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 1861 through 1870 of 3,122.00-
Good car for Transmission Repair Shops - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By gregsandiego - March 8 - 6:37 amAdd me to the list of people with a Nissan Maxima and a bad transmission. Mine had only 52,000 miles when the thing started slipping and lurching in the low gears. A trip to my local transmission specialist confirms the worst, at a cost of $3100 to $4000 to repair.
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A different Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Timmosk - March 8 - 2:00 amI previously owned a 1998 Maxima GSE, that I traded with 104,000 miles on it. The new Maxima is a different car in every way, power, performance, comfort. I cant say enough about it, I just drove it to Vegas last weekend, it performed flawlessly and what a blast to drive. The price is right.
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Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Ken Hartsaw - March 8 - 2:00 amWonderful car Sporty,fast comfortable, great gas milage, unbelievable price, turns heads on the road, overall the best car I have ever purchased
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2004 Maxima SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Stan McCadam - March 8 - 2:00 amMost outstanding noticable feature is the motor performance - - smooth, very good response. Handles easily. Interior is excellent, very comfortable with passenger controls. Many features. Interior is very roomy. Significantly larger than the Camry we owned previously.
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2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Thoroughly Tested - March 4 - 7:26 amAfter six months of spirited driving, I still enjoy the car. On ramp acceleration to 100 mph feels about as fast as our 2006 WRX. Comfortable, well put together, handles well, good road feel, steering is nicely weighted. The Max tracks well; goes where I point it. I took several thorough test drives in the conditions I would be driving (interstate, mountains, 2 lanes and in town). Drove several Maxs, all felt good and had good build quality, fit and finish. I used Edmunds. Researched using the net and found dealer(s) who encouraged me to take my time and get to know the vehicle.
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Good Car w/Rip-off service - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By ganoi - March 1 - 2:00 amThe 00 Max SE is a great car til 42K miles. The SES light came on w/stuttering effect. Dealer diag($100)& suggest:replace not 1 but ALL 6 ignition coils.Why not just 1? Nissan Tech(Vince Peterson): we cant pinpoint the specific coil. So we had all 6 coils replaced. Once done, Nissan called to say that coil #1 was it.Folks, dont get ripped-off by Nissan service. They can diagnose the problem to the specific coil.Also the service mgr. mentioned that Nissan Co. recommends changing all 6 ignition coils for this problem for 00 Maximas.I think this only points to poor quality product(ignition coil) that Nissan isnt admitting and doing nothing about.
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Maxima,to the max and beyond - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By warrior - March 1 - 2:00 amA tremendously fun vehicle to drive.Great handling,sports car feel,ride a little stiff, until youve driven a little,really holds the road well.steering and car go where you aim it.A really well built car for the money."Really happy with my purchase.Love that sports car feel,great mileage as well as comfort.thanks Nissan
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maxima - 1 year later - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By lmahler127 - March 1 - 2:00 amOne year after purchase, my vehicle is as it was when I drove it out if the dealership. It has excellent performance, good fuel economy, is very reliable and fun to own and drive. The body style gets frequent comments about its attractive appearance.
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Great car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Andrea - February 28 - 5:20 pmI had a 2004 Maxima and traded for the very stylish 2010. It has a little more up and go, plus I love the CVT. The only negative thing I have found is the computer screen. Even set at the lowest brightness for nighttime driving, it is too bright and therefore somewhat distracting. Everything else is great. I hope it will prove to be as reliable as my last Maxima.
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Incredible car. - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By harmonic - February 28 - 10:00 amI purchased this 1995 Maxima SE last month. Coming from a 1988 ford tempo, the 3.0 V6 engine with its impressive 190 horses was especially pleasing. Ive gotten to 100 mph at 5600 RPMs in 3rd gear. There is no question, this is the best V6 in any family car model of 1995. The only downside Ive had so far is the almost uncontainable urge to give the tremendously responsive V6 more than a tiny hint of pressure on the gas pedal and take off like a fighter jet in the middle of a busy street. Excellent features, attractive rear spoiler. Suspension is annoyingly stiff on bumpy straightaways, but it pleasingly effective on turns.
