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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  You Decide - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LewBank - November 3 - 8:53 am

  I actually like driving this car and its style. However, I feel that purchasing this vehicle was a mistake. I bought this car because I wanted a sporty dependable car to drive around town and on the road. I would call this vehicle anything but dependable. My steering has had a problem for 3 months and my dealer and Nissan is doing little to repair it--I am considering legal action. This is my second Maxima. I owned an American vehicle in between the two maximas. I liked all three cars, but GM gave me much better customer service and service to my vehicle. I wished that I had bought the small caddy instead of the Maxima. Think twice before buying a new Maxima.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hayes Rembijas - November 2 - 11:26 am

  Iv only had the car for a few months, but Im enjoying every moment with it.

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  Its a Dud! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Greg - November 1 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001 due to its great handling and performance. Unfortunately, I had no way of knowing how cheap Nissan had gone on the parts. O2 sensors, mass airflow sensors, busted muffler, warped door to the gas tank, electrical system issues...I can go on and on. My advice is to stay away!

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  Buy this car!!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Vaughn - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car. Purchased a pearl white SR with camel interior. Just passed 1800 miles and its a pleasure to drive. The suspension is a little stiff due to it being a sport but thats something I knew going in. Has all of the bells and whistles of many vehicles above its class. With the dial comfortably located I rarely touch the screen. Power is very sufficient and road noise is virtually nonexistent. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a sub 40k 4 door sedan that likes a little wow factor. Have been complimented many times so far. As far as the cons.....the camel leather wrapped steering wheel looks great but I can already tell its going to take a lot of care to keep looking clean and new. We tend to drive with our hands in the same location and I dont know how well its going to hold up over the years. The Bluetooth has acted up a few times when trying to connect my fiances Galaxy s6 but my iPhone 6 works perfect. No moonroof available on the SR I guess due to the center of gravity, but I feel like something could have been done to make it an option. Mpg is good on the highway but I have been averaging less than 20 in the city. (Premium fuel only). Other than that I absolutely love this car!

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  If the Nissan Maxima 2003 is safe? - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By nissan maxima - October 30 - 10:56 am

  i just love the way that my 2003 Nissan Maxima drives, handles, comfort,and all the special features of the interior as well as the outside. I like the color which is black exterior and gray interior. It is the very best car that I have had the pleasure of driving or owning and I couldnt be happier if it was a brand new car. I just love my car and wish just wish that I could one day own a new one if this one gives out on me. Thanks Nissan for such a jewel of a vehicle.

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  Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jones, T - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  Having narrowed my search to the Maxima, Avalon, and Accord, I settled for the Maxima primarily because of ease of negotiating with the dealer. Now that Ive driven the Maxima for the past four weeks, I have only one real complaint. A deafening pecking noise began under the dash below the steering wheel. Talked with the service dept and if you have a similar problem, turn on the defroster and it should stop. It turned out to be coming from the heat/cooling system. A part will have to be replaced that controls the doors within the unit. Had same problem with my 2004 Chev truck (but it wasnt as loud).

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  Great Vehicle - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By James - October 23 - 8:13 am

  My friend had one and let me drive it. Fell in love right away. Great handling, smooth, fast, and good looking inside and out. Bought mine with 128,000miles now has 135,000 only preventive maintenance has been done.

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  Nothing like a Maxima. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By twelveboy - October 23 - 3:30 am

  I bought this car at 56k miles and have been very pleased. I have taken very good care of the car, all recommended maintenance. I have replaced the alternator at 70K, had a small problem with the front right tire making noise, turns out it was only a slightly uneven wheel, simply put it on the back and it has never maid a noise since. Wish I could have found a 5-speed for the same price/miles. I average 22mpg in town; about 26mpg at 80mph. The ride is a little rough in town, but nothing but comfort at high speeds. Overall a very impressive car.

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  One seemingly unsolvable problem - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Pedro Salas - October 20 - 4:06 pm

  This is my third Maxima. I have been very pleased with them over the years. I love the design and performance of the car. However, I cannot get the dealer/Nissan to solve one problem: the bluetooth volume drops to suddenly and returns at random. The dealer has not been able to fis it to date. They have replaced the radio but the problem persists. Additionally, the front two right speakers stoped working all of the sudden this weekend. Also, when I discovered one week after I got the car that the lsft retractable side mirror was not working. Too many problems for a new car. They seem like assembly/production problems.

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  Best Car Weve Owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By 3rdNissan - October 20 - 11:20 am

  Great interstate cruising car. After 199,000 miles, Im still getting 24 mpg in mixed driving to and from work, and 29+ mpg on trips. Handling is predictable but not sporty. When I bought four new Michelins at 165,000 miles, the ride became so smooth I decided to keep the car until at least 200,000 miles. This car is worth buying good tires.