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:

• 

  Maxima Cranks - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By darren - November 25 - 4:16 am

  Bought the car second hand, just love it!!. Have had no troubles with it other than new rotors which is normal.The Maxima is SO QUICK off the line and can surprise Mustangs and other muscle cars. Shes good on gas too. LOVE IT!!

• 

  only problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By marian TIGANU - November 22 - 6:40 am

  The car look great but the praise stops there. I spent over $5000 in repairs. ABS replaced (@2500), bearings wheel ($1000) axle shaft ($500), fuel rail ($450) to name just a few. I spend more time dealing with the problems of this car than with any other car I owned, and I have quite a few The dealership service was very unprofessional and rough, All in all I wouldnt recommend this car to anybody to buy.

• 

  4th Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cmurphy - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Nissan and second Maxima. It seems each new model we purchase has become more reliable than the last. We just sold a 2001 Maxima,72000 miles, never required any dealer repair. I Just bought this one yesterday (2004 liquid silver SE) and had to test the now expected power to avoid another driver turning from the wrong lane! The Max performed like a dream. My emotional attachment to these cars is so bad that we no longer trade them in...they are sold to another Max fanatic who will give them a good retirement home :-) Yes...my husband IS threatening counseling.

• 

  Oustanding car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Marsh80 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So you have read the poor reviews of this vehicle. These are inital quality that have all been resolved or handled under warranty by dealer. I have not experienced any of the quality issues since mine was built 5/04. Only quality issue I have is the interior scratches easily. This has been replaced for 05 and I can have my dealer replace mine under warranty. This car is very quick. Must check spedo because it goes up faster than you think. MPG avg 20 city, 29 HW. Sport suspension feels softer than some luxury cars. No mistaken identity. Stands out among many look- alike cars out there. Same engine as 350Z & as reliable as previous Nissan motors. Lots of fun

• 

  Excellent Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nismo2010 - November 18 - 10:40 pm

  This is my second Maxima and just love these cars. My first was a 98 SE 5 spd and thought it was great, wish I would not have sold it. But now I have a 97 GLE auto with all the goodies and like this car just as much. I bough the 97 with 179k and had to replace a few things, knock sensor, 02 sensor and the axles. I did the work myself so the repair cost was very cheap. I have 190k on it now and its still running great and I plan to keep it until it dies. I would highly recommend the 4th Gen (95- 99) Maximas to anyone who wants a 4 dr sports car with comfort, good stereo, and reliability. Thanks Nissan!

• 

  95 Maxima Se - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Hoobledooble - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 years. it has 156,000 mile on it and is running strong. its got a very roomy interior with a very nice 200watt stock Bose audio system. this car can keep up with cars with 50+ horsepower advantages weighing in at only 2895 lbs for the 5 speed version. this car keeps up with my friends 260 hp cura 3.2 Cl Type S. theres almost nothing that could persuade me to get rid of this car. Ill drive it til it dies

• 

  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jason - November 15 - 11:03 pm

  The reputation of Nissans engines are what drew me to the make. I originally set out for a Pathfinder, but after driving the Maxima about 2 inches, I was sold. The Maxima is the perfect blend of family sedan and sports feel/performance for me. I satisfy my familys needs without having to resort to a minivan or a pedestrian sedan. I love it.

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By J. Regier - November 15 - 9:40 am

  Best bang for the buck. I chose the SL over the Acura TL. The only things I gave up were better turning radius, blue tooth, and better cornering (I didnt get the vehicle stability system). However, low end torque is much better (watch the torque steer), and the amenities are much better as well. An example of this is the steering wheel audio control. Acura has the typical volume up/down, preset/track button. Nissan has a far more practical set-up w/ power on/off, mode (i.e. change btwn CD and the 18 presets), volume up/down and track up/down. Dont know why I need two subs, but the 320 watt Bose system rocks. Love auto-dim mirrors (three), ability to link seat/mirror set to keyfob.

• 

  Great car but beware of headlamp design - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By LEM - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive and reliable. Big letdown is the ease that thieves can steal the headlamps - done to me in 10 minutes and replacement cost is tremendous - $2,100. Terrible, unsecure design by Nissan.

• 

  95 Nissan Maxima GLE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By 95 Nissan Maxima - November 9 - 9:20 pm

  Great Car...Very Reliable...Still running strong at 240,000 miles, hoping it will reach 300,000 miles. Never done any major repair accept preventive maintenance.