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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  More Sport than Sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RussoDad - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive...Turns Heads...Solid on the road...quiet inside...Lots of room...fast acceleration...smooth trans...comfortable and smartly designed interior...power to spare...Whats left?

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  Luv My GLE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DWS56 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2003 GLE in July. The test drive sold me. This car is fun to drive!! Im impressed with its acceleration in the 40-70 MPH range. Great for interstate driving. Hang on if youre going to drop the hammer on this baby. Solid Solid car. My wife loves it.

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  Comfortable Drive, but problems aplenty - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By edoug93 - November 11 - 8:41 am

  Bought my 2004 maxima with just above 100,000 miles 2 and a half years ago, have 125,000 miles on it now. Its a pretty fast car, rides comfortably at high speeds, and has really good stock speakers. But, it has had way too many problems. Power steering pump died on me, tensioners on the chain broke, both cam shaft sensors died and would cut all power to the car when moving, sunroof wont open, the climate controls wont work, including the defrosters, which isnt fun in the winter. CD player doesnt work. I feel the transmission shifting heavy now, which isnt good at all. This car has turned me off to nissan, I will probably end up getting a different vehicle in the immediate future.

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  40K car for 25K - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Vineyard - November 8 - 12:10 pm

  Superb car. Very smooth. Very fast. Very comfortable. A tremendous bang for the buck. I would choose it over my Boston car; a 99 Mitsu Eclipse GSX.

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  A love affair with my Maxima SE - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By mspitt - November 7 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this car new and it is still "New" to me. Everyday I get pleasure driving it. I had to do absolutely nothing to this car (except regular maintenance) until 2006 when my mothers dog chewed some wires in two. Now at 180,000 miles, the only thing my husband has done is replace the struts. This car is what all car makers should strive for. Its reliability is unmatched and it is a joy to drive. I would buy another Nissan, but I prefer to keep my Maxima, fixing whatever goes wrong, and just keep driving it. I am convinced this is the "BEST" car on the road.

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  The best! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bonton - November 7 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car when it had 40K miles on it and now, 5/07, it has 202K and still runs as good as the day I bought it. I have replaced an oxygen sensor, the starter, and the brakes. This is without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned in my 32 years of driving. I will keep it until they push me off the road.

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  LPs Review - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By LinP - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I am addicted to the Maxima. This is my 5th one, and anytime I have tried to switch to another car, I havent been happy. I always come back to the Maxima.

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  My beloved Maximus - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Ben - November 6 - 4:23 am

  My 99 Saturn SL recently decided to blow a head gasket. I decided it was a good time to get a new car. I did a lot of searching and just fell in love with the Maxima. It had everything I wanted plus more. I wanted to get a car that I could drive 150000+ miles. THis is the one! It has every option! I just love it! It doesnt get the best gas mileage, but hey, I am also a lead foot!

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  Fast, Fun, and Inexpensive - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul Huang - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The car has been reliable: small problems include battery replacement under warranty and a front-end squeak that dealers have not been able to fix. The rear suspension lands with a harsh thud when going over speed bumps with both rear wheels. If only 1 wheel goes over the bump its fine. The engine is great!!! The clutch is getting close to replacement after 76000 hard (not auto-journalist level of hard though) miles. I love my car and have problems finding a potential replacement. I have money to buy a more expensive car, but even then I cant find a car that is as fast, fun, and reliable as my $18K Maxima.

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  Love my Maxi - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mreck - November 4 - 12:06 pm

  I love my Maxima. Great to drive, eats up the road. Seats are mildly uncomfortable and the wheels tend to need rebalancing oftem. Tires are expensive ($350 each) to replace.