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:

• 

  Good Value for the Money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By rangermutt - August 16 - 4:28 pm

  This is our second Maxima, the first a 1996 GLS with 160k miles that is still running strong. This model is the SE Platinum Edition and presently has 105k miles. We purchased it used with 50k miles and has so far been pretty much trouble free.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - August 14 - 11:06 pm

  This car is great to drive, and is very comfortable. It performs great, you will not be disappointed.

• 

  Wow...what more could I ask for?? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RogerN1967 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of my 04 SE 6sp manual last week...and have logged nearly 1000 miles so far. I am truly amazed by the silky smooth power delivery from this engine. It is so torquey that around town it easily works as a four speed..meaning that I shift 1-3-5- 6...the engine is so smooth...so silky..that there is no vibration at all...in fact I have frequent looked down at the tach to notice that I need to upshift. I love how this engine feels so refined and smooth in all RPM ranges.

• 

  Sporty Luxury Car Without Luxury Price - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Myiesha - August 11 - 8:56 pm

  I have been looking to purchase the Nissan Maxima since 2004 when the new exterior was introduced. Finally in 2005, I decided to buy the 2006. This car looks and drives great. I get so many complements. Its luxury without the luxury price.

• 

  Love My Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Derek - August 10 - 10:23 pm

  This is a terrific car. I look forward to getting behind the wheel! I bought the SL for the smooth ride, leather, opening moon roof and Bose stereo. The V-6 power is immense. I cant complain about a thing, this was a good purchase. It has a huge trunk and a lot of passenger space. It is more attractive than the Toyota Avalon. I am very happy with all of its features and at 106 degrees so far this summer, the air conditioning is perfect in Phoenix. I highly recommend the Maxima 3.5SL. I recommend the "Valentine One" radar detector if you plan on enjoying this cars power. I am going driving!

• 

  2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By KC MAXIN 2 - August 6 - 10:36 am

  I love my Maxima, watch out because this car is fast, I have to push the accelerator with my toes because before you know it Im doing 100. This car looks good too, I get so many compliments and the color - Sonoma Sunset- Red, looks good on me. This car is so roomy inside and the trunk space is big also. I love everything about my Maxima.

• 

  Luvmymax - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dwightd2139 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  powerful vehicle with great lines and a slick look. Head turner-lookers want to know what kind of car it is. wanted a great car again so i got rid of my SUV. This ones a keeper.

• 

  great to drive!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Squidroe - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Weve traded up from a Accord V6, which gave us 5 years of trouble free driving and comfort. This Maxima however, is a large step up with its road hugging ability, power and performance, close attention to detail in the finish, attractive design and the comfort provided both driver and passengers. Whether the buying public finds this gem, well have to wait and see. Both my wife and I are finding it one of the best vehicles weve owned.

• 

  Our Maxima has been AWESOME! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Wicksy - August 5 - 10:00 am

  It is sad to see all the issues some are having with their Maximas. Ours has been problem free and we hope this continues. If the new one wasnt so expensive we would look at upgrading. Great car, and a great value.

• 

  Fantistica! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Carl VP - July 31 - 5:13 pm

  Ive driven Avalons in past, and an XKR convertible, time for a change. My Maxima has every option but spoiler and Music Box. Ive driven 500m, what an exhilarating experience! I havent ramped them up side by side yet but I believe the Maxima in sport shift is nearly if not as fast 0-60 as the Jag with similar agility in the corners. It would take a lot of practice to beat sport shift mode using the manual mode paddles. Dont like feel of the road, instantaneous, exacting, spirited and nimble response to commands (equal or better than the XKR) forget it. Pedal to the metal passing a semi dogging it, over the distance of the rig, WOW! speedometer north of 100 MPH pulling back in.