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 1681 through 1690 of 3,122.00-
Wont get fooled again - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By WhatHappened? - October 11 - 10:00 amIn the first 12k miles, Ive had: 3-4 service trips for check engine light before replacing faulty gas cap. service: re-glue interior upholstery near moon roof. It was suggested that the cause of it coming off may have been use. Use. Guess they never planned on people using it more than 3 times. service: re-glue cheap material around steering column which was splitting along the seam. Guess I wasnt supposed to use the steering wheel either. - worst car in snow Ive ever driven - jarring ride - scraped bottom going 1 mph over a speed bump. - very quick to scratch, chip, rust. - sun visor bracket came loose when I popped it off to put visor by side. started rattling. Total # uses:2
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great car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Roberto - October 11 - 10:00 amI got my Maxima new in 2006. I have never been disappointed in it. So far Ive been impressed with the power, comfort and agility. At 75,000 miles I just replaced the struts and shocks. Other than that, everything has been reliable and safe. This car should be reviewed for what it is, and not what one wishes they had bought instead. Complaining that the gas tank is too large or that you have to use premium gas arent complaints. Thats like complaining a Corvette has too much power. Cant go wrong buying this car. Nissan just extended the warranty on their transmission to 10 years/100,000 miles. I wouldnt buy this car from a second party though since they are often abused as street racers.
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Great fun! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Glenn-Maryland - October 9 - 2:56 pmI have driven my Maxima GLE for 2 years and love it more now than when I purchased it! It has great acceleration and handles smoothly. The BOSE sound system is terrific. Very reliable.
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Undecided - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Rocio - October 9 - 7:46 amI love my maxima, but as previously stated, it makes so much noise while youre driving it. It feels like youre riding it offroad and it makes the driver and passenger shake. My front struts also went bad a 7k miles. other then that, I love it. I dont know if Id buy another maxima in the future.
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What A Great Vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Pleased Customer - October 7 - 1:20 pmI purchased my Nissan at 32000 miles,I now have 394,000 miles. I still get excellent gas mileage 24 city and 30 hwy. This vehicle is driven slightly over 1000 miles weekly. I replaced the alternator due to a recall, only oil changes as recommended, tires and of course brakes. The Bose stereo system still sounds awesome. Slight tear on driver leather seat. If you perform the maintenance required on this auto I can surely guarantee you will find this car to be a keeper.I will continue to drive this car until sadly it has to go to the "Automobile Haven". This is truly is a well handling vehicle on highway.
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good compromise - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By microshitf - October 6 - 10:00 am98 Maxima SE, 54k miles, manual transmission. Zero problems so far after 17k miles and one year of ownership (I bought it used). Small quirks: some screeching sounds from time to time from the brake pads, some whinning sounds from the clutch esp during warm weather.
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Nissan is Good - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By TaxMan - October 6 - 10:00 amThe only car I drove that outperformed the Maxima was a 540 6-spd, but it was two years old, had over 30k miles, and was priced about $10k more than the Max I purchased. No other car priced under $35k can match the Maximas blend of performance, quality, and content. My only major complaint is the paint quality - the car is five months old and has almost a dozen paint chips on the front bumper. Great car - loads of passenger space, good looking, fantastic engine and transmission.
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Best car in its class - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Arthur - October 6 - 10:00 amThis is really a very good car. Ive been driving Maximas since 1995. Its the best car in its class(Honda Accord, Toyota Camry etc). Has the best V6 engine, very powerfull and very vell balanced. Previous year (2001) was not thet good: very unbalanced (very poor brakes for the power like that-215 hp). But this year -- excellent. Cars like it -- 0 (V6, 255 HP and the funny part -- only $24000 with the sunroof and everything power). ENJOY!!!
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very luxurious - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By skhan - October 1 - 2:00 amThis is a very smooth riding car and the gle model has a very luxorious interior and absorbs road bumps very well. This is the best car i have owned since a 95 v6 camry. I actually got rid of a 99 grandprix gt for the camry due to problems with the grandprix.
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To The Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By To The Max - October 1 - 2:00 amThis is my second Maxima I had a 1989 that went for 289,000 miles with no drive line failures was driven hard right to the end. I traded a 2002 Niss, Altima 3.5 SE for the 2004 and all I can say is this car is incredible cannot stop driving it......Nissan let me do a comerical for you for free .......what a car and what a company........My wife and I drive it all the time it is just a awesome car and kicks butt on alot of so called american muscle cars... The power band just keeps going and begging for more..The only two faults the front grill and the power adapter pain to get to....10 out of 10 best buy
