENTLY TALKING TO NISSAN, BUT SAID MAYBE THE NEXT TIME THEY GO THEY WILL FOOT THE BILL FOR THE COST OF THE COILS (80.00 EACH).NOT LABOR. I WILL GET RID THE CAR AS SOON AS I CAN!!!!! HEADS UP PEOPLE, THIS CAR HAD FLAWS AND IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS IS HAPPENING TO!! ITS NOT THAT FUN TO DRIVE.
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Not for introverts... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Aldee - December 1 - 10:00 amTraded in 02 Altima which was great car. Fell in love with the rear end design and 265 HP. Feels like 295. This from a Buick Grand National owner.
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fast - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By power train - December 1 - 10:00 ambest thing i done in a while, the car handles great, compared to the lincoln 2001 LS i let go not even close
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MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By MAX1MA97 - December 1 - 10:00 amTHE NISSAN MAXIMA IS A RELIABLE CAR FOR ITS CLASS AND AFFORDABLE. MAJOR POSSIBILITIES FOR AFT.ERMARKET PRODUCTS
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Rattles - 2011 Nissan Maxima
By nissan_maxim - November 28 - 10:22 pmLove everything about the car except the rattles. I hear one above the steering column. There is one on the plastic piece that has all the temperature and radio buttons. I hear one over by the passenger side where the seat belt is located. Of course these rattles come and go. I took it to the dealer who appearently fixed a rattle but I couldnt tell. Also said that the rattle where the radio butttons were couldnt be fixed yet they somehow made the rattle louder. You also can actually see my passenger seat vibrate as Im driving although the wife doesnt mind it:)
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My opinion of this vehicle. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By elsea - November 24 - 5:23 pmThis car handles well on the road in all types of weather. Both the exterior and interior look nice; the interior has some nice features to it. It has good gas mileage. I get between 25 and 27 miles per gallon when I drive this car. There is plenty of room for items in the trunk, and it has a good size consoul. Overall, this is a nice car for the money.
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Very Reliable - Great Performance - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By vmok - November 24 - 11:30 amI have a 1997 Maxima SE 5sp. It has 145k+ miles on it and continues to deliver the smooth fast performance that it did the day I got it. The power delivery and smoothness in the engine makes freeway merging, city driving, and any thing else you can think of a easy. In fact, with the 5sp, its easy to hit the rev limiter because the engine is so quiet and smooth. Its not the best handling car nor the fastest, but a great sports sedan for the money!
