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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  Smooooth... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony253 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This car does everything smooth...Acceleration, braking, steering and appearance. The Maxima has attitude under the hood clear back to the twin dual pipes. A similarly equipped Audi A4 would be about $5K more without the "cool" factor. Ive never owned a car that gets stared at so often.

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  Good Car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Larry - September 24 - 6:23 am

  Overall the Maxima is a good car. I came out of a BMW 550 so it was a little getting use too. The payment doesnt hurt as much! The CVT is strange in the beginning but is unnoticeable now. The car is deceiving, with the CVT you get the feeling that you are not going as fast as you actually are. Very roomy. Decent highway fuel mileage.

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  Maxima - Best luxury, performance & Valu - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Vs. The G - September 21 - 5:10 pm

  My Infiniti G35X lease was up - price went up so looked at Maxima,Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis, Accord - Maxima best program & over-all package - ended up with White/ charcoal interior - Sv with prem, Tech & spoiler. More luxury than Accord More comfortable than my G, better gas mileage, more room & handles good enough - Miss rear wheel & AWD slighly

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  Great car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael Smith - September 20 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 yrs and 4 months. Very few problems and only regular maintenance required. Outstanding reliability, comfort, and performance. I think the styling still holds up today. Its been the best car I have ever owned!

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  THE BEST YET" - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By George Allen Eiring - September 19 - 10:26 am

  I have had many cars in my life and the Maxama that I own now a 2005 Is the best car that I have owned yet. The performance is fabulous. The power is unbelievable and the outside design is the most beautiful car that I have owned Yet. A few times that I was in bumper to bumper traffic, I had some people roll down their windows and motion to me and then tell me how beautiful the car is. Nissan hit a home run with the Maxama and I will buy another one in a heart beat. Thank You Nissan. George Allen Eiring

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  2010 Black SV - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeff - September 17 - 8:33 am

  I leased the 2010 Maxima SV in March. It was the best lease deal I could find after looking at many different cars, including the Buick Lacrosse and Acura TL. After three years in a Cadillac CTS Im overall pleased with the Maxima, but have a few peeves. There is wind noise at highway speeds I assume from the sunroof. The CVT seems to lock in a tall gear around town and causes the drive train to lug. This sends a vibration through the car. With that said, the car is quick when you want to accelerate, and the toys are great. The voice activated navigation and blue tooth blows away the system in the CTS. The Maxima is a well built car that is mostly an enjoyable ride.

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  Nice car - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By vincevw329 - September 17 - 3:42 am

  My wife just picked this out and has been driving it a month now. I drive it on the weekends and we just took a small road trip. I drive a 1yr old VW on a daily basis. The experience with the dealer was very nice. The salesperson was knowledgeable and helpful and seemed genuinely looking out for our best interest. The service department was also very professional, we had to have a cup holder lid fixed. As other reviewers point out, the car has plenty of power, drives easy but has significant understeer. Its clear that most people recognize the car as an entry level luxury/sport sedan and thats the perception and how Nissan markets the car. Our Maxima is fully loaded in grey.

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  Great Driving Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By AlmostaCowboy - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I drive over 30k miles a year and love this car. Drove from Cal to Tenn and got 28+mpg@70+mph. Best stereo in the industry. GLE is much smoother than my wifes 99 GXE with same tires. GREAT car for the money.

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  Nissan Maxima - Best car ever - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tinacomstock - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had several high end vehicles in the past, several Mercedes models, BMW, Pantera, Datsun, Cougar, GTO Pontiac, Jeep Cherokee, Camaro, Mitsubishi, Toyota, but never had one that combines it all..... I am happy with Nissan because it lets me have fun and allows me to go to a formal function in it too. Great stabillity, great maneuverability, great acceleration and nice/comfortable roomy interior. Cant ask for more... yes, before purchasing; I tried the new cadillac CTX, BMW, Jaguar, Benz, Volvo and fell in love with Nissan. Im glad the dealer let me take it home to think about buying it. He is confident, I will not give it back to him.

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  Cruise control stinks - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By googlemom - September 12 - 5:00 am

  Drove the car off the lot and hit the cruise control when I reached open highway - what a shock. When going down slight inclines, the car experienced extreme surges in power. Never had a car that did that and thought something was wrong. Took it back to the service department and was told that all Maximas do that. I spent $35k for the car and was sick. I never thought to test the cruise control; lesson learned. I havent owned the car a year yet and am looking to trade.