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:
Showing 1631 through 1640 of 3,122.00-
Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By dlkl1193 - November 23 - 2:36 pmI have own a Maxima before and have returned to one after 3 years. I found an off-lease Maxima SL that was loaded. It drives well and is very quiet (due to the SLs tires). SE drives like a go-cart and was too rough for me. I have found no problems or complaints so far. First tank on premium yielded 22.3 MPG over 60% freeway and 40% city. Averaged 25.2 @ 75 MPH on fairly level interstate for a 48 mile stretch.
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2002 Black on Black SE 6M - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By 2002 Black on Black - November 23 - 10:00 amOK, I am back. OIL CONSUMPTION caused me to lose the engine. Even after caring for the car like a baby. Always made sure it had the correct oil level. Replaced the engine, car runs great with quirks. Should have kept my 94 Maxima. Nissan blew it with this model year. Just an fyi not all have this problem. If youre interested buying this car, look at the tail pipe. If the pipe is heavy dark black color. Great chance its burning oil. At that point (NEXT!!!) keep it moving. Also I suggest premium gas. It makes a difference
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My 2010 Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By C and K Jones - November 23 - 10:00 amThe new body style is what drew us to our 2010 Maxima. We love the winter frost color and the car come with so many standard features it was to good to pass on.
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3rd Maxima i have had - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By jasorey - November 19 - 2:00 amok this makes the 3rd one of these i have owned. i had a 96 with the 5spd (190hp) and LOVED this car, lol then i made the mistake of test driving a 2003 (255HP), needless to say now i have the 03 SE automatic ( cause im getting older and lazier and traffic here is horrible so i got the automatic) well this things is incredible it accelerates so fast that the tires will start breakin loose at 45mph. LOL LUV IT (POWER POWER POWER)
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excellent - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By James rice - November 19 - 2:00 amAwesome Auto!!!! The Maxima is A great vehicle for family or for the sport minded driver!!!!!!!!!
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Colors - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Constance - November 19 - 2:00 amSO far,so good. But I would like the wood grain in all styles, it adds class. Also, color choices are VERY limited
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Rate the 04 max to the max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By RON WILSON - November 19 - 2:00 amThis is a outstanding automobile with great performance and superior exterior style.
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Poor Making Of The Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By karenharper23 - November 14 - 3:53 pmI have a 2006 Nissian Maxima and Ive been had this car for about 4 years now, I start experiencing problems with it last year after my warranty was up. First of all the AC went out and begun to blow hot air and costed me over $300 to get fixed then about January when I reached about 72,000 miles my car began to Jerk and take about 4-5 seconds to go into drive,reverse,etc. So I took it to the Nissan dealer and had them do a dianostic check about 3 times and they told me nothing was wrong so I got my transmission serviced around March and the jerking stopped and now it has started back and now my transmission has gone out and is costing me about $3,000 to get fixed. POOR QUALITY IM UPSET!!!!
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Great car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Phillygirl - November 14 - 10:00 amThis car is great to drive, handles well, and has plenty of interior room. I havent any major concerns with this car in all the time Ive had it. Car was stolen a few years ago. Thieves were caught in the car (in a high speed chase no less!) and the front end was torn up. Insurance wouldnt total the car, just repair it. Even so, the car still rides wonderfully! When I dont have the kids, I dont feel like Im driving a conspicuous family car. All around, the car has been wonderful (even through harsh Minnesota, Philly, and New England winters). It has 155K miles on it and hasnt missed a beat. Hope the newer models are just as great!
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FANTASTIC AUTOMOBILE!!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By DFW Daily Driver. - November 14 - 10:00 amBought my GLE in July,03 with 69,000 miles on it from a Houston dealer for $11,450. No oil used between changes. Lots of adjustments for seats, great lumbar support, like sitting in a fine chair in your home. Bose stereo is just incredible. Gas mileage: 23-27 mpg mostly city, but engine is so responsive it is hard to lay off of it. VERY comfortable and smooth ride with GLE suspension. Good legroom in rear with cupholders all over. Stereo controls on steering wheel a great convenience/safety feature. Auto trans is smooth as can be, no comparison to American cars like my brothers Buick LeSabre and Chrysler 300M. Great car!
