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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  Best car I have owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikes - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Nissan, had a couple of Acuras, both good cars but the Max has been very reliable. The car looks good after 162,000 miles, drivers seat shows some wear, but overall, car has been good. Alternator was replaced at 90,000 and then I was reimbursed the $700 since it was a later recall item. One minor oil leak now, about $200 to fix. Car has been hard on tires and/or alignment, or is it me pushing it......great car on the Interstate

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  great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By brent123456 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  best car ive driven for the price i paid . well done nisaan

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  lemon car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stephanie mathis - March 14 - 10:00 am

  pretty,good road handling.have had my car back as many months as had it.bad vibration in steering wheel.brakes grab.alignment problems.seat belts replaced,sunroof stuck open,not starting,tires cupping out,sunvisor problems,noise in front dash,air conditioner vent coming loose,3 sets of tires,realignment 3 times,continue to have vibrationing,shking steering wheel,grabbing brakes.my car is a very stressful car.bought car for safety and problem free car.would not recommend because nissan did not back car up like i feel they should.had to turn car into better business bureau.these are a few of the problems i have had with my car.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Sandra - March 11 - 12:30 pm

  Update to 9-17-06 review when new. I have now driven the car for 6 months, and still have low miles on it. Car was rated for 21 city & 28 hwy. This car struggles to get 19 mpg under any situation and with cruise control. The stated gas mileage was a big factor in my decision to buy this car, and I do not appreciate the misrepresentation by Nissan. I like the looks of the car, and the handling is fine. The fact of the matter is, that if the estimated MPG would have been stated factually, I probably would not have bought the 2007 Maxima.

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  Good Car but requires maintenance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By GoLonghorns - March 11 - 8:43 am

  I bought my Maxima brand new. I now have 89,000 miles. I have been very happy with this car but maintenance items are very expensive. Other than regularly scheduled maintenance, the struts and A/C has been replaced. The sunroof sometimes will not close. The car is very fast but the turning radius for this car is VERY wide.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paddy - March 9 - 10:43 am

  Let me begin by saying you want fuel economy then buy a Honda Civic. Other than that this is the best car I ever owned! The styling, the comfort, quiet, ride, handling, performance, everything is tops. What car could top this?? Yes a BMW ... but for twice the price! I would recommend this car to anyone any day as the perfect car.

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  Maxima- Great bang for the buck - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Osbeck - March 7 - 10:03 pm

  Great Car- Why would anyone buy a BMW 5 series before driving this car!! Great engine- terrible Bose stereo- very muddy sound. Only problem was tranny had to be replaced at 26000 miles. All covered under warranty. My 4th Maxima cant beat them for the money.

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  Best combination: performance and value - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By dkmg1845 - March 6 - 11:30 am

  This is a true sports sedan, not an nicely upgraded Camry. Its the only sedan that easily fits 2 car seats and makes driving exciting again. No manufacturer has yet to match the Nissan 3.5L V6. This is a sweet car worth every penny.

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  Cars Like It: 0 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Boots - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best car available for the money...heck the same would be true if it cost $5,000 more! It is tight, solid, fast, nimble, and sexy! Just shy of pure nirvana...paint is prone to marking up very easily and the Bridgestone Potenza tires are awful...Michelin Pilots will be on mine next week!

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By K Turner - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car. Pure and simple. It is just so much fun to drive. I have also never received so may compliments from strangers on how great the car looks. That was definitely unexpected. It responds quickly and smoothly to whatever I ask it to do. The sunglass holder started sticking twice. The entire unit was replaced by dealer after the second time. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.