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:
Showing 2101 through 2110 of 3,122.00-
Good Workhorse - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By rtreviewing - May 4 - 10:46 amI bought this car when it was 6 years old with 107K miles. I kept it for 5 years, putting another almost 70K miles on it. Besides regular maintenance, I did have to replace a few parts. All the maintenance and repairs averaged out to less than $1,000 per year. Not exceptional, but pretty good.
-
Nissan Maxima is luxury at its best! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By Marcie - May 4 - 2:00 amAwesome car all around. Fun to drive, ample horsepower. Hands down a winner!
-
Max Air - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Gator - May 4 - 2:00 amA Ture sports sedan. Fly on the road. For those like a 4dr sedan but still want some fun to drive. Accelaration is word class, interior is luxury. A reliable car as well, I bought it used with 60K mile. Now it has almost 100K, and I have never need any major service. This is my 2nd Maxima, my first one is a 94 GXE, which carries only 160hp. The 96 GLE is definte an upgrade. I have also tested 2001 and 2002 Max. Feel like my 96 is not any slower than the 255hp 2002 and even faster than the 225hp 2001 model, probably because of the light weight. I will drive it till the wheel comes of or until I can affor a BMW 5 series as I feel no other car has better combination of sporty and luxury.
-
Poor man BMW wannabe, that was never RWD - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By MaxRX7 - May 4 - 2:00 amGood bang for buck. no comparsion to toyota and honduh.
-
ankurs review - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By tnivana - May 4 - 2:00 amAwesome!
-
2002 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5 6sp - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By robert morrison - May 4 - 2:00 amThis car is a blast to drive! It has more power and better performance than my 1989 Mustang GT. Build quality is first rate. Luxury features like trip computer, dual memory driver seat, homelink, nav. system, and dual front/ side air bags, now make it compete in the luxury sedan segment. GREAT CAR!!!
-
Extremely reliable car at 169K miles - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Kathy - May 3 - 2:23 amI bought my Maxima GLE used in 02 with 35K miles, and it was the best used car decision I ever made. It is now at 169K miles and still going strong. It has never needed a major repair.
-
Nissan gravity - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Jerry Dawson - May 2 - 9:19 amVery nice and comfortable
-
still going - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By tothemax - April 30 - 2:23 pmI have 286,000 miles on my Max. It has been a great to commute in. Average about 27 mpg most of the time. With the price of cars now, it pays to keep running what you have. Great car!!!
-
i love my maxima SE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By mike - April 30 - 2:53 amI have the SE with 5 speed manual, alloy wheels, spoiler, sunroof. bought it at 73k for $4800 and have put on 7k in 5 months. first off, for a 95, this car looks good. it can easily pass for a 99 and the interior design looks a lot newer than 10 years old. the 3.0 V6 is silky smooth and POWERFUL. this car has GREAT acceleration, especially with the 5 speed. if you know what youre doing you can drag race most cars you pull up next to at stoplights. very comfortable. the a/c works very well. handling is decent. gas mileage is not bad for a smaller V6. only problems were with transmission due to previous owners abuse. and even that couldnt really damage it.
