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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  Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Piper1982 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Yeah I had a ford explorer before this, and was gonna get another truck. This car tho...is big enough to carry most everthing i move around...the 6sp is fun but rough in constant traffic. The gas milegage over having the truck is fantastic...fun car to drive, and gets good looks.

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  Nice Car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pdonath - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 months and I drive it about 30 hours plus a week for work. I have had no trouble and love it.

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  Great reliable Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By frank3251 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car with 22K on it. The car moves especially well for a V6 with only 190 hp. Engine is smooth and first rate, interior features are ok. Car is put together well. The clutch is mediocre if at all that much. Handling is ok, not really first class.

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  Awesome 2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By New Maxima Owner - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This automobile surpassed my expectations and is a true leap forward.

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  Max Worth A Million - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxaMillion - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I had a hard time deciding between the 04 Maxima and the new Saab 9-3. I made the right decision after many test drives in both. The 04 Maxima handles better than a Volvo S80 with a ton of power. Its the best combination of a luxury sports sedan on the market. I was stopped at the supermaket my second day of ownership and was asked what it was and where to get one. It definately turns heads. The sound system is incredible with an ubeleivably quiet ride with subtle and responsive handling. If you test drive one you will buy it!

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  FACT! BEST CAR ON THE MARKET! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By scrotummaster - September 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR ON THE MARKET! THIS CAR HAS THE BEST POWER, TORQUE, OPTIONS, STYLE, AND BUILD QUALITY IN ITS CLASS. THE FRONT GRILLE IS GREAT, THE REAR SPOILER IS SMALL AND CLASSY/SPORTY, BUILD QUALITY IS EXCELLENT-NO GAPS, HANDLING IS NICE- MINIMAL BODY ROLL, SMOOTH AUTO TRANNY, INSTANT POWER, BURNT ORANGE LEATHER ON EBONY PAINT IS A HEAD-TURNER LIKE NO OTHER, BEAUTIFUL FROM ALL ANGLES, JUST LIKE THE NEW 2004 AUDI S4-YEARS AHEAD OF THE REST OF THE CLASS. WAKE UP COMPETITION, YOURE COUNTER PRODUCT IS WEAK AND OUT DATED.

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  Whats Not to Like? - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tjbNissan - September 29 - 9:23 am

  Bought the car at 17K miles. Have put 27k on it. The car is extremely fast, quiet, and reliable. The Bose stereo rocks! Ive replaced the tires and had the brakes done--nothing else. And it is absolutely beautiful. This is a car that you can put 200k miles on and it will still look new if you keep it clean. Nissan is making great cars and this is one of them.

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  Great Car!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By harry_0724 - September 28 - 1:56 pm

  Traded in a 2007 Altima 3.5SE. Maxima is great...aggressive styling, good power, lots of great features with the Navigation/Music Box. Plus, I have the Sport Package and it handles nicely.

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  silver ghost - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By alfie - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had car since dec 99. Original TOYO tires lasted 41000 miles. No squeeks or unwanted sounds/noises. Road noise a little high but the wind deflector on sunroof helps a lot. Beautiful machine. Great road ride. Will keep this baby for another 50.000 miles.

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  Beware of problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stevek - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Picked this car up as a dealer locate, the selling dealer would not order me one. Unfortunately sometime before me it sustained damage to the right front axle boot which ruined the axle. 30 days and still wating for parts, Nissan says I will just have to wait, they dont even call me. Also some vibration in shifter in 1st, they say its normal. My 00 was a great car, so far this one falls far short. Cant bekieve how poor customer service is, maybe its the French connection.