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 161 through 170 of 3,122.00-
Maxima 1997 - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By mrfoxy57 - July 11 - 10:23 pmThis is the best used car i have ever owned. Im 57 years old... The performance is awesome, the ride is smooth. the gas mileage is amazing when you consider the acceleration. I would HIGHLY recommend this car.
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Be aware - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By djcu1979 - July 11 - 4:03 pmMy Maxima started having major electrical problems at 5500 miles. The seat and steering wheel move on their own when using the unlock button on the remote control on a random basis when the remote is assigned to one of the memory positions. Nissan claims that this is normal since 3 brand new Maximas on the dealerships lot do this too. The exterior mirrors move out of position on their own while the vehicle is in operation and occassionally when the remote is used. This vehicle is in violation of my states lemon law, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and US Commercial Code, legal action is currently being taken against Nissan.
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Picked-up Used - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By bmac13 - July 11 - 2:43 amI bought this car used from my father about 3 month ago. The dealers were trying to fleece him on trade in value for a new vehicle. My family was growing and I needed a larger second vehicle. I was looking for a larger sedan with safety and reliability, but with some HP and was fun to drive. After looking at the new sedans (2010-2012) on the market I could not find a vehicle that had all of the features of the 2006 Maxima and under 25K. I was aware of the transmissions problems of the Maxima, fortunately, I knew the history of this Maxima and the transmission has not been a problem. If worse comes to worse, Ill be out 3K instead of 25K+ price tag of new vehicle with less quality.
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Very Good Vehicle! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By getgopi - July 11 - 2:00 amI have had this car for 8 years now. I live in New England and the winters can be pretty hard. The Max does a good job on heavy snow thanks to a powerful engine and effortless shifting. Wide field of view through the windshield. NE weather and roads can be hard on the wipers (need to be replaced once a year) and paint. Some exhaust components under the car became rusted and had to be replaced in 2002 ($150 at Midas). Using rust inhibitor at the local car wash now and then should prevent this from happening. Windows and Moonroof still function well. Factory installed Bose audio still sounds terrific. Climate control system continues to be effective.
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Beautiful car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By AceMon - July 11 - 2:00 amI enjoy my car completely and would reccomend them to anyone looking at a new or used car. This is my 2nd Nissan vehicle and have never been stuck by the side of the road with anything worse than a flat tire.
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excellent - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By deanna romero - July 11 - 2:00 amNISSAN DID EXCELLENT JOB, DESIGNING THE 2004 MAXIMA, I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT, I GET ALOT OF LOOKS FROM PEOPLE, WONDER WHAT CAN OF CAR IT IS. DESIGN OUT BEATS, SOME OF THE TOP LUXARY CARS. CANNOT NOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY CAR.
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2004 Maxima review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By silver - July 11 - 2:00 amgreat looking automobile perf is great interior is spaceous and detailed nicely standard sky lights a real plus trunk is extra spaceous enjoy having audio controls in steering wheel heated steering and seats a plus plus in cold weather electric everything
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Great Auto Purchase - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Pofied - July 11 - 2:00 am2004 Maxima SL Ordered this car with options that I wanted and with the car is the best that I have purchased in many years. No complaints and very satisfied.
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CVT Technology and the 2011 Maxima SV - 2011 Nissan Maxima
By labower - July 10 - 2:17 pmThe 2011 Maxima SV is an overall great car. Not only is the sports sedan great for people with kids who just cant bring themselves to travel around in a minivan, but it handles well, gets great gas mileage, and makes driving less of a chore and more of an adventure. Really, I love to find an excuse, any excuse, to drive this car. And it has plenty of room in the trunk for groceries, and for my large dog (who has not quite gotten used to the fact that we no longer have a hatchback vehicle and she cant just ride in there). I dont know how I survived without a dual sunroof, heated and cooled seats, or a heated steering wheel. And the pickup...when you press the gas, it GOES.
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MAXAMILLION - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By MSJOE143 - July 7 - 9:36 pmI love my 2008 Maxima. I went to the dealership to see the Maxima and check out the 2009 Murano - I was not impressed with the Murano, very tight in the cabin. Max is spacious, beautiful, reliable and I love to drive him. Hit the gas and this baby really goes, brakes are amazing. I have no complaints about this car. Not going to complain about the gas because you have to remember its a V6 with plenty of horsepower. From what I see, I like the 2009 Max, so I just might have to trade my baby in for an infant. None-the-less the car is great! Highly recommended.
