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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  Great Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By microage - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had only one problem with my Maxima in over 90,000 miles - a sensor needed to be replaced. That is it! Amazing.

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  Beast traped in a Luxury body 255-V6 SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By AznGiant - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I resurched quite a few cars(Jetta, accord, camery, impala, prelude,) before I mad the decision to get this car, and I am glad I made the right choice,This car is one of the funnest car ive ever driven. The suspension is a little rough but all the other avantages like the engine makes up for it. to shorten it up "looks nice, seats nice, woops ass."

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  Maximum for this Maxima - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank Moon - February 13 - 1:53 am

  I have been a repeat customer of MLady for about the last eight years or so for both mine and my wifes vehicles. Theyve always been fair and respectful in our negotiations and that certainly did not change last night. Very satisfied with our lease deal last evening with the Maxima Platinum edition. I came in to acquire the gun metallic SR midnight edition but ended up leaving with the Platinum edition listed for 2K more but for the same deal because they had just sold the SR midnight. The sales guys are awesome!

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  My 07 Maxima SE - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Bruno Skerianz - February 7 - 5:56 am

  At first I thought I should have gone for the BMW 530 but after owning and driving my 07 Maxima SE for 3 months I know I made the right choice. Much better bang for the buck at 33K fully loaded. It doesnt have the BMW or Audi emblem on its tail but it sure drives and feels like one (or better in some cases, depending on which model its compared to). But for the price (including several options) this baby delivers.

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  Like My Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Linda Howard - February 5 - 6:23 pm

  I have been wanting a Maxima. Finally found one, exact color I wanted and feel like I got a good deal. Bought one that was a lease. Much better deal than buying a brand new one. The turning radius in not huge, but I can live w/that. Not used to the way the transmission does (maybe thats the way the Max is). Very good looking car on outside. Gets a lot of looks.

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  SMART BUY - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TANGO - February 5 - 10:00 am

  REAL HEAD TURNER, FINNALY A CAR WITH SPEED AND GREAT LOOKS IN AND OUT. EVEN THE WIFES HAPPY WITH IT.

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  Nissan Has Fallin Off from Being Premium - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tonepearson - February 1 - 6:50 pm

  Not the most reliable car. Has a lot of mechanical problems that arises very often as explained below. Nissan pretty much stole everyones money with the make of these cars b/c I feel Toyota and Honda did a whole lot better than them with the reliability of there cars. These cars are worth lees than KIAs and DAEWOOs if you ask me. I have own this car for a year and has spent more in it than its worth. To all my fellow buyers avoid these cars b/c I promise you b4 200,000 miles it will be junk unlike Toyota and Honda. At least they recall a car that has a problem all Nissan did was pocket the consumers money and gave them the middle finger. So to you Nissan I hope you go out of business.

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  Lots of Power - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By G. Harris - January 31 - 4:53 pm

  After 8 months of driving this car i have to say i don`t like it as much as i did when i first bought it,to many annoying things for example the wipers are terrible in the winter,the cd player died in week one,there are annoying squeaks and rattles from the dash area something you shouldn`t have in a car of this caliber.To much wind noise at highway speed i am constantly checking to see if a door is open.I like to drive with my front window open a crack not with this car though the water will pour in. There is also a terrible vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds my dealer eventually got this fixed. The Honda Accord is a much better car and less money to bad it is so Blah.

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  I love my maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By A Nissan Fan - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive and great engine! I have 38500k on my 02 SE and am very happy with it. Bridgestone tires are not good in wet weather, but it doesnt rain in socal! Handles great! SE sticks to the road like glue during cornering. The car is quick and nimble for its size and weight. Bose stereo is overrated (it has a tape player in it, who owns tapes?)This car is a blast to drive on hills and curves, especially when you are passing bmrs and acuras!

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  Great Car also very nice looking - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Wiseguy - January 31 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car two years ago, with about 85000 miles on it, and the only maintenance I did on the car was to change the oil. The car is so smooth, like it just came out of the factory. If it wasnt for the dashboard, you would think it is a new car. Accelaration so smooth, highway driving is amazing, the only down side is when you make american stops the automatick transmission stays on second gear. Other than that it is a great car.