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:

• 

  I love this Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Kell - May 18 - 9:20 pm

  I have loved this car! It has been a wonderful family vehicle. It is a 3.5L V6, so imagine the pep you get when you accelerate. This is the last year they made this body style, and I like it almost more than the 2004-2006 models. Nissans run on a timing chain too which eases some concerns as to when you need to replace your timing belt. Love it. I can only say positive things about it, other than the gas mileage averages about 24 mpg which isnt the best in terms of a sedan. But 3.5L V6 baby!

• 

  Best Value Sports Sedan - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By jermax1 - May 13 - 3:48 pm

  This is my fourth Maxima. I had an 03, 08 & 10. I now own the 2013. For the price to content and performance ratio this is the best sedan out on the market! Take it from someone who knows and has searched for better. The VQ series engine is one of the best dont take my word for believe wards engine review. The mileage is terrific for the level of performance and luxury that you get. The exterior styling reminds people of a Porsche or a jag! The interior is as close to a sports car as you can get. Considering its a Nissan and a Japanese model you know youre getting top quality and high reliability. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a sports performance sedan.

• 

  Revisited Nissan Maxima 2016/2017 in a nutshell - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin Mawhinney - May 12 - 6:02 am

  With obvious reason, purchasing a car can be a big deal, after all it is the second largest purchase an average person will make. Most people going onto the lot are thinking two main things, price and look. If they did their research, a list of requirements will fall into place. With Nissan not releasing a 2015 model of the Maxima, it is for very good reason and the results are spectacular. Unlike some reviews where they review the low end and work up, Im going to start with the high end and work down hoping to matriculate the perspective of the other trim models of the vehicle. When I test drove the 2017 version of the Maxima, I was immediately awed by the look of it. It looked very aching to the 2015 concept car that Nissan was going to release, with some minor changes. The body shape is a much more sleek, and arrow dynamic design with the impression that it means business compared to its 2014 predecessor. Opening the door gave me the first impression of the "cockpit" that is one step out of the future. Sitting in the "cockpit" felt like I was being wrapped up in luxury, with all the electronics smiling back at me, ready to get on the road. Of course I had to take some time soaking it all in, and I took my time going through every detail from the comfortable D-shaped steering wheel that is wrapped up in soft, stitched leather to the center column. Turning on the car brought the steering column to me and the seat to it, adjusted previously to my body size and comfort. And the lights, dazzling displays of all manner of things from sensor read outs, to a very sophisticated control center. Leather stitching all over the place, with accent lighting makes this first experience rather nice. The seating with its exceptional "zero-gravity" seats felt like it completely hugged my back, which is very important to me due to my condition. The center console seems complex but I was able to easily navigate and understand it. The sound system with its 11 speaker Bose surround sound system, auto speed sensing and the "Driver Studio" mode that quite literally makes you feel like you are sitting in the front row of a concert. Unfortunately the "Driver Studio" mode is turned off by default. Looking up, I find myself once again in awe at the large panoramic dual moon roof. Looking in the back seat, it looks rather comfortable, but I cannot tell because I am currently in the front seat. Perhaps Ill get in the back seat later. After a bit of ooh and awing at the interior, its time to see what the rave is about the other aspect of this car, the performance. Revving the engine tells you this vehicle is definitely a 6 cylinder and it is ready to go. Upon first applying the accelerator, people will be mildly surprised at the jump into motion as the V6 300 horse power engine spurs the car forward, and man did it move. In "Sports Mode," the maxima was very responsive with the applying of the brakes, accelerating into high speeds, switching lanes and turns. In Manual mode, the shift needs some getting used to as the Gear ratio doesnt really account for much in way of torque at the higher 6000-7500 RPM range, resulting in the necessity of faster gear change in order to keep up with the speed increase to plateau. Im not terribly technically minded, but basically, I am losing about 3-4 gears of acceleration in order to continue increasing speeds at the higher RPMs. It isnt until I get to 6th gear do I actually feel the car moving again. If someone can present me with what each gear represents in torque and RPM, I might be able to see why this is the case. Overall the handling and performance was relatively nice, and I let off the gas to ease into cruising mode. This car felt very solid and luxurious and should be considered as the sports sedan, meeting both luxury and sport requirements.

• 

  overall GREAT FAMILY CAR - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Latrice williams - May 11 - 5:39 pm

  THE MAXIMA ARE A LITTLE TO HIGH ON PRICE

• 

  6 month report, 6,000 miles - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By bargainman - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Actually, weve had the car almost 7 months now. For the past 25 years Ive been a huge Honda/Accura fan. When I 1st saw this car I fell in love. White with glass roof and tan interior, simply gorgeous! It truely drives like a 4 door sports car as promoted. Had it up to 100mph on the turnpike the other day and it rode as smooth as glass. Havent had any service issues. The CVT does feel somewhat unorthodox. Feels like a 4 cylinder at low speeds. I could have bought another TL, but bought this and saved well over $15k! No regrets.

• 

  Happy Nissan Owner!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By GLE Sedan - May 8 - 4:06 pm

  Ive been very happy with my Maxima purchase. Ive only owned the car 4 months, but only routine maintenance is required. (Car has 142,000 miles) No major problems, except bad water pump seal. Minor oil leak, which is the oil pressure switch, diagnosed by my mechanic The 3.0 engine I LOVE, along with the super-quiet, comfortable ride. I thought about trading it in for a 95 Camry (with car payments-no thanks)!! Then I decided not to because my Max is so beautiful in/out, along with the Nissan reliability! Drives too damn good to even THINK about giving him up. Change all fluids regularly and itll last forever. No car payments! Nissan Maxima is the way to go for reliability!!!!

• 

  Reliable - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By 99-Vette - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Maxima that Ive owned. This one has everything except leather. I bought it used with 27k miles and now have about 70k miles on it. If you are looking for reliability, look no further. The only complaint that I really have is the poor quality of brakes and rotors. The handeling could be improved a little too. It doesnt drive as smooth as I would have thought.

• 

  Great Car - Could have been better; - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Newsha Makooi - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, but the fog light design is very poor. Also, after 32000 miles, the interior has developed a lot of road-noise. Sounds like little parts have come loose and rattle too much. I hate that. However, the BOSE system will cover any noise/road-noise that you might otherwise hear. Also, the OEM tires are useless. I had to replace all 4 at 22,500 miles.

• 

  Its about time... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Josie Earles - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I rented the 2004 Nissan Maxima for a trip to Nebraska, and I must say I was a little set back by have to get this particluar car. Once ont the road I noticed right away that is was no ordinary midsize car.

• 

  Panoramic moon roof and other defects - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By disappointedcustomer - May 5 - 5:13 pm

  I was a happy owner of a 2016 Maxima believe made a huge mistake getting this car. This car was last purchased on 8/25/15 now Im having problems out of the panoramic moon roof and memory seat position not remembering. Also noticed that whenever slowing down 30 mph transmission jerks hard took into dealer I was told the transmission is shot as with taking back to dealer again for the panoramic moon roof. Dont get me wrong really like the car but not satisfied with all of issues having out of it now its at the dealer overnight for a transmission replacement as with fixing panoramic moon roof. Thought Nissan was one of the best vehicles ever this definitely going to be my last one period. Cant believe brought a new car with few defects now the dealer is letting me loan a Rogue until get a call from dealer saying what Nissan will tell them. Seems Nissan doesnt stand behind their products because when talked with them but no help but it will be ok guess this car might be a lemon want to give it back after starting off having few defects even a new transmission with fewer miles putting on motor not pleased with a defective vehicle.