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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  EXCELLENT BUY - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LEONEL - July 6 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT PURCHASE. FEATURES ON THE MAXIMA HAVE REALLY BEEN UPGRADED. EXTRA FEATURES SUCH AS BOSE STEREO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM REALLY MAKES THE MAXIMA LOOK AND FEEL LIKE A LUXURY CAR. BASED ON THE COMPETITION, THE MAXIMA STANDS WELL ABOVE THE REST.

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  2004 Maxima SL Review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By feyzi - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This 04 Maxima SL replaced my Honda Accord Coupe. Great car, except its cheap interior materials. Plastics used for headlight and wiper controls have to go. Nissan, please add a $10 foot rest, please. Coin box would be great. Excellent stereo and computer system. Great sound quality. Fun to drive. Excellent exterior design. Great breakes.

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  Riding in comfort and style - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Eileen - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Having driven a mini van for 10 years followed by a Jeep Cherokee for five years, Im fully pleased and impressed with my new Maxima! There isnt anything I dont like about it. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  The car that made nissan - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By TheSilverBullet - July 3 - 8:43 am

  Wife bought it in 03 at 90,000 miles, up to 166,980 now. Has driven to NY, VA, and ky twice a year the past 7 yrs. Replaced a starter, 2 batteries & a c. V shaft all my self. The automatic pulls ridiculously well, oversteer is more pronounced if you dont replace the shocks. Brother in law rear ended an 88 olds (steel bumper) & drove it home. Post-repair ($3600), no mechanical issues what so ever. The 6 Bose speakers have outlasted the cd/tape deck. Grease the door joints, or theyll squeak. 4 disc brakes stop at will, & mid-grade gas=mileage+passing power. The alloy wheels stopped a Subaru that pulled out on me, no alignment issues. Paid 8800 in 03, an it was worth every Penny; an awesome car

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  nissan maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By terry smith - July 1 - 9:26 pm

  love my nissan. steering jerky and nissan will not let you add options

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  Perfectly Pleased with my Platinum - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeff Strese - June 27 - 11:19 pm

  I did extensive research and compared many other models in this class and price point. The 2016 Maxima Platinum is hands down the best value in terms of design, quality and performance. Even the pro reviewers who criticize the CVT, still have overall positive comments about the performance and handling. I got a year end sale and saved about 6k all in. Im thrilled with this car and will keep it a long time.

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  Wheres the Passion? - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By bthornton - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car, but for the GXE they seem to have lost sight of the fact that this was once the 4DSC (4 door sports car). Mash the throttle and, yes, it takes off, but with no mean-sounding growl. The interior is roomy and comfortable, the trunk big and the ride smooth and quiet, but it doesnt seem like a sports sedan to me.

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  All round great car. - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By max1970 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The nissan maxima is an all round great afordable car. It has the performance of a sports car the head and leg room and comfort of on of those $40,000+ luxury cars. And not to mention the reliabilty of Nissan. I would recomend this car to anyone in the market for a quick great handling put the kids in the back type of afordable car.

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  fast fun family ride - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By mrjustin24 - June 26 - 11:54 am

  We bought our Maxima used and got a great deal on it. It was super reliable, super fast and had plenty of space. This car was an awesome drive. The exterior design was great in its day but aged quickly I feel like. The dash design was stupid. The fake suede material on the dash didnt fool anyone into luxury. The rest of the car was great. We had no problem squeezing 29-30 mpg out on the highway after being told by the dealership it would never happen.

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  hot car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony O. - June 25 - 10:06 pm

  This is the second time around for me owning a Maxima, I had a 2005 for about a year and traded it for the 2006. And this vehicle is great!!! from the purr of the engine to the retractable side view mirrors. Everything is on point. I have no idea why Nissan changed up the bodystyle for the 2007. Its absolutely horrible! Ill stick with my 2006!