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 2011 through 2020 of 3,122.00-
I am in love with my new Maxima! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Ehunter - September 12 - 4:40 amI just purchased my 2010 Maxima a few days ago, but since the remodel was introduced back in 2008 with the 2009 models, I have been in love. I traded in my 2008 Altima for this Maxima and have no regrets. While I loved the Alitma and it was a good drive, it doesnt even compare with how much fun the Maxima is to drive. I look forward to getting in the car and taking it for a spin! The 290 HP is amazing and blows other sedans away on the road. Its a smooth, comfortable ride. I was initially worried about the size, but coming from the Altima, I dont feel like its much different in size. I liked having the different choices of packages and love the Sport packages 19" rims.
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Max Fun - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By max01 - September 11 - 10:00 amGreat driving car, with responsive engine. Load of interior room and nice appointments, including Bose audio system. Handles and brakes well. Would prefer less "plastic feel" of the dash, and rear independent suspension.
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Am in love with my car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Lorca - September 11 - 10:00 amI bought my first Nissan last year after owning a Chevy Barretta for 11 years and over 150,000 miles. I was undecided between Honda (Accord), Subaru (Legacy Sedan), and Toyota (Camry). Many friends encouraged me take a look at Nissan, they all had good experiences with their old and new Nissans. So, I went in, tested both Altimas and Maximas and settled on a 2001 Altima. I was very pleased with it but kept remembering how comfortable I felt driving the Maxima. I later drove a Maxima rental and was hooked. So went in ang traded my Altima for a 2002 Maxima GLE. WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE. This car has it all, power, looks, luxury, comfort ... I love my Maxima!
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Mediocre Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By mastj - September 10 - 7:40 pmVery disappointed with my first Maxima, expected much more. Quality is lacking. Overall, nice looks, but mediocre performance and rough drivetrain.
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Reliable, Comfortable, Fun - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Fandango - September 10 - 7:03 pmThis is my fourth Maxima SE 5-speed. All were bought used and ran for many miles without significant mechanical problems. All this one required besides the usual wear items was an alternator. The car now has 201,000 miles on it and is still going strong. With reasonable care, the power train on these will go practically forever, and the horsepower and fuel economy are great. The handling in corners is good enough to be fun, but as a sport sedan it should be somewhat better. Still, the car is comfortable, reliable and fun and a great value, especially when bought used. Its sort of a poor mans beamer.
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04 Maxima ~ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By V-One - September 6 - 2:00 amI love it!
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Still smiling every time I drive - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Russ Arnold - September 5 - 12:48 pmNo question the best looking sedan on the market, in my opinion. Love the responsive acceleration, and the drivers seat fits my 64" frame more comfortably than anything Ive driven in a long time. And despite driving aggressively still gets 25 mpg. Love it!
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Initial thoughts - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By kkc1857 - September 5 - 10:00 amThese are my initial thoughts: - Superior engine performance. Smooth as silk. I am still way under the 2000 mile mark, but the quality of the engine is unmistakable.(10 points) - Comfort. Cabin needs to be quieter still. Nonetheless, I will compromise here. (8 points) - Fuel economy: This is not a Toyota Echo! - Build quality: I strongly believe that the quality of the big 3 Japanese autos (Honda, Toyota and Nissan) is flat out superior if the product were made in Japan. These 2002/2003 Max are the last of that breed. - Interior: Very pleasant. - Exterior: I felt a slight odd styling, clear feeling of a stop-gap between the 2001 and 2004.
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Bad Transmission - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Jesse - September 2 - 3:23 pmMy transmission died at only 76,000 miles. I bought it used so i assume it was driven hard by the previous owner. I do still love the car though, its faster than most other cars and looks good too.
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Maxima will never break on you - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By Kolyan - August 30 - 10:00 amI have 95 Maxima with over 160,000 miles on it and I never had to change anything, except for the oxigen sensor which is only about $100.
