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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  Better than the others - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By szutavern - August 30 - 2:20 pm

  My wife just wrecked our 2002 maxima. Bought it used with less than 30K on it. Radio was a piece but the car ran and drove flawlessly for over 7 years and 155k miles. The dammed low-profile tires you have to run on these is the worst feature. All I did was change the oil regularly. It was in the shop for struts and then again for a steering rack. Total additional cost over regular stuff was like $2,000. Almost made the mistake today buying a an 2001 accord w. 73K on it till I read about all the problems with trannys and abs light garbage on those era of Hondas. I am looking for another nissan

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  I Luv My Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nissanlover - August 26 - 2:46 am

  I have owned this car for 2.5 years and I am now at 135k and have no major problems. The power in this maxima is awesome and always performs like a champ. I also have a 2004 Maxima but I like the 2002 alot better

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  Very Happy with this car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new in 97 now has 110k miles with virtually no problems, a/c compressor had to be replaced @30k miles (under warranty though)just replaced both cv joints, other than that has been a very reliable, fun car, thanks to the 5spd. Leather interior has held up very well, exterior paint is average. Great car for the money.

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  Still Strong - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By jackiex - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car for 30k miles per year for 5years and I have only done the brakes twice and have replaced the clutch at 80k. Its really and ideal car for the type of driving that I do, and it still looks good when its cleaned up. Ill sell this to my niece next fall and she willquite likely get another 50k out of it before any major maintanence is required.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GB - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Well balanced car. If you want a smoother ride get the SL. Performance is second to none. Look out GT Mustang. It is a classy and sporty car. I researched quite abit before buying one.

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  This car rocks!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2k2MaxSE - August 25 - 5:46 pm

  Plenty of power throughout the powerband. Easily the best combination of sporty/sedan for the $$$. Nice HIDs and exterior styling, although most other drivers will only get a look at the tail lights...

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  Middle-Aged Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Buck Wheezer - August 25 - 9:40 am

  Drive mostly city. Gear shifting notchy. Only real gripe is the oil consumption that affected 10% of VQ35 engines. Still a fantastic engine.

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  Ergonomic Nightmare - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By GWindsong - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima SE is GREAT in all respects but one - cockpit layout. Whoever designed it knew NOTHING about human interface design. The seats feel like bench seats, the climate controls use mixed modes (slide AND dial), for those with long legs the steering column does not telescope resulting in arm/shoulder fatigue, and the control console is hard to reach if your seat is all the way back. A month after purchase I had such neck, shoulder, and back pain that I was going to the chiropractor as often as twice a week. It took a while to figure out that the poor seat and layout design in the car were to blame.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil in Mn. - August 22 - 10:50 pm

  This is by far the poorest quality Nissan I have ever owned and I have had most of the models, 240Z, Maxima, 350Z, and Murano, yes, I was a loyal customer. The overall body panel fit is poor to say the least, the engine is loud especially when it is cold, the hood shake is almost scary, makes you think it is un-latched, and the interior road noise is terrible for a so-called luxury car.

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  New Maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill - August 22 - 9:33 pm

  I currently own a 2004 and now a 2008. Love both cars, the new CVT took a little time getting used to, very smooth much different than the 2004. Fuel mileage is about the same in both 22-25 mpg highway.