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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  Unbelievable Bang for the Buck - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By zippy78 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive purchased my 01 Maxima SE 5- speed last September and Im happy to report that nearly 1 year and 14K miles later, absolutely no faults to be found...this car is amazing! Ive done nothing but routine maintenance. If I had to nitpick, my gripes are slightly notchy manual shift action and the pain of pulling out the premium gas pump. Although I have run regular and mid-grade fuel on occasion with no ill-effects, Nissan should calibrate their Max to run on 87 or 89 octane, even for a few horsepower penalty. Nevertheless, if this car stays as solid and reliable through the long haul, Ill definately be back for another.

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  Great Car!!! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By bigev - September 27 - 7:33 pm

  This car has been in my family since 98. Never had any serous problems knock wood. It is fully factory except for a k&n air filter. Gas mileage not 2 bad I get about 17 city on regular and about 28 highway. Engine is more than sufficient. Currently has 112,000 mi on it still almost as good as new. I would recommend this car to anyone in the used car market

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  Great car! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Loki - September 26 - 6:26 am

  This is my third Nissan and my first Maxima. My previous car was a 96 Altima and I decided it was time to upgrade. I really like the Maxima! Its a pleasure to drive and quite luxurious for the price. A lot of pick- up and an amazingly quiet drive. I looked at the Acura TL and that was slightly more luxurious, but not worth the extra $3,000 they wanted. I was also very pleased with the dealer (Nissan City in Port Chester NY); no b.s. and very little sales smarminess.

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  2009 Maxima 3.5 S - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By artie - September 21 - 3:26 pm

  The time had come to part with my 2006 Mustang GT because I needed a four season driver. I looked at Altima, Malibu, Fusion, Passat and Accord. They were all great automoblies, but none of them were distinctive enough to lure me into making the move. My wife suggested I look at the Maxima. I did not think I could afford the car, but the trade/purchase numbers allowed me to get into the 3.5S and I am quite impressed with this automobile. The build quality is top notch. The engine/CVT transmission combination is smooth and powerful. I have read some negative reviews of the body style and I am surprised. The body style of this vehicle is one of the main reasons I purchased it. So far, a winner!

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  Great Car to buy - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By monjoor - September 21 - 12:06 pm

  I brought this car used (100K) in 04 and put on over 80K. I am still driving it and still drives great. Thus I had to replace the muffler, the tie rods and the front axle, other than that no major trouble. Still very reliable, still drives very smooth, still has the pwr to pass any car in the hwy even with 180K miles on it. All the functions in the car still works. Overall, great car to buy. I had own 4 nisssan maxima so far, and they were all great and this is the best of all 4. Overall a great car to buy. I recommend it to any one.

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  not what i have experienced in the past - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By d hadfield - September 20 - 8:00 am

  having been a previous maxima owner, I expected the same great performance as in the past. I sold my 2001 GLE and purchased the 2005 SE and have been disappointed in the gas mileage, the ride and the reliability. Give me back my older 2001.

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  2002 maxima gle - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By max - September 18 - 2:10 am

  Bought this car in 2006 with like 49k now I have only 67k and I have mixed feelings about it is just not the way everybody think it is.Good thing it is loaded with heating steering wheel which is nice heated seats and much more features but it has so many downside things that I would not buy it again. Start with turning radius it is like an old Russian Lada than torque steer terrible than trany is going out at 67k almost gone than my struts in the front bad $1000 at least to fix them and I dont want to forget the wind noise is terrible, worse than my 90 Camry so in the other way dont buy it

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  WOW - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By KeeponpatH - September 18 - 1:43 am

  I have taken over my uncles car who drives a lot, now I got this car at 300,000 miles. Now its at 330,000 miles, and it still runs great. Replaced starter, need to replace alternator now, and other stuff like brakes and such. It still gives the people "wow.." when I tell them how much mileage is on the car.

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  Wow! Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Fever - September 17 - 2:53 pm

  Yes, thats right wow! The best thing I can tell you about the new Maxima is to get yours fast!

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  pile the miles on - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom - September 17 - 12:46 pm

  Bought this for a low cost commute for 800 miles/week. Bought it with 95K and after a year its at 140K miles. Ive had to replace O2 sensors, one spark coil, and half shafts (they werent ready to fail but the boots were cracked) at a cumulative cost of about $900. The car still drives new, looks to be a couple of years old and gets about 28+ mpg. The performance has fallen off some but it is still fast. The handling and steering are as tight as a new car. Pretty amazing.