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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  Maxima Queen - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Kathie - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the 6th Nissan Maxima I have owned since 1985. I commend the design team at Nissan for continually improving the Maxima every model year. I added a number of SL options to my new SE so I have the best of both worlds. The performance and style of the 04 Maxima still make it the perfect 4 door sports car!

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  One test drive will have you convinced.. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tamast - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Maxima is just so loaded with features that its hard to ignore. Compared to the Acura TL-S, or a used 2000 Audi A6, I was considering, it wins hands down. I am very impressed with standard HIDs, the very responsive 255HP legendary VQ engine, and the tight suspension of the SE. For 02 you can even get a 6 speed manual (unfortunately I passed it up, not much fun in the crowded DC area). I spent a long time searching for the perfect vehicle, and almost never even test drove one; if it wasnt for my mother buying an 02 Id be stuck in something I payed too much for with much less performance!

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  My Black Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By rxman2002 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I do not have extensive experience with this car yet as I just bought it a week ago, but I can tell you that so far my heart races when I look at and drive this sporty sedan. Inside and out it is loaded with great quality materials. My sister has an 03 and has been happy with it as well so that helped my decision. Im very impressed so far. I had considered a loaded Altima but for only a few thousand more I got a more upscaled vehicle with great style, not that the Altima doesnt deserve respect also. Its a beautiful vehicle as well. Im a single dad but I still like to hit the twisties every now and then. This car will do it. Grade A+

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  junk!!! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By tattoome81 - July 25 - 5:56 am

  overpriced piece of junk. this is by far the worst riding car ive driven or been in. you feel every bump in this car even if the road looks smooth you feel everything, and god forbid you are accelerating when you hit a bump, you better be holding on to the steering wheel with two hands as tight as you can. besides the ride its not a user friendly interior either. the position of the power windows is on the dash toward the left of the steering wheel, making it almost impossible to adjust the mirrors while driving. 36k and no memory seats or heated mirrors?! what a waste of money. horrible gas mileage

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  Maxima 95 - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By ev15 - July 23 - 8:51 pm

  I just recently bought a Nissan Maxima SE, Its got a 187,000 kms on it and it looks brand new. its only had one owner before me, who purchased it brand new in 1995. I still cant understand how someone could keep a car for 18 years, drive it everyday and still have it in impeccable condition. it literally doesnt have a scratch on the paint. I dont think anybody ever sat in the back or in the front passenger seat, even the driver side is 90% of its original brand new condition. I dont think anything was ever placed in the trunk and the 18 year old alloy wheels look brand new. I have truly scored a Gem and I hope to keep it till it dies. Hats off to Nissan, they made a great car

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  Impressive Maxima - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By alan_s - July 23 - 12:32 am

  My 2010 Maxima lease was almost up so I turned it in and leased a 2012 Maxima SV with Premium package. I immediately noticed a huge advance in refinement over the 2010, and a dramatic improvement in the performance of the CVT. The drivetrain as a whole is far more responsive and much smoother. The CVT no longer bogs down the tremendously powerful engine. Kudos to Nissan for continuous improvement. The two-tone interior is sumptuous and the materials appear to be of improved quality. Everything has a very substantial quality about it. This feels like a much more expensive car. On the road, the dynamics have been improved, and a feeling of solid build and substance is imparted. I love it!

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  The automotive equivalent of Britney Spears - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima No More - July 22 - 11:59 am

  Sure the design is fantastic and the selling points are many, however, in my experience, they have failed to deliver. The Engine? Fine, too much power for front wheels, but this is only really evident when you go to pass someone and fight to stay in the lane. The seats? Adequate, I have sat in better for a similar price point, but they are OK. The electronics? So far the radio system has shut off 3 times for no reason, requiring me to pull over and restart the car to reboot the system. The included apps are (is) a poorly functioning google search app which rarely works and will not dump info into the navigation. As for the others (iHeart Radio, TripAdvisor, Pandora, etc) at least they are no longer lying to me that the car is too advanced for the app and they now say that they wont support them. The key fob will unlock the car, even start it from across the parking lot, but when I get in, it fails to recognize the key. This usually requires me getting OUT of the car, digging out the key and pressing the start button with the key. (This is a failure which is taking every once of self restraint not to drive this piece of *^^% into the showroom, especially when it happens in the rain) The rear deck buzzes with loud music, sure the BOSE system is nice, but if it cannot go loud, whats the point? Last but most certainly not least is the garbage front end collision system. This is the thing in the fancy commercial bringing the car to a stop when plywood forms pop up in the road. Well... It does work, even when there is nothing there. Boy, I tell you! If youre ever driving along the highway and you get lulled into a sense of peace and tranquility of the open road, nothing like the car slamming on the brakes (even for 1 second) to wake you up. Boy, howdy, thats scary. I own the extended warranty to 120000 miles, so Im stuck with this car for a bit, Ill just make a pest of myself at the dealer. At least until they lemon law me out of it. Why Britney Spears you ask? Looks good from the outside, but not anything you want to take home.

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  2nd Maxima and still lovin it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By danalin26 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Just acquired a new 2004 SE 3.5 and absolutely love it. Traded in 2000 Maxima. I thought I had it good in the 2000. The 2004 is so powerful and the options you can get for the price is amazing.

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  A Distinctive Car Worth the Quirks and Shortcomings - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By thos - July 20 - 5:17 pm

  I have an 02 Maxima automatic with 70,000 miles bought almost 3 years ago with 45,000 miles. Mine burns oil, one to two quarts between changes every 4,000 miles. I also bought an 03 Altima V6 and it does the same thing, leading me to believe that this is a very common problem. However, the cars are cheap to buy used and a quart or two of oil between changes is less than $10, so why bother putting in new rings? I ran regular gas for the first 2 1/2 years--a mistake. The drivetrain, including the transmission, works better with premium. The solid rear axle in this car makes for inferior handling compared to the Altima, but the latter lacks the "elan" of the older Maxima in my view

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  99 Maxima GLE - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By kari - July 18 - 5:16 pm

  I bought the car in 06 with 54k on it. It was perfect for two years. Now there is 90k miles on it, and all of my coils need to be replaced, along with all spark plugs. At the dealer they charged $1400.