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 1721 through 1730 of 3,122.00-
NISSAN MAX POWER - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By BUCKSPD - August 22 - 12:03 amA great vehicle to drive,has power when needed,on a long ride it has good comfort,very good handling vehicle,a good solid vehicle.
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Find another car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Maxima owner - August 19 - 5:33 amI love the performance and handling of the car, but for the money, I wish that I had bought something more comfortable. The suede-type fabric inside is getting dirty after only 6 months, and moldings inside & out are beginning to loosen. The gas mileage is not nearly what I expected for a car of its size and class. My salesperson led me to believe that it would be good also. My husband & I are ready to trade for an Acura--similar price with many more features and creature comforts, and hopefully better gas mileage.
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Fun to Drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Tbone 97 - August 19 - 2:00 amI own the 04 SE w/ the Elite Package. The car handles well, but the front tires break loose fairly easy. The car shifts hard from first thru second. Overall I am impressed. ,
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3rd max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By tomtrav - August 19 - 2:00 amthis max replaces 01 se.the car looks and drives great.lots of power and handles solidly.the brakes on ours emit a loud squeak when releasing but we were told by nissan that this is "normal".i also prefer the previous generation climate control as there are way too many buttons on this dash.favorite features are the memory seats and 6 cd player.mileage is 22mpg.this car would be a home run if i can get the brakes quieted down.
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Luvin My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By sdgirl - August 19 - 2:00 amI love my new Maxima. I purchased it 2 weeks ago after researching and reading consumer reviews. My Maxima is fully loaded w/ Journey & Driver Preferred package, Sirius satillite radio, sunroof and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC); Silver w/ Black interior. It was the only one available in California and I drove from San Diego to Long Beach to get it. I take my time going home and I dont mind getting stuck in traffic. I get so many compliments. I had a 1997 GLE. If Nissan keeps making Maxima better each year I may have to get another Maxima when I turn 40 instead of the Mercedes E320 I promised myself.
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Glad I got it ! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By Go getter - August 18 - 6:50 pmI had an 05 Acura TSX I wanted to upgrade. Test drove the TL, TL-Type S, BMW 3 series, then this Maxima. The Maxima gives you all the gadgets and goodies of the BMW, the luxury of the TL, and on top of that a better MPG rating with the CVT.
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Four Door Sports Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By maxsab - August 18 - 10:00 amIve had the car for about 2 months and its been great. The BOSE audio system sounds good IMO and the leather seats are great for cornering. It handles brilliantly for a 6 year old sports sedan in family sedan clothes. The engine really deserves to be on the ten best list (I just wish I had the stick shift). Ive driven it over 5000 miles in 3 months and enjoyed every one of them. Best of all, the cops will never suspect any speeding is going on with this "family" sedan.
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Lack of quality - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Danny - August 16 - 5:16 amIf this is Nissans flagship vehicle, I hate to see the quality of the rest of the line! Rattles in front, rattles in rear, deck lid had to be repainted,radio doesnt pick stations very good, chrome coming off of all 4 wheels. I took car back to fix the problems, I was told no problem found with the rattles??, radio problem is SOP. I was told the wheels would have to ordered, finally got them two and a half months later. After the wheels were replaced, car now has a shimmy they cant fix!! I would not reccomend this car to anyone!!!
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Mixed Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Jon - August 15 - 3:53 pmI always liked the Maxima and when the new design came out in 2004 - I had to have it. This was my first "brand new car". I enjoyed it for a while but problems developed early on. I had both front struts replaced at 10K miles. Two headlights (requires removing the front fender). Front brakes at 22k miles - I had to pay but I feel that should have been covered by the dealer. The glass roof has been replaced three times, a brake sensor was replaced, two tires and one rim (pot hole). I feel I have gotten to know the service department much more than I would ever want to.
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Love my car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By CLB - August 14 - 10:00 amGreat car, I love to drive it. When I 1st got it I had to return it to the dealer because my sterring wheel was shaking very bad. They wanted me to drive the car like that until I came in for my 1st oil chg. Well, that didnt wash with me, I had them to balance the tires, and it now it drives better, but I still had a little bit of a shake. I was also told I could burn unlead gas in the car.
