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 181 through 190 of 3,122.00-
Great Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Don Parkhurst - June 25 - 10:00 amMy fifth Maxima and my next car will be a Maxima. Maximas run great for at least 250,000 miles with normal service. A real value when compared to more expensive cars
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Terrific car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By mary b - June 25 - 10:00 amThis is the best car Ive ever owned. Beautifully designed inside, extremely comfortable, and a blast to drive. Zero problems after 40,000 miles. Only wish it had a little better fuel economy but not bad -- generally 26-28 mpg highway and 22-23 around town. After 3 years it still looks and drives great.
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I Love This Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By Happy Maxima Driver - June 21 - 2:00 amI bought this car as certified preowned. Excellent power. Had absolutely no mechanical problems. Having the moonroof open and the windows down makes it almost as fun as a convertible but without the higher insurance. Really fun and comfortable to drive. Leather interior with wood accents looks really nice. Especially with seat warmers for winter. All that and it has dual front/side airbags and a four star crash test rating. Couldnt find a better car.
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great first car and good for student - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By maxima_lover - June 20 - 10:16 amSo I bought my max with 146k miles on it and it costed me under $4,000 on the road. Also its my first car, its the best and its fun to drive. I drive around 70 miles each day to and from work and to college. Even though I make 15 mile trips each way with driving hard, MPG is about 22-24 and I drive hard.But You never feel underpowered on highways and you never get bored with its audio. I think its the best car for your money. Its reliable, quick, cheap, fun to drive. My dad has 98 camry v6 and compare to my 96 maxima , its not as breathtaking to drive a camry as my maxima. Its VQ engine is the best- very smooth and quick-you can outrun more than 75% of the vehicles on the road.
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First time car buyer SORRY I DID IT! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By Mona Diallo - June 19 - 5:34 amIve read the reviews here and my car is no different. I just bought my car three days ago with 80,000 on it I test drove the car it drove beautifully but before I could get I noticed the trans slipping. I took it back to dealer just to find out that indeed it has a transmission problem....now what do I do?
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IM IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By hweason - June 16 - 10:00 amIve traded 3 Nissans (95 Altima, 98 Maxima andn 01 Maxima).. this car makes my 4th Nissan Vechicle. I fell in love all over again. Once I saw and drove the car I couldnt resist. The commercial about the car is very true.. "Everything has changed, Nothing has changed". The look of the car is very different.. It difinitely looks luxurious ..very roomy, stylish, comfortable, equipped.. However the performance is still as incredible as its always been (if not even better)!!!
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2004 Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By dan ziegler - June 16 - 10:00 ami have an Elite Package, Radient Ember 2004 Nissan Maxima, Auto, and Sunroof. LOVE THIS CAR... had a 1999 SE, glad i waited for the new model.
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No better deal - 2011 Nissan Maxima
By ufgator_meche - June 15 - 9:25 amJust a smooth ride! Love this car. Dont have any issues. My AC is super cold, love my cooled driver seat, no rattles, bluetooth is smart. It recognizes who gets in the car more, me or my wife, and automatically connects to the most frequent driver. This car has THE BEST stock stereo I have ever had. The BOSE is awesome. You really dont know how good it is until you turn it up to just two or three bars below max volume and set the equalizer like you want. I am a spirited driver. My main car is a Mustang GT. This car has plenty of power. More torque steer as my tires wear and get older. But the handling is still superb. Suspension is tight but smooth.
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GREAT car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By First Max - June 11 - 10:00 amLove this car, and pretty much everything about it. Havent had a single problem with it, and would buy another in a heartbeat. Only complaint is fuel economy, but I guess thats what you get with a car thats so quick.
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great car... everyone should test drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By houman khaleeli - June 11 - 10:00 amit is an overall great car. it handles like a dream, and it has enought power to out perform almost all of the cars in its class
