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 1671 through 1680 of 3,122.00-
My MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Bob L. - October 13 - 10:00 amSolid built car. Love the glass roof. Performance is there when needed. Wish it had a longer factory warranty plan- more that 3 years 36,000 miles.
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Excellent Car and Excellent Company - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Robin90277 - October 13 - 10:00 amI had an Altima before this that never gave me problems, and now I love my new Maxima, it drives beautifully and looks beautiful. ONLY problem Ive found is the turning radius, cant make a sharp U-Turn. Otherwise, best car for the money out there.
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Beats BMW & JAG - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By TimothyPT - October 13 - 10:00 amI wanted a BMW or Jag. But when I ghave them the list of features the Maxima was offering me the price tag went up to $60,000. The Maxima gave me everything I wanted and more.
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Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Star Gray - October 13 - 10:00 amIt has great performance and I love the style. I love the interior and exterior style. I get so much compliments in the car. I love it!
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I love my Maxima!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Lisa S. - October 13 - 10:00 amThe performance is excellent. Gas mileage is approx. 22 mls per gal. I drive often on the turnpike and with the cruise control its a joy. I drive 30 miles a day to my job and its a pleasure to drive this car. I cant say enough good things about it. Driving my Maxima has become a hobby.
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maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Rook445 - October 13 - 10:00 amEverytime i thought that they cant built it better nissan came back and surprised me. There is some much there to like about this car from the skyview roof, to the interior design that is in a class of its own. I was kinda shaky about the exterior design, but it is growing on me now, and everytime i look at the car it just looks good. Given the choice between a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and a VW Passat i will buy the maxima in a heart beat, coz after test driving them all, this is the most fun car out of them all.
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Best Maxima Yet - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By cooldog45 - October 13 - 10:00 amThis is one of the most beautiful cars ever put out by Nissan. The car handles and performs like a dream.
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X treme - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Alex Garcia - October 13 - 10:00 amthis is my favorite car yet . ive never rode a car like this its is superb and thank the nissan company that they built a excellent car.
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I like it but... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By DavidS - October 13 - 10:00 amOverall a good vehicle. The "skyview" roof is silly and there was no option to not have it unless you want to pay $900 extra for a regular sunroof. Very roomy inside and in the trunk. I get lots of dreamy stares.
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Mad MAX Props!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By hofb99 - October 13 - 10:00 amIm still so excited! Finally found a BLACK MAX! Owned a white one back in the day, but was originally looking for a black one back then too! But now that I found the one that I want this time...have to say it STILL has me in awe! Ive ALWAYS been a loyal fan of the MAX since the old "box" body-style days. Between the wife and I, this will be our fifth NISSAN, so its safe to say that were a bit biased toward them. Im already accessorizing!!! Turns heads and gets a lot of attention from the public. All I have to say is go and test drive one if youve been thinking of buying one--THE CAR REALLY SELLS ITSELF-- itll make you a believer!
