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:

• 

  I love this car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By George - February 21 - 4:33 am

  This will make our 5th Max. We traded in a 97 bought new and there is no comparison. I thought the 97 was nice. WOW!!!!. The 05 is roomier, more power, excellant craftmanship and a real head turner. It is smokie gray color with light gray interior and when its in the sun it takes on a completely different color. Hats off to Nissan for this one. Look out Lexus, BMW, Acura and Volvo. Nissan has hit the market with a true winner. Would recommend this car to anyone who wants to buy one. Just take a test drive, it sells itself.

• 

  Delivered In Almost Every Aspect - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By I.K - February 19 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased this car with the idea that I would be obtaining a fun to drive and reliable car. It delivered well on performance, the VQ30 engine is very responsive and extremely smooth and the gearing of the 4 spd. auto transmission is pretty well suited to my sometimes spirited driving style. The ride and handling of of the Max is great; it was smooth enough to drive long distances yet firm enough to take you through the corners, despite it being the GLE model designation. The style is simple yet it works - but thats where it stops because as of recently (The past year or so) I have not been able to catch a break when it came to mechanical issues which is the biggest downfall of the 00 Max.

• 

  Great Deal on a Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe - February 17 - 5:13 pm

  Purchased this for $25,545, includes 29 oil change services. Tested Avalon (= model would have was over $30,000) and Saturn (top of line at $27,500 not as nice and less performance). Had 1994 with 152,000 reliable miles. Great ride, super Bose and performance. Plush interior.

• 

  Same Problems - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 818 latina - February 17 - 9:00 am

  I have had this car for the past 5 years and its been very expensive. The same problems over and over again. The transmission gave up, the Ac doesnt work, timing belt has to be replaced. I am a teacher and Im broke. I have to drive 40 miles every day hoping this car doesnt break on me. I replaced the transmission already but now there is another noise. I need a refund on this car. It is not good quality and its leaving a lot of us broke during these hard times.

• 

  Cant let it go... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By joshua38104 - February 15 - 9:54 pm

  I bought my 2002 Maxima with, If I remember correctly about 85k miles. I now have 130K 2 yrs later. Ive had to replace a set of tires, the radiator, the battery and now a minor oil leak. Sounds bad, but its a used car and was more than likely its timing. With that being said I love this car. Ive thought about a new car but when I look around I compare other cars to my Maxima. Mine is a beautiful color (bluish) with leather seats that are in terrific condition, 6-disc CD player (that needs replacing bc the factory one is crappy) and a sunroof. No leaks. Keyless entry. MPG could be better but not too bad. This car runs and runs fast! Powerful engine. Love LOVE this car!

• 

  Maximum Mobility - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By William Johnson - February 13 - 10:06 am

  I love my 2016 Maxima!

• 

  Great - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Simraan Dhillon - February 12 - 5:29 am

• 

  They could have done a better job - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By ATC - February 8 - 6:26 pm

  I rent one for a weekend trip of 1200 miles. It is mostly a good car, but lacks characteristics. It is big, but smaller than a Buick Lucerne. It is quiet, more noisy than a Toyota Avalon. Set between mid-size and full-size sedans, it feels awkward in dimensions: bigger can get more comfort; smaller can bring more fun; but now we kind of get lost. The drivers seat is supportive, but painful when driving more than 4 hours. The steering is too flexible at higher speed, although it does a good job at local. It gets 24 mpg, which is at the bottom of Japanese cars. CVT is smooth when set to auto, but the manual mode needs serious improvements. With such a price, Nissan could have done better.

• 

  Horrible Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By SM - February 6 - 8:10 pm

  I cant believe after owning this car for two yrs i have so much problems. It first started with the engine mount having to be changed, then came the jerk when going from reverse to drive, then the a/c stopped working had to change the expansion valve. Whats gonna happen next...I wld not recommend anyone to buy a 2004 Maxima, alot of my friends with the same car have had similar problems. My next car will def not be a Nissan!

• 

  2005 Nissan Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Clifford Straw - February 5 - 8:10 pm

  My Maxima is very comfortable to drive and handles easily. Dual control a/c is very effective and the bose sound system is superb. A very fun car to drive. Road surface noise could be improved. Certain types of paved road surfaces tend to get amplified inside while other surfaces are not heard.