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 car in America - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By the nissanator - February 28 - 10:00 am

  there is nothing better than the maxima. It gives you a little bit of both worlds, the luxury and the performance. is the best car Ive ever owned. Nissan keep doing what youre doing, because in a couple of years Nissan is gonna be better than Honda and Toyota

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  Great Car for the $ - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Peacock - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Looking at other cars in the class - Acura, Audi, Saab etc for $10K less the Maxima is the best bargin out there. 255 HP is plenty, infact I call this family car STUPID FAST, The ride is smooth, the cornering is great. Compared to the other two Altima SEs that I have owned this is a huge step up in fit and finish as well as creature comforts. The 6 spd is fine, although I have not had too many chance to wind the thing up where 6th gear is needed. Acceleration is excellent and stability while accelerating is good for a front wheel drive car. For $21K it is a steal, yes $21K not the sticker $27K...

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  Luxurious Ride, Fun Drive - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By heyphilly - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Nissan Maxima GLE for over 4 years now, and its performed like a beauty ever since. The engine is smooth and powerful, the interior is comfortable and luxurious, and the ride is smooth. Never had any troubles, except a small rattling fan which was replaced under warranty.

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  Maintanence is too expensive - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By kievguy - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 99 Maxima SE Limited 5 speed for more then 3 years. The car is comparable to Camry and Accord that I had before but cost way too much in maintenance. Looks like its Nissans way to compete with big guys like Toyota and Honda - for customers expense. Look at new Edmunds topic True Cost to Own and compare to other similarly priced cars. I would not buy another Nissan, period.

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  2002 GLE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jetdoc - February 23 - 10:00 am

  It has been six months since we purchased our 02 GLE and we have been very happy with it. We even added the rear spoiler to the car so it looks like the SE.

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  awesome car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By maxlover90056 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Solid car. Fast, tight handling. I love it. Well made. Everything feels quality and well designed. 255hp, what more can you ask for.....

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  Still convinced after 6k miles - No better Choice Out There! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By ufgator_meche - February 22 - 5:30 pm

  Bought my premium SV with every option possible in January. Amazing! I was totally impressed with these cars when my brother bought a 95 fully loaded. I loved driving that car. I love this one even more! Room? Tons. I drive co-workers to lunch too, and they are impressed with the room in the back seat. One owns a 2002. Noticeably more room here, which was intended! The AC blower is pretty loud, but that is because it is blasting you with lots of cfm. This is great when you come out to a hot car after work. What did the other person mean about the accessory? If you want the car accessory on, dont press the brake & push the button. Push it again for ON. Push it again for all off.

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  Best Nissan Ever!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mariano - February 22 - 2:23 am

  WOW!!! I have always loved the Nissan Maxima. Ever since I saw the new 1995 styles. When the 2004 Maxima came out..I was in love. I had to have that car. And I did!!! It is the style and grace with power and sport car handling thrown to boot. Bar far, the best car in the market today. Nissan Maxima enthusiast!!!

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  Big Max, hold the cheese! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By TRo - February 21 - 7:06 am

  This car feels more expensive than it is. Still cant believe its only a V6! It simply handles and peforms like no other car in its class... or is there any other car in its class??? I even get those snooty folks in their 4- wheeled German status symbols to take a second look... as I zip past them on the freeway! Overall this is one terrific vehicle, however NOT without it flaws. Nonetheless at around $30K, as MC Hammer use to say, "...cant touch this!"

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  Fast, Fun, and Fuel Efficient Reliabilty - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By dodgeman - February 17 - 9:46 am

  This car was my Moms 6th Nissan in a row, after she gave it to me in 04, She moved on to her 7th if that gives you any indication of how loyal we are to Nissan. This car has been extremely reliable and easy to own. In fact, just a few days ago on Christmas morning was the first repair its ever had done, a starter. The car is very high quality from the interior materials featuring soft touch leather and vinyls almost everywhere and soft touch plastic knobs, the the 8.5 year old paint thats never been waxed that still shines like new. Not only is it very comfortable and reliable, but it will run to 60 in under 7 seconds, all while achieving 30+ highway and 23+ city on premium fuel.