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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  love my maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Laurie Taylor - June 29 - 6:50 pm

  I actually bought my car in may of 2003, I have 44,000 mile on it. I love the way it drives, the handling is great and also the pick-up, you definitely have to watch your speed! I have had one little problem with my power sunroof, the dealer fixed with no big deal. No just last week my cd player quit working, I have an appointment next week, the dealer told me a new one cost $600.00, although they do not know yet if I will need a new one. Needless to say that up set me with me car only being 2 years old, I did by the extended warrenty but guess what, not covered. At any rate I would recommend this car. I love it!

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  Best Deal for $$$ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By STEELDOG - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Traded in 95 VW Passat. Bought SE model with cloth seats used with 7600 miles. Dealers wouldnt budge much on sticker price on new. Love the care. But needs minor improvements. Test drove SAAB 9-3, Honda Accord, Acura TSX, Mazda6, Volvo S60. Best deal for money.

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  Overall a great car! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By juskishi - June 25 - 8:33 am

  I have a 2011 Maxima with premium package and overall I absolutely love this car. I moved up from my 2009 Altima SL and couldnt be much happier. The only problems are interior noises from the radio/climate console (which i think could use a redesign), what sounds like the rear window, and vibration and noise from the front passenger seat when unoccupied. The noises seem to be worse when its colder out and I havent owned it during the summer yet so Im hoping to see a reduction of the noise soon. Other than that, I feel the nav and voice recognition system do not work very well. Otherwise, the look and feel of the rest of the car is great and think its a great car for the price.

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  Loved My Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By AE - June 21 - 6:33 pm

  Bought my Max brand new and added the spoiler. It had the sporty feel I wanted and the practicality of a 4Dr sedan. In 4 years never had to do a thing expect routine maint and a new set of tires. Loved the 18" upgraded rims. And if you resit the temptation to drive it at the real speeds this sweetheart will go I got 28-30 mpg on the hwy. Not so go in city. Must use the cruise control on this car or you will find yourself in some trouble in no time.

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  Nice car that needs some improvements - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Chicago_driver - June 20 - 4:23 am

  Sporty sedan with much nicer body design than Accord, Camry or Avalon. 265HP is more than average driver needs. Unfortunately you better keep both hands on the wheel when flooring the gas pedal - terrible torque steer. So used to my V8 T-Bird with RWD I almost crashed the car when accelerating while turning. Acura TL which I also considered for additional $1,500 didn’t have that problem and it had a lot nicer interior design. Too bad TL’s interior is even smaller than Altima’s. Front seats could be more comfortable (no upper back support). Driving 50% city – 50% hwy I only get 20mph not between 20 and 28 as stated on sticker. It costs me $50 to fill up the tank (recomended premium fuel :(

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  DONT BUY A 2004 MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lynnfrct - June 18 - 10:40 pm

  Bought it with 19K - now have 86K. 3rd set of brakes and 4th set of tires. Now replacing the tranny & timing belt for over $5K. Before the ext warranty expired I told dealer I was having transmission issues. They said it was the motor mount which they repaired. Once out of warranty the tranny went completely. Appealed to Nissan NA - no success. Asked local service manager why I should put in another Nissan tranny and he said "Dont worry they fixed the problem" admitting there were issues with the 2004 trannys. There is a class action suit for the trans if anyone is interested. Last car payment is next month. Tears. No more car payments but a huge charge bill for repairs.

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  Driving In Style and Comfort - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnRags - June 17 - 3:00 pm

  The initial experience of renting a Maxima two months ago influenced my reason for buying one; albeit the exhilaration of driving what can only be described as a solid and sophisticated machine. The cabin aesthetics is reminiscent of my previous luxury car. I havent a single concern regarding what has been one the best car ownership experiences thus far! The redesigned Maxima is a finely tuned, attractive automobile that will likely cater to those with refined tastes.

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  The new speedy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By stxman - June 17 - 2:00 am

  The loaded GLE is not only a rival to the luxury kings of the road, the car is fast and powerful. With regard to the slight delay on the gas when the pedal is floored, the car is an all around rocket that grips, sticks and hauls!!!

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  2010 Nissan Maxima Engine knocking - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Ricky Boby - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2010 Nissan maxima and every time I fill up the gas tank, the engine start making a knocking noise. But once the tank gets to 3/4 the knocking goes away. I have been putting shell V-Power in my car since the day I got it.

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  This is the Flagship - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Daniel Capers - June 11 - 7:16 pm

  My wife and I have been waiting on this car for quite some time. we traded in our 05 Maxima for the 09 and dont regret a moment of it. The feel and style, the comfort, the technology, the thought that has gone into providing a true 4 door sports car is evident every time we get in to go somewhere. there are times we have to come up with excuse or reason just to go somewhere so that we can drive the car. My wife and I are Nissan fans anyway, we own a 05 Titan as well. Purchasing the new Maxima was a toss up between the G37S or the Audi A4.... obviously the Maxima won. This car is truly the Nissan flag ship and should be crowned as the 2009 car of the year. Hands down, great job Nissan!