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 2121 through 2130 of 3,122.00-
Expected more punch - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By crepit - April 6 - 10:00 amFrom a styling point of view the car is very appealing {to most people).You get alot of positive comments from passers by and freinds.Very comfortable and roomy. Very well put together with few quality flaws.I am somewhat dissappointed with the responsiveness of the engine\transmission combo.For 265 horses I thought the car would pull stronger.I am very demanding and critical with respect to acceleration and would have expected more out of this engine.As well the tipronic upshifts to soon for my liking,shifting well above redline.The ride is firm,and the car handles very well for its size.Overall good value for your dollar
-
Great looks, not so smooth ride - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By MTCS - April 5 - 10:53 amI have already traded the car in for an Infiniti M45X. The car is a head turner. It really is a good looking car. The fuel economy was great for a V-6. This car has all the toys you want, rear view camera, iPod, and something really cool was the compact flash drive. 8.3G hard drive. You can play music for hours. Now for the bad part. The passenger side seat shook when I got over about 50 mph. Got the tires balanced at my expense and then took it to the dealership as the problem persists and they told me that is just the way they are. The car drives decently on a good road but on a rough road this car shakes badly. For $32k I was expecting more, so now I drive an 2008 Infiniti M45X.
-
It just keeps on running - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By JHR - April 4 - 10:03 pmI have had my Maxima for 11 years. During that time I have only had minor repairs even after 187K miles. What a great car! This is the second of two Maximas and the 4th Nissan/Datsun product I have owned. Great vehicles. Too bad the newer model Maximas turning radius was so short. I would never own one due to that.
-
Sad Its Time To Let Go - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By apapple - April 4 - 3:38 pmI purchased my Maxima off a 2 yr lease with 35k miles on it. This week, after 7 years of ownership, it rolled past 190k and I can honestly say, hands down, this is the best car I have EVER HAD. Aside from normal maintenace wear and tear, I cant make any complaints. The most major thing ever replaced on this was the alternator, about 3 years ago. I am hard on cars and this Maxima has defintely been through the ringer. The two issues I can note would be the check engine light coming on for a bad oxygen sensor and the 6-disc player jamming up. Other than that, no complaints here. It has been reliable in all weather and the only reason it is time to go is because we need a larger vehicle.
-
Nissan Maxima 2004 3.5 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By psu-alum - April 1 - 10:00 amThe car is great. Love the interior layout and exterior styling.
-
smashing - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By smokey brat - April 1 - 10:00 amthe greatest for the money.
-
Maxima to the maximum! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Nomad10 - April 1 - 10:00 amThis car has pure adrenaline written on it. Horsepower is tops for a "family" sedan/sports car. The styling is elegant and a definite head-turner to all it passes along the way.Interior desing is like a cockpit with comfort that makes even the longest drives easy to make. Roomy and intersting to the eye also describe the interior. Nissan has stepped up the game on their sedans.
-
Exellent!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Jan k. - April 1 - 10:00 amThis car is perfect>
-
4 Door Sports Car with 5 Star Safety! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
By dbishopp - March 31 - 7:12 pmI did a lot of research before deciding upon this car. Most important to me was safety, after being in a car accident a year ago it was clear to me that if someone can hit me out of no where, I need to make sure the next vehicle I have stands up to impact. This car has a 5 Star Safety Rating and side impact is well covered! The inside of this car makes you feel like youre wrapped in bubble wrap and foam! It has all the comfort and bells and whistles of a luxury car, with all the speed you need to safely get onto the highway of a sports car! Im very happy with my new 2011 Maxima!
-
Enjoy The Ride. - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Erik - March 30 - 9:26 pmI bought my 99 Maxima SE Limited to replace my first car that I used through high school and one year of college (a 96 Saturn SL2 Premium). The Maxima was the short list. I purchased mine with 59,858 miles on it in July of 2006 and now currently have 72,562 miles. Ive had no unscheduled maintenance and have only had one major replacement, the exhaust system. My Nissan dealership has serviced the vehicle with great care at each scheduled maintenance. The performance, styling, and build quality is impeccable. Nissan engineers have executed every detail perfectly on this vehicle. The engine is smooth, refined, and aggressive. The Maxima is Nissans flagship for a reason.
