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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  Love this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By marc89 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 1 1/2 years and nothing but praise! I drive for a living and have just returned from a road trip to Florida...this car is awesome. Plenty of power, very smooth, and no problems whatsoever. Best choice I could have made.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Vinny D - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Maxima in two years and I will likely purchase a third in the future. The new body style is eye catching and the performance is everything I expected. Shop this car against the TL, IS300, and BMW325 and you will buy it. The interior is cavernous and the gauges are just sporty enough without looking like a teenagers car.

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  1995 strong after 20 years - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By myedmunds6 - January 1 - 4:46 am

  I had my 95 maxima for 4 years. Bought from a dealer at incrredible 65K miles in prestine condition. This is my 5th datsun-nissan. Just change oil regularly at 5k. Need to replace consumables. Other than that, no major repair needed. Spends aboout $300 for repair/maint. On my previous 94 maxima, I drove about 300K+ odometer stopped at 230K. I drove 4 more years until the tranny gave up. Gas mileage is about 20 mpg on city+highway mix.

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  Problems with the Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By John - January 1 - 12:53 am

  I bought the Nissan Maxima because I had thought that Nissan had a great name. The car had a stunning interior and great overall design, but Im barely getting 20 mpg for normal half freeway half highway driving. Also the brakes are always making noise and every time I take the car in they charge me $200 to change the brakes on a brand new car. This car is smaller than camry/altima and I will never buy a Nissan again. DO your research before you buy this car, A lot of people will tell you its not worth the price.

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  This is a keeper - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By CaptainD - December 31 - 1:43 am

  Purchased my 2001 Nissan Maxima new and roughly four years later I am still enjoying the drive. it has a strong engine (227HP) and excellent and brakes. its transmission is the most irratating item. Its shifts are not as crisp or predictable under certanin driving conditions as I would expect in a sports-oriented sedan. It provides a high level of comfort and convenience. The only quality issue was the leather on the drivers seat side bolster wore through from sliding across it or snagging on cell phoneThis was a $200 repair, but now it is like new. The seat is only partially covered with leather, most of it is vinyl. The Bose sound system is supurb! I am experiencing an annoying groan / squeak from dash area that I cant locate. My overall evaluation is that this ia a great vehicle for the money.

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  Maximum Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By fastridingman - December 26 - 3:56 pm

  At 137k this car is running strong, smooth and reliably. Every component works as it should. The car also has great structural integrity. not a single squeak or rattle. This Nissan is superior to similar age Accord in every aspect including fuel mileage. I owned both. The Maxima outguns the Accord -- period. I just installed a set of 17" wheels from an 05 for style. This car is worth the investment. I havent had to spend much -- front struts and an anti-knock sensor. I plan on another 100,000 fun, trouble free miles with this Maxima. Parts and accessories are readily available. I recommend a new or used Maxima to anyone looking for a good handling, strong running sedan.

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  Wife & I have Max we always wanted! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Tycoonmd - December 25 - 10:23 pm

  My wife has always wanted a Maxima so when the time came to get another car, we purchased one. I think the 2007 model is the best looking Max to date. Im a big guy and Im comfortable driving and riding in this car. The CVT is great. Acceleration is smooth from 0 all the way to me. I have no problems keeping the car straight and neither does my wife. The intelligent key is great. There are very few things I would change if anything. Have only had it a little while but loving it all the time.

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  To many repairs in a short time. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert - December 20 - 3:57 am

  The engine is great. The equipment attached to it is weak. I have had to replace the transmission, the computer box, the power steering pressure hose, the power steering box the radio, the power attachments for cellphone hookup do not work, The sunroof is faulty, works when it wants too. The time waiting for parts to repair is unbelieveable. The windows are not made to keep out the road noise. this car has been in the shop more times than my 1999 Durango which has 274000 miles. and is More reliable than my 2006 Max with 164000 miles. I have owned an 1989 Maxima, and the clutch kept going out. It is in the shop now for a new steering unit. I cannot make my money without it. I am going out to buy another car. It will not be a Nissan. I would not recommend it unless it is a truck.

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  My Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By FDCROSS3853 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive sporty sedan. Lots of bang for the buck. A large upgrade from pervious model years.

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  Drive it to belive it! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lalu Patel - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Nissan Maxima that I have owned and I have to tell you that the Maxima keeps getting better and better.