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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  First & Last - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By j. simms - November 9 - 3:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and probably the last. I have had many nuisance problems, like oil drips after each oil change. Latest shock is A/C Evaporator leaking and needs to be replaced ($1,500). At 41K miles this is unbelievable! The only sympathy from dealer is s---happens! Good bye Nissan J.S.

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  toms - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By tom 151 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  its very powerful and fun

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  Nice Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By DDA - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Maxima new 4 years ago. Im pretty tall and this was one of only a few cars with moon roof where I sat comfortably. Found out the alignment was bad after 25,000 miles. Replaced the Goodyear Eagle tires with Michelins and significantly reduced road noise. No other real maintenance issues other than warranty repair on a bad air bag sensor.

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  04Max - Great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rand - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Have Silver SE with Driver Preferred , VDC ,Sunroof ,mats and guards. What a great car. this is my 4th Max SE and is by far the best handling of them all. I will say that build quality is somewhat worse then my previous Maximas. Minor Shimmy in steering , wheels ned to be balanced , small paint problem. Gas milage has been around 23.5 combined driving. My people look and like what they see. Very quiet running car.

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  Its been great - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Van - November 5 - 3:20 am

  Bought new, now 74,000 miles. One service bulletin for tie rod. Paint could be better, chips easily. Creaky front end. Decent mileage on highway. Recently replaced exhaust for about $500. Brakes work great but rotors do not hold up. Will be on 3rd set of fronts next break job. Stiff, sometimes rude ride. I replaced front right speaker last year. Easy to do, ($50). Still fun to drive, even though I have an automatic. Plenty of power for pretty much any situation. Sometimes let er rip to 5500 RPMS and the car just flies - never complains. Recently on 3rd set of tires. Went for good set of Bridgestones, all weather. Confident foul weather car. Maybe mine was a good sample. Never let me down.

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  A great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom - November 2 - 5:43 am

  This is a fabulous sports sedan. It was the last model year before the Maxima came out in the Altima body style. The acceleration was so smooth and effortless due to the 255hp engine. The ABS brakes and traction control system gave the car a 10+ in handling. Steered like a sports car. Because I am a low mileage driver, about 7500 mpy, the dealer offered me a great trade on a 2005 Altima, or I would still be driving it.

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  Wow - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bcs0330 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Never have I had so many compliments on a veh. be it from friends or total strangers in traffic. Nissan as outdone themselves with the cars apperance, style, and craftmenship.

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  AMAZING STYLING AND PERFORMANCE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Sherry Fuller - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first maxima. I am having a blast with it. I would highly recommend this car. Great styling. Easy handling. Everyone enjoy. Have fun.

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  Its all about the VQ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By braddock - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a sexy car, with an awesome rear end, but only mediocre from the front. The engine is the velvety smooth 3.5 VQ V-6. It has hustle to spare, and will out perform similiar vehicles in its category. The ride on the SE is very firm, and most road imperfections are felt. It handles very nice, and is comodeous inside. The skyview is cool, but no moonroof.

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  Awesome Vehicle / Bad Transmission - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By OK - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in October 2008, with 62,000. The car is very roomy, sleek, and sexy. By the way it is very fast for a V6 sedan. Everything was fine until about 85,000, and I noticed a jerking when driving after awhile. I took it into the dealer, and they said that they feel the jerking, but the warranty that I purchased didnt want to fix it right away, they recommended that I do a transmission flush, which I did. As soon as I left the lot, the jerking reoccurred, I drove it till the transmission got worst, took it back and the warranty will NOW replace the transmission. Also the air conditioner went out, motor mounts were shot also. All this under 100,000, thank goodness.