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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  The Best Max Ever - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By jerrymax - May 20 - 9:06 am

  I bought my 1997 Maxima GLE directly off a two year lease in October 1999. Its still a gorgeous car. Deep brown rosewood exterior, black leather interior, 7 spoke alloy wheels. Ive since put 119,000 miles on it for a total of 154k on the odometer and it runs like new. Very light for a car its size - just over 3000 lbs. It takes off like a rocket and seems to intuitively know when to downshift to passing gear. Handles like a sports car. Ive gotten out of some tight situations because its so nimble. Always starts, always gets me where I want to go. Ive had only minor problems. Biggest repair was replaced alternator. Best Maxima that Nissan ever built, in my opinion.

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  The Poor Mans 5 Series! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Lyon - May 19 - 10:36 am

  I own a SE with a 5-speed manual that I love to drive hard. Ive owned this car for nearly six years and drove it over nearly 98K miles, and have never needed any mechanical assistance. No matter how hard Ive driven it, its never left me on the side of the road or begged for anything more than the routine oil change. The car is just a joy to drive and still performs like few cars under $30K can. When I bought it in 96, no family/sports sedan under $30K could. I dubbed this car "The Poor Mans 5-Series" because for those of us who would give their right arm for an M5 (if you didnt need it to shift) but can only afford about $26K worth of car, the Maxima makes for a decent consolation.

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  OK - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BeMore - May 18 - 3:36 am

  The ride is not as smooth as I thought it would be. The noise inside during riding is loud. Gas mileage is nothing to write home about.

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  Sooooooo disappointed - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By lori_colorado - May 18 - 3:09 am

  I purchased a 2006 Maxima about 2 years ago. Within that 2 years, Ive repaired the airconditioning unit, replaced the transmission, and replaced the catalytic converter. Nissan wont do anything, even though these are common problems! Ive put thousands of dollars into this car. I loved it when I bought it and I thought Id be a Nissan owner for life, but now I know Ill never purchase another one!! This was so not worth the money, Im very disappointed.

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  Exactly What I Expected - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric D - May 16 - 7:03 am

  The TV commercials are not the only good thing about the Nissan Maxima. This car is fast and fun to drive. The GLE model is loaded. The heated steering wheel with the Meridan package is a neat feature. The Xenon headlights are drastically better than convetional lights. With Nissan offering a $1000 cash back I got a great deal. I actually paid less than the TMV.

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  CVT transmission problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By My 2007 Maxima - May 15 - 2:50 am

  I bought my 07 Maxima new. Now have 50k miles on it in 2.5 years. Until 3 weeks ago only put oil in it and normal preventative maintenance like rotate tires and check fluids. Recently took it to the purchasing dealership service dept. and they say the CVT transmission is going bad. Luckily it is under warranty. (60k miles) I first noticed a light tapping noise at slow speed coming from the front end. Now three weeks later I am waiting on a new transmission to come in as they do not have re-manufactured ones because they are too new. Still runs, but the tapping noise is irritating. Did not pay the $$ I did to have it go bad. When working fine, the CVT is GREAT. Otherwise, I love the car.

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  wow, what a car! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By andreas - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. If you are in the market for a family sports sedan and dont want to spend $40,000+ on a BMW or Mercedes you should defenitely check this out.

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  Having fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By dink - May 7 - 11:23 am

  Had an 04 Maxima and traded for 09 sv sport Max. Rides better, definite power upgrade and even purrrs. Seats more like cockpit hug you in/out of turns. All electronics upgraded to luxury status. Sound system great and with hard drive do not have to remember favorite cds for long trips.

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  Beautiful Junk - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ScottieG - May 6 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my Max privately just after the ABS sensors and actuator were replaced @ Lancaster Nissan. 14,000mi later, I needed the very same work done by the same dealer. I refuse. I have had other items go bad @ a couple $100 here and a couple $100 there. The car is beautiful but full of knocking noises. The car is uncomfortable because I sit on the seats instead of in them. I owned a 93 Altima & a 96 Max. Both were of a much better quality than this car. I owned a Buick between the two Maximas & will go back when I can get rid of this car. I bought my 2004 Max based on a good reputation. I will never buy another Nissan. -ScottieG

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  Rattles and more. - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By wayne4al - May 4 - 7:11 am

  This car has more ratttles than a babies crib! I cant even find them all. I cant open the sun roof it rattles so bad. I have one coming from the back some where. There are others. The seats belts scratch up the inside of the passager sides. I also have a strong gasoline odor at times. Car is on its way to the shop.