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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  2006 Nissan Maxima Tranny Problem -- NOT TRANSMISSION - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jjmarie97 - March 30 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my 2006 Maxima with 58K miles on it. Like many others, I started noticing gear shifting (auto trans) at about 98K miles, so I took it to the dealership that honored the warranty before it expired. They recommended I try a transmission flush, before the warranty company comes back and says I neglected to service my vehicle and refuses to pay for the transmission replacement. Which I did and it DID NOT fix the issues I was having (high RPM rev at random speeds, car slamming into gear, jarring forward out of 1st & reverse). Months passed and my car was in and out of the dealership shop trying one thing or another to resolve the problem. Eventually my warranty expired and surpriseÂ….I was on my own with repair cost! After several near death experiences due to the jarring and loss of acceleration at high rates of speedÂ….I called a transmission shop that was recommended to me. Within 2 minutes of explaining the issues, he said “itÂ’s not your transmissionÂ….itÂ’s the Valve Body”. He explained to me that the transmissions are pretty solid (used in several models) and that the valve body is the “electronic brain” of the transmission. Even if you replace the transmission (not rebuild it), it will mostly continue to do the same things, since you never fixed the “electronic brain”. So speaking from experience in dealing with the same problems with my 2006 Maxima that many, many others have and are dealing withÂ…DO NOT replace or rebuild your transmission and waste $5000 before you try the least expensive and most likely the cause of the issues (VALVE BODY), for $1500.00!! 

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  2001 Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim - March 29 - 1:46 am

  SE model has rather sporty ride but at a significant loss of comfort and refinement. Turning radius is horrible which may be partially attributable to 17" wheels. Maxima reliability has been as advertised.

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  IM OVER IT!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By josh37 - March 27 - 10:55 am

  I bought this car used with bout 60,000 miles on it. Ive had for about 3 years and im now at 124,000 miles. I loved this car at first, but now, i dont even like driving the car because of the AWFUL transmission! Its so bad! I will NOT replace the transmission! I have been driving with it jerking and hesitating for about 5 months and i am trading it in this weekend! I have been looking at the 2008-2010 Honda Accords and that is probably what i am gonna end up getting. This car is just a head ache now! I have had two previous maximas and they were GREAT! I wish i never would have gotten ride of my 2003 maxima.

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  Amazed - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Pags98 - March 25 - 3:26 am

  I must say that I wasnt looking to purchase a Maxima but when I found I could get a similarly equipped Maxima for almost the same price as an Altima I was intrigued. Ive loved every minute that I drive in this vehicle (and I drive a ton). Ive had it for 2.5 weeks now and have driven 1800 miles. I constantly compare it to other cars I see and my friends, many of whom have high end Mercedes, BMWs and Infinitis, cannot believe the features/capabilities of a car that costs a fraction of what theirs cost. The seats are great, the interior controls are easily accessible and the keyless entry/start is fantastic. Im averaging about 23.8 MPG so far.

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  A++++++++ - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Torres - March 24 - 11:06 am

  Great car....... I had a 09 maxima and had to get the 10.. Bluetooth AUDIO is amazing. Love the way it handles. I got the one with the sports suspense, leather premuim, cold pack... ECT.... I got a great deal and 2.9%.. The car handles very well under both cond. wet or dry.. Audio system is okay, they use to many speakers for base.. Only the front speaks play sound.. Front door and rear are for the subs... :( We recommend it.

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  New to Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Flyer 1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 96 Olds 88. Of course the Olds was slower and uglier, but more comfortable. The power is surprising and the car is fun to drive. It rides a little hard but handles well, especially braking. The seats could be more comfortable, but are much much better than the Mazda I tried. Nice profile, especially with optional rims. Original tires done at 37,000.

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  The only car to own. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Reddog48 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Maxima and it is the best. I love the pick up it has on the road and the new styling is superb. I receice a lot of comments from strangers about what a good looking car I own and it makes be proud. The best part about Maximas is there reliability.

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  Maxima #3 - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom Hudson - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Maxima and 2nd SE model. The styling is still fresh and actually looks better than the 2002 model. Ride comfort is wonderful, even on 1-driver 800+ mile trips. Exterior paint is almost like new. Power to spare but only when you ask for it. California emissions testing always shows this car to be at less than 5% of allowables. Service techs have trouble believing the numbers from a 7 yr old car. Good arrangement and room up front. Quite ample rear leg room for non-giants. If Nissan keeps making them, well continue to buy Maximas.

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  Review Of Nissan 2002 - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By ken 2002 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Nissan Is not easy to deal with problems. I would avoid buying a Nissan. Try calling Nissan in Glen Dale Calf for help you will get the jerk around.

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  Wow - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By jimmyd - March 16 - 9:20 pm

  One nice car for under $36,000. Drives like a much more expensive car. Nissan put together a winner.