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:
Showing 1851 through 1860 of 3,122.00-
Car drives great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Alden - March 19 - 10:00 amcar drives great, the manual tranny and clutch feels great .. wonderful.. just like my 93 SE 5spd, steering response is wonderful power is definite.
-
My forever car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By BevMaxima - March 18 - 5:46 pmShes had an alternator, a starter, CV joints, & McPherson Struts replaced... lots cheaper than making car payments for 10 years. She still merges effortlessly onto interstates, paint job looks great, just love this car! Im only at 146,000 miles, plan on driving my maroon beauty another 10 years. And 26 around town, 34 on cruise control at 64 mph on vacation this summer. Cant beat a Maxima.
-
Second Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By bobbyp - March 16 - 9:33 pmI owned a loaded 2003 Maxima SE and liked the car very much. When it hit 100k, I decided it was time to replace it (that is normally my practice). I drove the Hyundai Genesis, but found it more of a luxury car, rather than sport sedan. I also drove the Infiniti G35 and loved the way it drove but found the back seat a little smallish compared to the Maxima and had trouble getting past the $35k price ($40k sticker). The new Maxima rides and drives very nicely, but front wheel drive definitely removes it from a true sports car driving experience. I am also very disappointed that the SV does not include satelite radio in the Bose system.
-
Very Nice Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Joe - March 16 - 7:50 amThis has been an exceptional vehicle for my wife. She is very hard on her vehicles and this car has taken a beating for 72,000 miles and is still going strong. The only issues we have had with the car is the rear window switch broke and the oil pan screw stripped when it was screwed in incorrectly. All around this is a exceptional vehicle but it was a little pricey.
-
Bad Paint job/ Good look - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Deeleeny - March 14 - 10:00 amI did alot of research on different types of cars and features, however as soon as aI saw this car all others were a distant thought.
-
Poor Factory Workmanship - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Bruce Thorne - March 14 - 10:00 amCar needed immediate paint touchup upon vehicle receipt due to several paint chips. Car has been back for repairs to sun roof wind deflector which prevented sunroof from closing, multiple visits to dealership to get rear deck speaker buzzing on Bose system fixed - a service bulletin has been issued for this problem and it still has not been corrected. Car scheduled to go in to body shop (approved by Nissan) due to chipped paint in multiple locations all over car due to poor quality factory paint job.
-
lemon?? - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By lynn - March 10 - 7:26 pmSo $31k and 15 trips to the dealership later, needless to say, def never buy a Nissan again. Cheap interior components, rotten egg smell, chipping paint & peeling grille, falling headliner, etc. etc. Too many probs, not enough cooperation from dealership; they never fix ANYTHING. A total disappointment. Ive spent more $ on rental cars than I spent on the warranty itself. It is fun to drive, but the issues Ive had outweigh the 265hp engine. The interior suede door panels are hard to keep clean & the mpg stinks. It is an extremely safe car (been in front end & rear crash). But, not worth the money or the dozens of trips to the dealership. Blah. HATE IT. Never make that mistake again!
-
Nissan rules - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By bambam1962 - March 9 - 9:26 pmI/we own a 1997 maxima, with 197900 mileage, never been in the shop.. replaced only the alternator and a heater sensor behind the glove box which was simple.. OK as of this one the 2008 just purchased 12/18/09 so far so good.
-
I love my 2002 Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By MaxLover - March 8 - 3:06 pmI got my Maxima over a year ago... it was roughed up by some college kid who could not afford payments. Yes it has some dents, dings and rust. It also does not have the best fuel economy but it is a fun to drive car that has a huge engine (3.5) to other comparable cars in its class... It has 255 horsepower with 246 ft-lbs torque... i had w rated tires on there... and my car ran like a new car. the engine is very strong and reliable... everything in my car is running strong... and im glad i bought this car
-
CVT needs work - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By rgc - March 8 - 8:23 amTraded in my 2004 Maxima and in all honesty I should have kept it. The CVT was supposed to increase performance and fuel economy. Didnt do either. I get fewer MPG and the CVT makes the car very unresponsive off the line. Although, I must admit my last Maxima got better gas mileage with 75K miles on it than new. Couple of times I thought I was going to be run over cause the trans wouldnt go! I have never owned a car that doesnt move, for about a second, when you stomp on the gas, its scarey.
