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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  PCB Nissan - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By John D. - April 7 - 3:56 pm

  I had planned to buy an SUV but the salesman told me that I would be missing out if I didnt try driving a Maxima. I told him I wasnt interested, but my wife said why not. So we jumped in and took it for drive. WOW!! I was impressed! We drove back to the dealer and I told them there was a shimmy in the steering wheel. Two days later they called and said they found a bad flat spot on one tire and fixed it. We went back for a second test drive; kept it over night and decided to buy it. I never thought I would ever purchase a 4-door car again until I drove the Maxima. What a fantastic vehicle Nissan has made. Speaking of performance, Im a retired Navy Pilot; I know about Performance!

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  Should I have gone Passat 4 Motion? - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By northstarme - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Maxima because it is sportier than the Passat4M, as well as a little bit less expensive. The problem which is not the cars fault, is after driving it around for 2 weekes and racking 2000 miles, I find my self asking " do I really like Japanese cars? It is definately cheaper inside and out, the handling is ok, not as good a feel as the Passat, but most of all it just seems to lack a personality? It does everything well, looks great but do I crave to get behind the wheel...sadly no. It is a good basic car, but more like an auotmaotive robot vs a trusted old friend that I cant wait to play with in some fun road.

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  Maxima Comes Through....Again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TommyAsh - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Great overall sports sedan. My 2nd Maxima in 5 years. Sold my first one to my son.

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  Nukenight Nissan Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nukenight - April 2 - 7:36 am

  Probably the best vehicle in the full size luxury class. We considered BMW 5 Series and Toyota Avalon, before deciding on the Maxima SL. It has been excellent riding, luxurious, gets good mileage (on regular, no less)! The extras are well thought out and well placed. Did not get Nav System or Power Moonroof, but love the Skyview roof. Average 23 mpg in combined city/hwy driving and almost 30 on hwy only. Only thing missing is the DRL system which would be a nice touch. Wife was even more enthusiastic that I about the styling. She was impressed with BMW, but cost too much. Said the Avalon was a hoo-hum vanilla vehicle. "This is a real car!"

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  2002 Maxima GLE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2002maximachic - March 31 - 7:05 am

  Love this car (model/year) - bought in Dallas with 84K and it runs great with 171k now. Just recently I found that during heavy traffic it slips a little. It sort of goes with oil but got that fix. I dont know anything about buying transmissions but where do you start to figure the cost?

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  enjoyment - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikol - March 30 - 2:00 am

  this has been the best vehicle purchase I ever made , even though its used , it has out performed some of my friends newer cars

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  Great Used Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Cincy Runner - March 29 - 6:20 am

  I bought this 2006 Maxima SL as a used car in 2009. It was a lease turn-in with only 11,000 miles on it and bought it from a dealer for only $19,800. After driving it for 2 months now, Im really impressed with it and have nothing negative to say. I have not seen or experienced some of the problems that other reviewers are reporting, so maybe they just got lemons. I commute about 35 miles a day, both stop and go traffic and highways, and get a very satisfied 23.7 mpg. The drive is smooth and the engine is powerful, not to mention quiet. Its a fun car to drive! I love the interior, with the leather seats and sky view roof. This is my second Nissan and would buy again no problem.

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  Close Compant - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By roy_h - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I considered the Audi A4, Volvo S60,Acura Tl and chose the Nissan Maxima SL (all 04s ). While the Audi perhaps had the best interior material quality of this group I chose the Maxima SL for its large interior compared to the others. Performance with the TL was essentially the same and cost was within $ 700. comparably equipped.I also liked the styling whereas the TL seemed a bit too boy racer and was similar in looks to its smaller brethern. The SL Maxima also uses regular gas and has more torque than the TL. (must be because its higher compression ratio).

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  Best Maxima Ever! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima #3 - March 25 - 5:36 pm

  Bought as certified used with 22K miles, now have 122K miles and this car is still awesome!I havent had any major problems at all with this car. I plan to drive it well past 200K miles.

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  South Dakota Maxima from Iowa - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By CYCLONZ - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SE in Jan of 2003. prior to this i owned a POS neon. My first experience was in a 97 GLE which my brother in law owned. I never imagined what i have invested in till now.. The v6 is sweet, sound not so much (neon wins this one). However the leather and the performance is outstanding.. my baby hits the road and i am flying. I am sure one of these days i will get a ticket.. it will be worth it!