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:
Showing 1971 through 1980 of 3,122.00-
20th Anniv. Review - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Robert - October 28 - 10:33 pmThe 2001 Nissan Maxima is a very reliable and fun car to drive. In the past six years I have never had to have my car towed. I recommend anyone looking for a new car to test drive the Nissan Maxima.
-
1995 Maxima GLE PERFECTION!!!!!!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By chrissy35 - October 27 - 8:40 pmRuns and drives as if youre on a cloud! VERY smooth and quiet engine and transmission. NO problems, what- so-ever. A pleasure to own. I bought this car with 139,000 on it and youd never know it. Just routine maintenance. Parts (when they do need replacing) are a little more expensive than american, but is well worth it. These car will last forever. I will drive this car until the wheels fall off! Nissans Rock!!
-
DONT BUY - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By antonioevans12 - October 24 - 11:52 pmDo not buy this car unless you have thousands of dollars for a transmission! It drives fine, until the car really warms up, then of to jerking it goes. The longer you drive the worse it gets. Never drive this car in stop-n-go traffic, you are guaranteed an accident. I know its stylish and sexy but please stay away.
-
Not perfect, but is still Nissans 4DSC - 2011 Nissan Maxima
By stracer82 - October 22 - 11:15 pmI bought my 2011 SV Sport right as the 2012s were coming out so I got a decent deal. I was really looking at Infiniti G37s but those dealers werent negotiating. The sport package is the best looking version, IMO due to the 19 inch wheels and smoked headlights, and its equipped with some of the extra goodies I would have wanted anyways. As of 9/17/12, I am just shy of 7000 miles on the odo.
-
Smiling more and more every day. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Jack - October 21 - 4:30 pmThis car replaces a 2004 Mercedes e320. The maxima is so responsive and silky smooth. Im blown away. I didnt think it could get better than the Benz. I was concerned with the cvt in the beginning. I have grown to love it. Typical driving give you silky smooth acceleration. Put the gear selector in the s mode and step on the gas and you get lightning fast acceleration and all the shift points that youre accustomed to. I opted for the premium package over the sport package and also got the technology package. This car does not disappoint. I literally smile more and more every day.
-
maxima se - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By croft3 - October 19 - 9:26 amBest car I ever owned.
-
Mad about Maxima - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Linda Byars - October 19 - 2:00 amI always look forward to driving this car. I love the way it handles. I joke around about this car wanting to take a road trip because it feels like its anxious to go! Am amazed at how quiet the engine is while idling. Plus, I love the body style. I think Im in love!!
-
King of the midsize sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Lyon - October 19 - 2:00 amSimply marvelous, it handles and accelerates like a $50K car is supposed to and is comfortable at any speed. Interior design, comfort and amenities are of entry level luxury car standards. The 320watt 8 speaker Bose audio system is the best there is this side of $30K. Still, its not the greatest car ever, there are faster cars, more luxurious cars, more spacious, even better looking cars, and certainly more practical cars, but none with a better combination of all these attributes anywhere near the Maximas price range, and thats why the Max is king! Also why I traded my 03 3.2 Acura TL w/ 14800 mi.
-
Very impressed - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Chambliss - October 19 - 2:00 amThis car has been a surprise. Neck snapping torque, loads of space, plenty of amenities (though not always intuitive)and four doors make for a very fun ride indeed.
-
Fun but expensive - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By reynaldo77 - October 17 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome, great styling and amazing performace for a 4-door sedan. But repairs are far more expensive than they should be, and seem to happen more than they should after 100,000 miles. The engine does not have problems, its still running strong, but other random parts keep breaking frequently.
