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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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris - May 26 - 7:26 am

  My Nissan Maxima is a fantastic vehicle. Its very powerful at all speeds, extremely comfortable, very quiet, looks great, very fuel efficient, gets 27 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, has great seating and trunk space. Great dealer service. I cant imagine a finer vehicle for even double the dollars. I highly recommend the Nissan Maxima.

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  Maximum Machine - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Fat_Mo - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The 02/03 Maxima is easlily the best value for the money when it comes to performance, comfort and styling. The only cars that compare to the Maxima SE 6-speed in performance and price are much smaller (ie. Subaru WRX) and not very practical. Those who say that the Maxima has lost its 4DSC (Four Door Sports Car) label are quite mistaken. This car handles extremely well and blows the doors off just about everything out there for under $30K.

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  Bad Mistake - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BadSituation - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I had problems from the word "GO" and I will never buy another Nissan car again. Too bad Nissan Corp. can not take the car back.

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  Style, Performance, Price - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jason in St. Louis - May 22 - 3:03 am

  I drove a 90 Maxima to 175k w/ no major issues. I currently drive an 06 Altima SE-R. I was confident that the purchase of a well maintained 03 Maxima GLE wouldnt disappoint. Boy was I right. Very handsome design, plenty of power under the hood, and very well appointed for a car in its price range. The car just feels solid and well engineered. I am slightly biased, but its a car I highly recommend based on past and present Nissan ownership.

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  My wife stole my Maxima! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By BC from GA - May 21 - 3:33 pm

  As soon as I drove it, I knew it was the car for me. I had previously owned 4 Accords and did not care for the current Accords looks. The Maxima was more plain but had distinctive looks also such as tail lights. Love the power and rides like a much larger car. Great gas mileage from a performance oriented V6. We get 25 mpg in town and have gotten 32 on the road. Lots of room and the trunk holds LOTS of luggage and vacation souvenirs. Leather has aged very well and the Bose sound system is awesome. Make sure you find one that has been maintained. We had to replace the sunroof (well over 1K) and recently the starter. No coil problems, yet, at 88K miles. My wife stole it from me!

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  Ask Thai meat....no potatoes - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Sharon Brown - May 20 - 11:41 pm

  Its great for that quick heading to the market, short trips to the country as long as as the roads are dry clear of snow and rain build up. The steering is great at that point, however, when the conditions get wet our icy, no matter how much asked is reduced there is still slippage.

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  Great car - 2014 Nissan Maxima
  By gapari - May 20 - 7:07 pm

  Simply put, the car does a lot of things well. The interior is as well designed and rich as any car out there in its price range. The exterior, although showing its age, still has a stylish and sporty masculine look about it. The care handles well, the suspension is firm but not too stiff, and the car accelerates well with plenty of power. I had leased a 12, just turned it in early, and now lease a 14. As I stated, it just does so many things well.

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  MY 20TH A.E. MAX ( Z edition ) - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By alsavillny - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my 20th a.e. maxima for more than two years now and i still feel like racing everytime im in the driver seat. It definitely is a four door sports cars as Nissan claims.

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  Glad I bought this - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By GreyMax - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car primarily for the engine, reliability reputation and the handsome interior. None has disappointed. The brakes were poorly manufactured however. Although the car stops well, (24,000 miles so far), the rotors already had to be turned. This was done N/C as there is a technical service bulletin for the warping of the rotors. Also, the ride may be a bit harsh for some but I did buy the SE model for its sports car like handling. I would buy this car again.

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  Too Big, Too Expensive, Too Much like.. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By comparo - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The Altima!! Looks like an oversized Altima. Even though it has 10 more hp its slower than the 2002/2003 model because it gained 150+ pounds! $35K for a FWD V6 Nissan Maxima??? The G35 would make more sense. 2004 Maxima lost its uniqueness as a flagship. For less, you can get an Altima, for the same price, get the G35