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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  Japanese Sports Sedan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By 03Max - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for a little over a week now and all I can say is WOW!! The acceleration is unreal and the fit and finish is top notch. Bose stereo is second only to Lexus Mark Levinson. Got a great deal(bought at invoice) and the whole dealer experience was excellent, will definitely buy the 04 when it debuts.

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  Think Twice - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Bulova - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I got the Maxima as a trade in at first the car was nice. Then things just started to happen. I noticed the fog lights would sweat when I washed the car. Then I noticed the drivers seat would tilt back when you take off. I also noticed that my rear bumper didnt fit right. And I also noticed a noise coming from the front of the car. And I called Nissan to see if the car was part of the recall and they told it wasnt. I took the car into the dealership and they said the noise I was hearing was part of the recall. So much for a car company knowing its vehicles.

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  Take care of it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2TH Doc - August 27 - 1:06 pm

  I bought brand new and have had NO problems out of routine. Still have original clutch, orig struts (not same ride but is fine), maybe down a quart between changes. OEM stereo died a few years ago, purchased from Crutchfield and upgraded myself. I LOVE this car and am planning on driving it to 300K or more! This is also my 4th Maxima.

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  Beware - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By williampaul45 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle after driving the SL. The handling is totally different on the SE. Its been in the shop 3 times as you brakes pull to the left. It had the basic radio which has a real tinney sound to it. I think thetires ( goodyears) were not designed for the car.having an Ols Intriguefor 5 years with the same tires the Olds handled much better. In a corner it the front ends leans into it making the car handle very funny.

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  nice car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By nick - August 25 - 10:16 am

  I have had the car for all most half a year bought it with 64,000 miles just had the O2 sensor replaced and fix timimg cover oil leak at 74,000 had extended warranty all ways buy the warranty. Other then thad i love the car. Handles a little woerd sometime but i can pass just about anything in the midsize sedan class. Will buy a another one soon

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  BLACK BEAUTY - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By RO - August 20 - 5:10 am

  MY NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5SL NAVIGATES VERY SMOOTHLY. IT IS COMFORTABLE FOR MY 103 LBS GRANDDAUGHTER AS WELL AS MY 6 5" NEPHEW. I ALWAYS HEARD THAT MAXIMAS ARE EXCELLENT CARS BUT I AM GLAD THAT I FINALLY BOUGHT ONE.

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  1995 Maxima SE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil Franco - August 19 - 7:26 am

  Original brakes lasted 125,000 miles. Replacement brakes lasted 110,000. Original exhaust system. Clutch replaced at factory expense at 35,000 miles. Replaced original starter and alternator. Average 26 - 27 mpg, high speed driving. Replaced struts at 270,000 miles. I expect to log wll over 300,000 miles. This car is fantastic!!! Terrific performance and economy. Best car on the road for the money.

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  2009 problem - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert - August 18 - 3:00 pm

  Has anybody had a problem with the a/c not working while you are driving on a 2009 maxima. It works when the car is at idle but when you start driving it stops working. Had it in 5x to get it fixed and they cant fix it. I am now starting the process to have it come under the lemon law. Nissan said they would not do anything for me except take it back to the dealer to have them look at it again.

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  Awesome!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Alexx - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Exellent car to drive: fast, smooth, quick off the line. The ride is luxurious and tight at the same time. Visibility is something to get used to, as well as some of the design features (grille, dash/instrument pannel - edges get cut off by the steering wheel)... but looks great from the side and the rear! Huge on the inside and the outside. Plenty of room for the rear passengers, and a nice spacious trunk. Overall - a very nice car, although, somewhat overpriced... there come the rebates.

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  I love this car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Jimv - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of used up-scale cars including a few BMWs and Audis. They were nice cars, but the Maxima just does everything right. Its quick, comfortable, and excellent on gas. One of the best used car purchases Ive ever made.