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:

• 

  fun - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hoooper - January 30 - 6:43 am

  Great car that is fun and reliable. enough power to get you anywhere, yet smooth enough to sit in traffic

• 

  Amazing!! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By I Love It - January 26 - 11:33 am

  We have had our Maxima for a while now. I was originally looking at the Accord, but after test driving my friends, I scrapped the Honda idea. I had no idea it had that much power! The car is a rocketship when you want it to be. It is approaching 100k, and I have never had any problems with it. I am looking forward to having many more years of fun. It is a great car that can easily fit 4 adults and has a ton of trunk space for all of your stuff. I absolutely love my Maxima, and would buy it again in a heartbeat!

• 

  Wow! I love my Maxima - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon Strand - January 26 - 12:53 am

  I bought this car at 83K miles. After about a year and a half it now has 120K miles. This car is amazing and I love it to death. Reliability is fantastic as I have had virtually no maintenance costs w/the exception of oil changes, etc. I get a lot of compliments about how smooth the ride is. Some people dislike the styling of these Maximas, but I love the car inside and out. It is fully loaded w/every option but traction control and everything still works perfectly and in tip top shape, despite being a 6 year old car. This is the best car buying decision I have made and its a blast to drive. I plan to keep my Maxima until at least 200K miles, when I will likely go buy a new one.

• 

  Fun car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By abros - January 23 - 1:03 pm

  Great car, fun to drive and very comfortable. Best part is an engine. It gives you whatever you ask for. Build quality is OK, I had a problem with ignition coils and MAF sensor, yet it was not that costly since I replaced it by myself ($400 total cost). I have 60K now and after replace MAF sensor, it runs like new. Good mpg - 27 in mix driving. Sound system and controls are great. I like the dashbord and interior design. Exterior is not that great, yet the idea of the 222 hp gives it respect. This is my first foregn car and what is the difference, tight build quality compare with Fords I had before. Im not sure my next car will be Max. I would try something else.

• 

  Love Love Love - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Ebony - January 22 - 2:30 pm

  I like Nissan as a brand and wanted something a bit more flasy than a honda or toyota but not quite Lexus or Audi. I graduated college and wanted a upgrade from my 02 Nissan Sentra. I love the butt on this car. From the back it looks so classy. Ride is smooth and goes from 35mph to 70mph without the shift reaction.I notice I can hear the engine a bit but the bose stereo system drowns that out.

• 

  96 Max - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris - January 21 - 8:50 am

  This is my second car I have had. I had a Mitsubishi Mirage but didnt like it and wanted to have a better looking car. This car is awesome. The interior is my favorite part I have black leather and I feel like Im in a town car. The back of the car is a bit boring, but I put 18" chrome rims on it and everyone is like what when I say its a 96. They thinks its a 2003 or something. The car does stall on me occasionally and it does get annoying but I think I just need to clean out the fuel line. I now I have 160,000 miles on it and its a lot faster than people think.

• 

  A drivers car with comfort and class. - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By tomthumb - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Jaguars, Camrys, Mustang GTs, and 240s (both Z & SX), and I have trouble thinking how the Maxima could be better designed. It delivers absolutely wonderful performance for a sedan, with a nearly perfect balance of handling and ride comfort. The cabin is a joy for the driver, while still being quite pleasant for passengers on long trips. I bought my 95 GLE in late 99 with 39K on it, have 76K on it now, and expect to drive it for at least another 50K, at which point Ill look for another used Maxima.

• 

  Its the little things... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SlipperyMax - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall I have been very pleased with my Max. The 6 speed is great (a little notchy). Sound system is good enough. Really like the lumbar support. This is all good as long as you dont wreck it. The tires are TERRIBLE. They have zero traction in wet weather. Dont even try the snow. For $30k, I want a better paint job. I guess they figure youll wreck it in the rain/snow, then have to paint it anyway.

• 

  I love it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By willow sara - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and looks good! It turns a lot of heads!

• 

  30 days of fine driving - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jd8900 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Drove the car home from Texas to Kansas and with all the wind through Oklahoma and kansas I was surprised just how quiet it was inside.