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 but think twice before you buy - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By CAR CRAZEEEE - December 10 - 12:50 pm

  Let me start by writing Nissan makes the best cars. Ive had my 10 maxima for about a month and Im thrilled driving it. Here it goes "pros" fast, comfy, power upon demand, style and safety. "cons" premium gas, $pecial e$ter oil, interior design, cheap radio, not enough storage, fuel economy avg 21-23 mpg at 30 hwy miles daily and I dont even Punch the car to enjoy the "performance" all doors opens at one stage only or you have to open all the way unlike altima and toyotas they have three stage door opening, dark interior, cheap head lights, too expensive for s type at 31k and back seats are too small. Bottom line think twice before you buy it. I should have kept my 2009 Nissan altima.

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  Consider the Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By maross - December 8 - 10:20 pm

  I was getting sick and tired of the cost of upkeep so I traded an Audi A8 for my new SL. First let me say the Maxima doesnt come close to the overall ride quality of an A8, however for 1/3rd of the price the Maxima drives very well, is tight, quiet, and has every feature and more of an A8. If you forget about "image" and think about a good, solid, dependable, feature loaded car, at a reasonable price, you have to look at the Maxima. I have only had the car 3 days but I have already taken it on a 300 mile road trip and am very pleased. I am counting on it being dependable and inexpensive to maintain, not like the A8 but my Pathfinder that I bought new in 1990 and now has 175K miles

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  Already Traded It In - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By townhome - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This was my fourth Maxima, and it was not what I expected. Its probably my fault for buying the SE model, but the car rode really, really rough and was way too loud. The interior seemed cheap, but it was roomy. I traded it in on a used BMW 523i after only a few months and I havent looked back.

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  This car gets lots of looks - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lee608 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been perfect for us. No problems at all. Great looking, rides great, no wind noise, controls in the right places, good performance, excellent sound system. Dropped our 15 y/o son off at a party and the other boys said wow cool car. My 21 y/o daughter that drives Celica took two hours to go get milk. Get the sun roof not those silly roof windows. In Wisconsin, the heated steering wheel is awesome.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Clancy - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima. It is a dream to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a sharp looking car; power; and reliability.

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  GET THE MAX - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By LUIS VELEZ - December 6 - 3:56 am

  I bought the 05 having owned a 92 which was given to me, then passed to my cousin, and still performs well under my sisters ownership. The 2005 has classic maxima torque and acceleration. The maxima will accelerate as fast as you can put your foot down on the pedal. It corners and responds well. The exterior design turns heads. There is limited visibility out the back window and the controls on the steering wheel should have been illuminated for night driving. Otherwise im very happy with it. Its the most fun car to drive that ive had yet.

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  3rd Time Wasnt a Charm - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By I miss my Stanza - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This Nissan was my 3rd product, and it will be my last. Although nothing major went wrong, little stuff did. Examples, engine is so heavy, I had to replace all four tires by 20K miles; found out just before the lease turn in that I had had a bad throttle from the first day I drove it off the lot and it wasnt covered under warranty; a 35K miles, the trunk is already rusting.

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  great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By scott w - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for my wife , now I need to buy her something else.Its mine now.

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  Best Car for the $ - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By BigJim52 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Maxima GLE 6 weks ago and could not be happier with my choice of this vehicle. Power, handling and comfort are all excellent. The Bose stereo is fantastic.

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  This car is fun fun fun, but only if... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Wade - December 5 - 10:00 am

  ...only if you have the 6 speed manual transmission. Let me remind you that the Maxima is a sports car with 4 doors, you should not even look at the automatics.