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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  Super Max - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Testa - December 3 - 3:43 am

  Great car much better than my 300M, fun to drive great to look at. Recommend it highly

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  Great Maxima! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Arnaldo - December 2 - 10:00 am

  It may not be the cutest thing on wheels but it is r-e-l-i-a-b-l-e! 222 horses really move it around town & country. Toyotas may be a little better, BUT, down in Puerto Rico, Toyota dealers are WAY too prepotent, due to the quality of the product they sell; so I go for the 2nd. best in MY book: NISSAN! Greetings from sunny Puerto Rico! J.A.N.

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  nissan max 04 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tomy - December 1 - 7:36 pm

  i see everyone has a problem with the grill easy to fix get a raizerblade and push easly up on it and take it right off i didnt know what to do for a while then i came up with that idea now it looks great!or buy an aftermarket grill thats all. ppl just run in to one problem and say all this bad stuff about the maxima.. its the best car u can buy 3rd best engine in the world great looks u cant ask for more with the nissan maxima .

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  Best Used Car Ever! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By jlamboy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SE used in 98 w/56K miles on it. It now has 154K and other than a few maintenance items, the car is solid and fun to drive. I have a few aftermarket items (intake, down pipe, suspension) on it, but replacing the taillights (white & red) and adding clear bumper lenses has taken years off the appearance. People cannot believe the car is almost 10 years old. Maxima.org has maintenance and performance insight and that community has been invaluable for the weekend mechanic and do it yourselfer.

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  Good Car! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By XYZ - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my second Nissan Maxima SE. I had no problems with the vehicle. I truly recommend it. I only had to replace the brakes, tires, and battery once. Very good car. I am looking to sell it now and buy a new one.

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  Awesome - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Gatorma - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and definately my favorite. Bought it used (3 years old) and it looks better than some of the new ones. Previous owner took immaculate care of the vehicle. AE rides like an expensive Lexus or Mercedes. Bose sound system is awesome - definately enjoyed by me, but extremely enjoyed by my 16-year son and his music. Friends/co-workers cant stop talking about how lucky I am. Recommend owning any Maxima to anyone, never unsatisfied. Thank you, Nissan....

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  Great looks. Fun to drive. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By buster99 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of buying Toyota Camrys, I switched to the Nissan Maxima this year because of its much sharper styling and quality features -- such as the DVD Navigation System -- not available in the Camry. The car is solid, quiet, quick, fun to drive, and looks great.

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  One Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JDH111 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought cars from the "Big 3" for the past 30 years. This is our first Nissan. Have had no initial problems with the car with 10k on it now. Time will tell for the future. The car is a blast to drive and have had no negative comments.The only recommendation is to get the traction control. I bought mine without and regretted it. The car is perfect otherwise.

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  Love My Car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy G. - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Driving my new Maxima SL is a joy! I love the smooth feel of the car. It handles like a MUCH more expensive car. Everywhere I go people stop and comment about how beautiful it is. Also, I cant believe the gas mileage I am getting! I have been waiting to buy a new car that I loved to look at and loved to drive. I have finally found it!

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  Runs like new @ 75K - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Seboe61 - November 26 - 1:10 am

  I bought the car brand new in 2004. Now have 75K miles. Still drives like new and still having fun driving it. Great Bose sound system (not sure why it has a tape player, never used it). Does not drive well in Wisconsin weather. Low pro tire needs replacement every 40K and pricey. Replaced by front grill b/c of peeling (common issue). Nissan great about fixing recalls. Overall pretty satisfied.