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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  Nissan-never again! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Carl - July 29 - 11:16 pm

  Between 58,000 & 58,500 I had to replace all 6 ignition coils ($490), the Mass Airflow Sensor ($538), the Throttle Response Sensor ($393). The A/T also had to be replaced, under warranty. During the 58,500 miles the A/T was serviced twice and a external cooler installed in series with the factory cooler. I am a preventative maintenance junkie! The transmission failure should never of happened. Nissan is pure junk!! The A/T should of went al least 150,000 miles. The rebuilt replacement has only a 12/12 warranty. I will get rid of this junker before the current warranty runs out! I understand Nissan is now controlled by a French Co. That explains the poor reliability!

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  SIMPLY OUTSTANDING - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Black MAX - July 29 - 4:50 am

  I have owned 5 Black Maximas. The last one was 2006. It was a great car but BORING. The 2009 is just flat fun to drive. It is loaded with all the toys; rides a little harder than the 2006 but it does give the sensation of a 4DSC. I just got back from the mountains and it handled like a dream. MPG was OK but the RUSH I got from pushing on the accelerator probably did not help. Looked at Infiniti G37, Lexus 250IS and 350 and Acura TL. Lexus had the best ride but with comparable features to the MAX it got very pricey. Infiniti did not have the room and Acura was Acura Im just not quite that old yet. For the money the Max was the best value and gets MAXimum ratings on the driving FUNOMETER.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By gapari - July 28 - 3:07 am

  I am leasing a 2012 SV, with one year left. I like this car is many ways - engine power, handling, interior styling and quality, exterior styling. Im very happy with my color choice - white exterior w/ rich looking tan leather interior. I would be hard pressed to find a comparable car with this balance of luxury and performance, at this price point. Interested to see what the 2015 will look like, as I probably will lease another. Hope the MSRP doesnt spike!

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  Second Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Yelis63103 - July 27 - 4:30 pm

  This is my second maxima. the first one was 1995 and was totaled with 165,000 miles on it. the car had almost NO problems. just a few oxygen sensors and a starter were replaced. even in mid 2006 this car is still considered to be powerfull and fast ! i have enough money to buy Benz or BMW, but i still drive this because in terms of reliability you cant even compare this car to Germans ! right now i have 105k miles and i have changed: 1 oxygen sensor, AC leak, and 1 caliper pin, and muffler ps. i drive my car hard but take care of it

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  A bargain G35 and better! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By silverbullit - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Almost signed for a G35 after testing everything in or above this price class. The fresh styling sold me as well as the quality build and saving $2000 below Infiniti -they would not discount...Nissan dealer agreed to reasonable non-sticker price and went looking for the exact car I wanted...the 04 Maxima is king!

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  I wouldnt buy another Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Lomesh - July 26 - 5:36 am

  Ive had this car for just under 3 years and have had all sorts of problems. First there was this weird "air leaking" noise around the front-passenger side. Second, The exhaust bracket started making noise right around 30,000 miles. By this time I had moved to Dallas and a dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong with it at first. I had to take it back to them like 5 times before they could figure out what was wrong with it. They fixed it and the problem came back within 6 months. Also, about this time, the cover under the sun-roof fell. Now, just around 60,000 miles the air condition stopped worked. I would not buy a Nissan again

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  Enjoying my new ride - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By phillyeagles - July 25 - 9:09 am

  I had a 2012 Maxima SV Sport fully loaded thought of keeping for another 10 years but after a oil changed dealership had few of 16s in the showroom lot. Well I instantly waited until few months later not long away on getting a newer model. Absolutely blown away with everything on this eighth generation its a beautiful car overall their lots of new updates and more advanced features. The Maxima rides 10x better than my 12 its little bit comfortable with Sport-Quitted leather seats now available with ventilated cooled & heated front seats. Navigation system seems great but looks outdated not much if have center stacked center its so convenient doing anything instead using the display at the screen. This car got better performance more quicker than ever compared to my old Maxima this new car is much powerful with a 300hp V-6 plus newer parts and Continuously Variable Transmission is absolutely perfect along there is (Sport and Normal modes) I usually keep mines in Sport mode as car gets more aggressive on road. Compared with the last model this new model has got more advanced on everything its a much highly technical car in class. I feel much safer driving this car has all of the bells and whistles rides quieter no squeaks or rattles even interior looks more top of the line liking this new Maxima might be weird looking coming down the highway but its a great car overall new exterior looks beautiful love all new latest features ever as a more computer car.

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  Great Buy - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By CT - July 20 - 11:46 pm

  I bought my Maxima GXE used in 03 with 29K miles, and it was the best used car decision I ever made. It is now at 152K miles and still going strong. It has never needed a major repair. I change the oil myself every 3K miles with Pennzoil 5w-30. Repairs includes: CV boot replacements X 2, two O2 sensors, Brakes Pads front & back X 2. I replaced the radio with Sony deck with CD and Ipod wiring located in glove box, installed remote staring and door open unlock system, new speakers front and rear, Chrome wheels and had front bumper, hood and front quarter panels repainted.

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  excellent car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Kyaker - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is my wifes daily driver and was purchased new for her job which was 80+% of the time in the car. I wanted her to drive a vehicle that had power and was safe verses most other cars if she was ever in an accident. Now she is a stay at home mom and I am getting her a new car, I was thinking that she would want a mini van etc. She wanted another Maxima. Nuff said...

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  Worse NISSAN EVER Made - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tiagocosta - July 19 - 8:22 pm

  Where do i start. i have had four generations of nissan maxima 4th 5th 6th and 7th generation maximas. So im talking from experience because i know how the car should opperate and run. But the 2004 nissan maxima SE has to be the worse car ever made by nissan. The timming belt, transmission, coils, shocks, struts, car seats all broke apart every 6 months apart. It seems like the put the car together with tape. Its just very badly designed. I never had any issues with any other car? i still have my 5th and 6th generation maximas running. Dont bother looking at the 2004 maxima. Just jump straight to the 8th generation maxima its worth it.