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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  best nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cyberman2004 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  By far the best vehicle I ever owned! Looks fast even when standing stil and stops on a dime. Cant say enough. You have to drive to appreciate

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  Maxima: The best there is! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris24L - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Maxima, in my opinion, is the greatest thing ever developed. I love every part of it. It has excellent power, looks great, is super fun to drive, and always leaves me ready to go on another drive!! Its the best car on the market in my opinion!

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  Grand Cruiser - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Dajie - January 13 - 5:43 am

  Just got back from another road trip, this time we drove from Salt Lake City Utah to LA and back. This car certainly made the miles go by fast. Its comfortable, sporty (I have the 5 speed model), reliable, economical. My dad has a 1998 Camry V6 XLE, I would never pick his car to go on a trip like this for as long as I own mine Maxima, and I am sure it will be for a long time.

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  Poor mans BMW - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Fishstick - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 SE (manual) last month and I love it. It is the best car for the money. It is extremely fun to drive, handles well under high speed cornering, and its a great daily driver.

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  Nice All Around Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By crawl731 - January 10 - 1:23 am

  I have owned this car for about 3 1/2 years now and I still like driving it. It has very nice power and is comfortable to drive. What I liked about when I bought it is that it is practical and sporty at the same time. Nice HP and can seat 5 with a fold down seat for trunk access. I have had a few problems with the exhaust lately but I am at 90,000 miles now and that is to be accepted. No problems with the transmission and engine at all. Very reliable so far.

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  Original Owner - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By John - January 9 - 5:13 am

  While the initial experience with the dealership has never been forgotten, the car has been very good to me. Good acceleration, and fun to drive. 52,000 miles and have changed tyres and oil... and nothing else (no brake pads, belts, O2 sensors, coils etc). The car does get a workout though. Owning a Nissan I keep up with www.Nissan.com, and this website tells you a lot about the company. I have not been tempted to buy a new model; my 1999 model will last me a long time I believe.

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  nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mrmig - January 8 - 10:00 am

  this car for the money is one of the best values in todays market place. It is extremly stylish and with clean lines Hope to see the same car with all wheel drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  worth it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By joulia benton - January 7 - 9:26 pm

  I used to drive a chevy cavalier and I loved it but it was not reliable. I knew I had to trade it in and as soon as I saw my maxima and took it out for a spin I knew right away I had to have it. I know it was used but Ive heard a lot of good things about Nissan and plus I got a 3 year warranty. I love my Nissian maxima and shes been good to me and I know we got alot of years ahead. Joulia

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  Asani - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Asani - January 6 - 3:13 pm

  great car fast and reliable great on fuel economy lots of horse power and torque the new maximas they should change the body style on them and increase the horse power like the infiniti 300 horse

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  Great performance and fun car to drive - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Ian - January 6 - 2:56 pm

  I wasnt thrilled with the Maxima until stopped at showroom lot saw a Black SR Maxima this car looks better in person. I cant believe with my eyes that driving a Maxima it has lots of new extras in its class. I love the camel interior its design is better with fit and finish materials are upgraded. Fact love that the Maxima has Normal and Sport mode its more responsive pressing the throttle as this car got the power and guts driving it. There is every available option this vehicle was worth every nickel and penny excellent sound system its more comfortable seems be a luxury cruiser. Ill give Maxima thumbs up including 5***star ratings on everything. I am not a fan of CVT but this would be one car to drive with its 300 hp engine the Maxima picks up speed quicker than ever handles like a Cadillac. Seems as its more safer driving love audio and navigation settings even console center buttons pressing as dont feel like dealing with the Navi plus other things for audio reminds me of a Mazda and Audi with this optional. Overall absolutely love this car looks handsome in and out especially the new design interior such a nice cockpit sitting behind the wheel as passengers would love the comfort of zero gravity seats and more.