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:

• 

  No one builds them like Japan - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By E-Man77 - May 2 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased this baby last month. I paid $2,000 and has spent about $1,500 on repairs. Ive replaced the radiator, drive belts, valve cover gaskets, one fuel injector, two ignition coils, and all six spark plugs. All failed parts were originals. Avoid the dealership for repairs because its extremely expensive. The car drives and handles like a charm. The body is solid and paint still shines. It has power and acceleration that throws you back in your seat. The volume control on radio doesnt work, so it gradually gets louder. A cassette tape is also stuck inside. Its a 5-speed. The original clutch was replaced two years ago. Car has 158,000 miles. Good for at least 150,000 more.

• 

  I love this car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By David Berent - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the best bang for your buck in a 4 door sedan. Fun to drive, great performance. I had no problems until I hit 160K, could go to 200K, but need to move on.

• 

  Not Recommended - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By mjf - May 2 - 12:03 am

  Bought this vehicle in November of 2009 to replace a Mazda 3. We were looking for something bigger. We got bigger, but not better. Not impressed with the interior. The air vents are horrible. They dont blow where you want them to and not much air comes out of them. The amber interior lighting is not impressive. Really old fashioned. The alternator just went out at 44,000 miles. Had to get that replaced. Not happy about that. Have to use premium gas or car shakes. Not happy about that. Premium gas is expensive, plus the tank size is massive, and it drinks gas. We should have kept our Mazda 3. Regret the decision to get a Nissan maxima. Probably wont ever buy a Nissan again.

• 

  Great Sports Sedan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By 1st time Maxima - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2000SE off of EBAY w/60K miles for $11K and have driven it for about 3 months now. Excellent ride with suprising power from 40-90 MPH. Was thinking about Acura 3.2TL but went with the lower cost of Maxima. Also, the 3.2 have had extreme tranny issues. I put on some new Falkens and they are a very cost efficient complement to the performance and handling of the car. I hope this is geared for at least 150K miles, because I plan to enjoy the ride for a long time to come.

• 

  Maximus - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By beastie - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima had me at hello. After a test drive I had to have it. There are not that many four door sedans with power like this out on the streets these days. This car is appealing to all senses. The Driver performance package & 8 speaker Bose stereo(2 8 inch subs included) that can really get your heart pounding are well worth the extra beans. The Maxima clings to the road and excelerates with smooth powerfull force. This added to the fact that the new body style is one of the sweetest looking rides around, I would have to recomend this car to everyone. I could live in this car if I had to. Can you tell i love my Maxima!

• 

  Just too old?? - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard - April 25 - 5:16 am

  At 110,000 miles I guess I should not complain, but after reading other reviews I feel compelled to. My oxygen sensors and transmission have lasted longer than others but buyer beware, they will eventually go bad. When that engine light goes on start looking for another car.

• 

  10 years of fun and reliability - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxxed-In - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I put 75k miles on my Max in the first 3 years, no probs other than ignition coils. 28k miles in the next SIX years, only prob has been an O2 sensor (front $$$). This Max has simply been EXTREMELY reliable and FUN (I wont say how fun). This was the last Max made in Japan, I cant speak for US made models.

• 

  Dont buy this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kelly - April 21 - 10:30 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. I will never buy a Nissan again. The turn radius is similar to a huge truck. I kept getting flat tires because the chrome kept peeling from the wheels and the tires would not bond to the wheel and hold in the air. The transmissions are faulty. I have seen many reviews from others with the same transmission problem. I am sure Nissan knows about the bad transmissions. They told me when it was in warranty that it was broken motor mounts. I would not expect to have 2 broken motor mounts unless I hit something. A few hundred miles later and out of warranty transmission goes south. The interior buttons are cheap plastic and they crack and break lose.

• 

  2004 Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By rdm - April 19 - 2:00 am

  My Maxima SE with the 5 spd auto trans is a blast to drive. (The manual would be even better, but the wife wont learn to drive it).It handles very well and is very fast, for a 6 cylinder. It is modern looking and gets more than its share of looks.

• 

  What a Heap - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By xmetal20 - April 18 - 10:03 pm

  Had the car for 3 years. Have had 2 batteries die, Sun roof slide switch doesnt work, keyless entry doesnt work, speakers have a short, bluetooth doesnt work and have sun spots on the rear spoiler even though its garaged at home and at work. All problems happened after the 36,000 mile warranty expired. Wont buy another Maxima probably wont buy another Nissan.