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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  Best car ever - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By GE - July 17 - 6:50 am

  Ill never buy Chevy again. My Nissan is 11 years old and has 200,000 miles and has been the most reliable car Ive ever had!!

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  Maximum Driving Fun, Minimum Reliability - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By davidcohen1969 - July 16 - 1:44 pm

  Bought My Max in 2005 w/118K (now 214K). I have averaged about 1000-1500K a year in repairs. The exceptional VQ V6 and transmission combo in these older model maximas is even better then the 2004 Avalon legendary V6 I recently purchased to replace it. Problem is everything around it is falling apart. Id fix one probem and two more show up. Id fix two problems and four more show up. You get the idea. Whats more, I got tired of having to feed it premium gas-tried regular, but the knocking sounded like someone was trying to break in to my house. Despite my gripes, I still own her. Im hooked on the powertrain. Ill keep it through winter and then its good bye.

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  7 years & still going - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By derosa - July 12 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my Maxima new in January of 2003. Its the best car Ive ever owned. I now have 168,000 miles on it. Its never been in the shop for any repairs except 2 small items that Nissan contacted me about that they did for free. I change the oil regularly with Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 & replace the oil filter & I have no oil leaks. I also change the coolant and transmission fluid every 50K miles. And I replace the air filter every 15K - 20K miles. Replace tires & brakes as needed. It has more than enough power. Great brakes and fantastic balanced ride. Plenty of room for 2 car seats in the back. My wife drives it mostly now & she loves it also. I will update when we reach 200K.

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  Fun to drive! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Teresa - July 12 - 7:36 am

  I drove SUVs for 12 years and decided to go to a car to ease the gas budget. After test driving many vehicles I chose the 07 Max. Driving a car took some getting used to, but Im having fun driving the Max. The CVT is quick and smooth. I love how it looks inside and out! I am pleased with the amount of interior room and trunk space.

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  Great vehicle for the $ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Geddis - July 10 - 5:10 pm

  This is my second Maxima and Ive owned this model for 3 yrs. Goodyear replaced the OE tires and outside of the basic maintenance, the car has given me no problems. Would recommend this particular Nissan to anyone.

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  Simply flimsy (looks can be deceiving - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Moises - July 7 - 3:43 pm

  I just purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima. I am pretty upset because of the poor flimsy body. The car is not solid, and the quality of material is so cheap. The car thus is reliable but lacks the German craftsmanship in every aspect; especially in the suspension, interior quality, and the solidness. It seems that Nissan attempted to make this car out of aluminum like metal all the way around.

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  A huge step up from 2014 - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Dennis - July 4 - 12:20 am

  I checked out the 2016 Maxima Platinum almost as an afterthought. I was looking at several cars including the Audi A4 & A6, the Acura TLX Advance, Lexus GS350 and IS350, and the Infiniti Q50. I was really surprised at how well the Maxima stacked up. You will love or hate the new bold in-your-face exterior (I love it) but the interior is a huge leap forward from the older Max. Lighting options provide a very classy curb appearance along with the standard signature boomerand LED running lights. The high console and large screen (tilted slightly toward the driver) seem inspired by fighter jet design. The seats are large and supportive and the driving position very comfortable. The Max is very close in size to the Acura TLX but looks much bigger because of the lines and high hood design. The infotainment systems are colorful and intuitive and the Bose audio is crisp and realistic. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and exterior mirrors (auto-dimming on the driver side) and the safety features in the Platinum edition are very impressive for a non-luxury brand - I would love to know how they make that 360 degree camera view work - it looks like the view from a drone flying above the car. Great for positioning in a parking space! Sonar systems on the corners and collision avoidance warnings also very helpful. Ride is a little stiffer than the average family car, but not at all harsh. Low end torque is very satisfying when trying to get up to speed quickly. On the down side, the Max is a little short on 12v outlets compared to its competitors and the front passenger is limited to four-way seat adjustment rather than eight-way that some of the Maxs competitors offer - not a lot of fun for a short passenger. Trunk size seems limited by the wheel wells. Acura offers a two full screen infotainment system that some critics have called "confusing" but I found it more flexible than the Maxs - the Acura Advance also has a hard drive you can store music on which is a nice feature. The Nissan warranty also comes up a little short when compared with some of the competitors. Overall, the Max Platinum impressed me enough to forego the luxury brands. Pleased with that decision so far.

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  The beast of 2009 - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By GQ - July 2 - 11:53 am

  I must say, my 2009 Maxima is the best vehicle I have ever bought. I bought sept of 2008 with 10 miles. It is almost Mar 2009. I have 17800 miles due to trips from Jacksonville, FL to Delaware and Louisiana. I have made numerous trips to Orlando and Miami as well. Great car, fun to drives and it never gets old. With regular maintenance every 3750 miles, it stills drives new with no problems. It is a huge improvement over the previous Maxima. Yes, I had a 2006 Maxima. It was nice, but too soft and didnt handle nearly as nice. The new Maxima is stiffer, shorter and wider making it the best handling FWD vehicle I have ever driven. Ive driven 99.9% of FWD vehicles in North America.

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  gle review - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By gleowner - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Flawless in interior design, engine performance and braking. Very comfortable on long trips. Ergonomics are well thought out. Pleasure to drive on those looong highway stretches. Adaquate stereo, storage space. Xenon bulbs are a dream. Incredible value for money. Selected this product after testing Acura CL, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 300, BMW 3 Series, and Volvo S60.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Fraser - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Looked long and hard right across the board from accura to volvo there was good and bad for all for me the Max was it, large inside I got the four seat car and it came with alot more than the is300 . the motor has been out for years and has good power the 5 speed auto is smooth and works well (did not drive the 6 speed) I keep my cars for years did not want to be driving a 6 speed when Im 65 . Have not been able to get the 35 mpg clamed but the car will get 31mpg all day at 110>120 kph and I have recived 900km out of a tank of gas out of a 75 ltr tank with left over. Over all very happy with the car can not go wrong with this one.