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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  Significant Problems after 80k - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Daniel - June 15 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this car from a well known car dealership with a solid reputation. It was great for 6 months. Then the check engine light came on; due to a faulty oxygen sensor. Then 3 additional sensors failed within 3 months. This car is only 5 years old with only 80k miles on it. It is not driven hard and is supplied with 91 octane fuel. I will never own a Nissan again, and I will be trading for a reliable Honda soon!!

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  Great car, very reliable - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - June 9 - 1:30 pm

  Bought my Maxima at 3 years-old and coming off a lease with 30k. Ive driven it 100k in the last 7 years and the car has performed almost flawlessly. Well equipped with leather, moon roof, Bose premium audio and alloys. I drive it as a commuter car in town and a lot of business trips on the highway and it performs great in either case. Maintenance has been routine, minor items (brakes, exhaust, battery, tires). Only hiccup was a new anti-knock sensor that put me back $700. The 3.0L V-6 in these cars might be one of the best drive trains ever built.

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  beyond excellent - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By lockout3 - June 9 - 12:25 am

  I had all kind of cars this car is the best car I ever had. The only things I have done is put gas and change the oil. If you want a great car get a Nissan maximum must be your choice.

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  SHIFT AND HAVE FUN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LIGHTMIX - June 8 - 8:56 pm

  I have had ny car for a year now,I love it. Its fun to drive and sorry bmw dont get mad at me if you cant say with me on an open road.I love my BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. Shift and have fun.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Damavr - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Maxima in 1998. Got the top of the line (GLE) version with all the additional options (side air bags, heated seats, heavy duty battery, sunroof, spoiler, leather etc). Its a great car, I am still enjoying the ride and I dont even dream of trading it in since they will only give me around $10k and is definately worth a lot more.

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  Fabulous Ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By candy8080 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  It is the best car ever and an eye catcher everywhere that I go.

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  super excellente - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mauritz - June 7 - 10:00 am

  when you want to generate a fans club, you gotta have this one, at least to your car, i get compliment everyday when i drive this car,everyday!, specially with my Radiant Amber color which is rare!, with burnt orange leather seats, man! you got ,to buy it to believe it. one time I play around with chrysler300M on I-65. They just shocked when i passed them at 125mph in few sec. after they passed me at 110mph.

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  BUENO! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By RUSSELL PTACEK - June 5 - 11:39 am

  Good car at a fair price.

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  Never thought I would get stranded in a Nissan - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By victor - June 1 - 4:10 am

  Was searching for a reliable car to get me through college. Bought this car hoping it would do the job. It ran great for 3 weeks untill the transmission went out while driving. Had to pull over and get the car towed home. Now im stuck far from home with basically no transportation. Im getting quotes from $2.5-3.5k on transmision rebuilds. What a nightmare. do not buy this car unless you get the manual one.

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  Aswesome Car - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By mistakall - May 30 - 2:01 pm

  I just purchased my Maxima with premium pkg 3 days ago and let me tell you this vehicle is aswesome. I traded in my nissan Rouge and what a difference I actually took my daughter to purchase a nissan altima coupe another aweswome vehicle but after test driving the maxima I was offered a deal I couldnt pass on. The ride was smooth and the power is unmatched great value for this car compared to others I looked at like BMW, Audi and Volvo. I wish I would have opted for the Navi system but im sure I can get a nice portable one much cheaper. I am glad I purchased this car ill be traded into another one after my lease ends its the car for me.