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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  135000 and going strong - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By mike inmentor - March 4 - 12:33 am

  after 135,000 my car runs good and looks good. I also have replaced coils and 02 sensor. Rust on rear wheel wells. The top of one of my keys broke too. I wonder if Nissan reads these comments since so many of these problems are common and have everything to do with quality.

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  Very concerned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By www@ggg.cop - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We test drove several new cars before settling for the maxima. It really sold us as soon as we drove it out of the lot for a test drive, very powerful engine and felt heavy on the road with its nice ride. Now for the ugly part, after 28,000 mile the check engine light came on and had to replace one of the oxygen sensors, about the same time the car started vibrating whenbraking, had to resurface the rotors, at 47000 had to replace the oxygen sensors again. this time it cost me over $300 to get it fixed. Ive been reading some of the reviews on here and it makes me feel like I should off loading this car before it really starts falling apart. I thought tha

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  love the car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By tati girl - March 3 - 10:00 am

  this car for the can compete with any europen car. i have owned in the past 2 bmw vehicles. the maxima for the price brings much more features.

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  early death of transmission - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By n.c. - March 2 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 2006 Nissan Maxima in 2008 with low miles from a dealership. By the time it hit 72,000 miles, the transmission was jerking. I called the dealer who said the warranty was up, so they could not help me. What? R U kidding? Ive had two Maximas a 1998 and a 1999 that performed well over 200k miles. I called headquarters who told me to get a diagnosis from Nissan service only which costs $130. Service rep said I need another tranny which would cost $3,000s . thats for a rebuilt transmission. Waiting for headquarters to take action.

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  Early in the game but I like the Maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kenny - February 28 - 5:36 am

  After shopping hard for 3 weeks for a mid size car, I bought the SE Maxima. After having the car for a few weeks plus took a 1200 mile trip, I am not unhappy with the mileage. I got 19.6 around town and 27.8 hwy. Now I do not drive hard and use cruise control whenever I can. The handling is very good and comfort is a plus. The seats are terrific. Engineis tops in this class.

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  1999 Nissan Maxima - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Dman - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! Outperforms expectations. Very comfortable! Overall great quality

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  Speed Demon - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Mean Joe - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had

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  Plum - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By kim - February 25 - 12:18 pm

  I am in love with this car. The style,the beauty,the comfort, and the speed is what I have been looking for in a car without having to purchase a sport car. You have luxury and the performance of a sport car all in one. Thanks Nissan you have really out done yourselves.

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  Best car we have ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By jclick - February 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife has driven the 2000 Maxima more than I have, but the experience of driving this car is unbelievable.The 5 speed shifts wonderfully and the quiteness of such a strong engine and sporty sedan are fantastic. No complaints at all about the car.NO wind noise at HIGHway speeds.

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  My Second Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By drbjr66 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second maxima, I owed a 91 SE, and I can asure you this new maxima is the one. It has power on demand for a V6 and it comes on smooth, strong and fast. It has a nice responsive feel from the steering and considering that it rides on 18"inch low profile tires (245/45VR18)the ride is pretty dam good. Nissan did their home work on this car A+++.