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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An amazing ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Eburt - June 11 - 10:00 amI picked up my 04 Max on 8/2 and am completely in awe of it - whether driving it or just looking at it in the driveway. Although I had preferred the 6-speed, the automatic has more than enough jump from a stop and the pick-up from 60-80 is equally impressive.
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2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Larry Bornemeier - June 9 - 7:50 pmExcellent vehicle, a pleasure to drive especially with the new CVT transmission. Holds the road very well and more than adequate power.
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I love with my 05 Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By LadyDe - June 8 - 10:43 pmI love my Maxima. For the first time in my life I was blessed to buy a dependable car. Glad I chose the Maxima!!. Ask me if I would buy the 07 or 08? Heck yeah!!
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Deal of the Century - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Brian - June 5 - 5:00 amI bought this car used with 82,000 miles on it. I have put over 100,000 miles on it since I purchased it. I have only had to put new brakes and tires on it. I change the oil every 10,000 miles. Thats right, 10,000 miles. It burns no oil, leaks no oil and runs smooth. It floats smooth at 80mph. The car runs flawless.
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Excellent Value - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By dethbest - June 1 - 6:00 pmI have put about 18,000 miles on this car. I have had more fun driving this car than any I have ever owned. Much more fun to drive than the Honda Accord EX-V6 that I owned previously. Tremendous acceleration - with awesome power and responsiveness. I always feel like I have plenty of power and can pass on the highway with ease. Very comfortable and loads of extras for the money. This car is as good if not better than the BMW 5 series at 1/3 less cost. CVT is excellent - smooth as ice.
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The BEST car for the money! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By RGC - May 29 - 2:00 amI love my Maxima! I test drove every car I could around the $6-7,000 range and NOTHING performed as well. My criteria: 1) Price ($6-7000), 2) High Reliability and Safety ratings from Consumer reports, etc. 3) 4-Door sedan with a comfortable, stylish interior, and 4) THE BEST RACE CAR FEEL FOR THE MONEY. I succeed better then I could have imagined. Im not wealthy (26 years old) but for the money there is nothing that can beat my Maxima. I gave this review all 10s with the understanding that you only have $6,500 to spend. Let the speeding ticket I got the second day I owned this car be a testament to its performance! Good Luck!
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Most reliable car Ive ever driven - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By spetxep - May 29 - 2:00 amI did not choose to purchase this car, but it has more than served its purpose and Ive never had any problems with it.
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Careys 2 cents - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By CareyD - May 29 - 2:00 amA fun to drive head turner
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Six years and going strong - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By mike v - May 28 - 7:36 pmI have been a Nissan fan for many years. My 03 Maxima is my fifth Nissan. I have a 92 max with 175,000 mi on it that I use as my daily driver. I have the titanium ed with gray leather.The car has 37,000 mi on it, and is garage kept. The car is not perfect but overall I like it very much. Although this car dates back to the 2000 model year, I still get compliments all the time. There are some things that do bother me and should be considered. The rear suspension is of the solid beam scissor link variety. This is old school tech and Nissan should be ashamed. To be fair the set up works reasonably well but cant compare with the multi link suspensions that most cars have today.
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My 2005 Pearl-Xima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By vkmaxima - May 28 - 1:04 pmWell my last review was in November 2010, and I must say my car is doing great. Even though it is 6 years old, I still get plenty of compliments. The ride quality, performance, and basic usability in this car has been awesome. I get about 24.7 MPG, on premium fuel, in mixed driving. City is about 19-23 MPG, and 30-33 MPG on the highway. As for the transmission, now that Ive realized, I should have checked the transmission oil often than rely on the manufactures recommendation. Its been over a year since the rebuilt, and she is still shifting smoothly. I do the oil change myself, and ONLY use Nissans K-Matic Oil. Do it yourself, its MUCH cheaper than having the dealer do it for you.
