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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  Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Sobhan - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car with very powerful engine,makes driving a pleasure and very stable even at high speeds about 100 mph.we can get optional features etc at reasonable price

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  I love my 02 Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jjm753 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  If you want performance, an awesome sound package and a sweet interior then please opt for the 2002 Maxima SE. THe tightened handling capabilities, hold this fierce engine to the ground.

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  Have loved my Maxima for years - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By LMS-Denver - April 26 - 12:53 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned, and I can honestly say Ive never had an issue with it. It tops the charts in reliability -- I closely followed the maintenance schedule and havent had a major repair in 14 years. Thats impressive. Its a comfortable, nicely styled work horse that does well in all conditions -- snow in particular. Not many people still enjoy driving their cars after 14 years. While it will never get the looks my Mercedes SLK does, I cant say enough about my Maxima always being there for me. A terrific car all the way around.

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  Make sure its a good one - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By LeVeL - April 23 - 8:33 pm

  I made the big mistake of getting this car at an auction and have had nothing but problems - stereo, ac, shocks, exhaust, i can go on and on. Clearly the previous owner took no care of this vehicle, so I cant really blame these things on the car. The ride and handling suffered greatly because of broken shocks, fuel economy is hovering around 16-17 mpg in the city due to a lack of a tune-up. The car is fun to drive though and has good power. I think my next car will be another Maxima SE, this time a mint-condition one from a dealer. Highly recommended as long as its in good condition.

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  I love my car! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By ak725 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever had. I just love it. Its comfy, quiet and (knock wood) has not given me any problems.

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  All good! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Ricax - April 16 - 12:53 am

  I bought my Maxima last week and Im loving it so far. Its just so fun to drive. Im still getting used to the CVT but Im liking it. Lots of power when I need it, plenty of space (passenger and trunk), and sexiness doesnt hurt it either. My only regret is not getting the Premium package.

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  What a LEMON! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By chris carson - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The car is beautiful, fun to drive, and gets exellent gas mileage...when it is running. I should of known it was going to be a lemon when one fuel injector blew up. The A/C has gone out not once, but twice. It has had fuel sensor failures not once, but twice (in addition to the fuel injector issue noted earlier). Oh...did I mention all of the recalls? WHAT A LEMON! I am buying an Accord.

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  Love my Platinum - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim Wujkowski - April 13 - 2:52 am

  Simply, a great car. I never thought I would be in a Nissan. Was considering a BMW or Audi, but fell in love with the Platinum. Sporty yet comfortable. Great handling, quiet, and fast! Look forward to driving it everyday. Great gas mileage: 21 city, 34 hwy. You know you have a nice car when you catch strangers taking pictures of it in the parking lot! You did it right Nissan.

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  Best Car Overall - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Coastal Commuter - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  This was a great buy and while we have other vehicles, this is still running with the original motor and transmission at 300,000+ miles. A real winner all around.

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  maxima eval - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By bernsyb - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with everything.