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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bms review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By BMBOXSTER - February 5 - 2:00 amDriving the 2004 Maxima SE with journey package is a true joy. With the features of a Cadilac, the acceleration of a BMW and the options rivaling the A6 this new Maxima is simply a joy. It turns heads too! With quality fit and finish Nissan hit a homerun with the new design.
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Maxima is tops - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Josh Dove - February 5 - 2:00 amthis is the overall best car I have ever driven. I suggest you drive it before anything else
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I love my 2010 Maxima!!!! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Erica - February 2 - 4:26 amI just traded in my 04Altima 3.5 with 89k on it. I did not have one problem with this car, just one reason I purchased a Maxima. I LOVE this Maxima, the new design is so sleek, sporty yet classy. I love the CVT transmission, and my god does this thing fly, you gotta love 290hp!!! Im breaking her in easy though. But cant wait to really drive her! I bought it in the Tuscan sun (deep red) love the two tone interior! I got a base. Love that a moonroof and 6disc cd is standard and with 290hp? great price!!!!!!
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GXE - Inexpensive, Reliable, Luxury - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By knowak6 - February 1 - 9:23 amBought my 96 GXE in the winter of 05 for $6,200 (tax, title, 30-day warranty included) with only 58,000 miles on it. Build quality for interior is amazing. Although it was well mantained, car still seemed to be brand new. The engine is seamless but it takes premium (93 grade) fuel, even with that, gas miles are respectable (22-27MPG). Car now has 65,000 miles and I have only done preventive matanence (changed oil, plugs, filters...). Car was a steal for the drivetrain alone, but is cheap luxury for a college student. GXE model came with full power, 12 disc changer, power drivers seat, keyless remote, I bought and put 17 inch Maxima SE rims for the (00-03) model. Great car!!!
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Never Had a Repair Yet - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By CTMAX - January 31 - 10:00 amI bought this car new almost nine years ago. For the first 5 1/2 years it was used as a summer car. Finally I drove it winters in New England and was amazed at how well it handled in snow/ice. Never had a mechanical problem. Bose radio was replaced under warranty. Best car ever owned. Leather interior looks brand new. Exterior is still stylish for today.
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nice car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By nickyv - January 31 - 10:00 amSo far its an awesome machine!!
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Love it so much I bought two - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By patrick - January 30 - 10:50 pmLeased mine in May. After doing extensive research I came to the conclusion that this was the best value for what I wanted: unique body style, performance, luxury, amenities, and decent gas mileage. I have not been disappointed. I love getting into this car every morning and evening. The car is incredibly smooth. Someone once wrote that it drives like a "heavy" car. I know what was meant. It feels solid and heavy. If you ever drove, say a bmw 7 series, when you take your foot off the gas, it seems to coast forever. As this does. My wife loved it so much she got her own about one month after me. So now I have my black and her white max. in the garage. It is a good looking garage.
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maxima gle - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By misty - January 29 - 10:00 amso far have had no problems, have 1400 mi, fun to drive, good family car yet sporty, smooth and powerful engine have all options except nav.
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It is still surreal that I own this car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By Simply O M G !!!!!!! - January 28 - 7:56 pmI upgraded from my 96 Honda Accord 4 Dr LX to a 09 Nissan Maxima SV SP. Although I liked the new design of the Maxima, I was hesitant with the design of the rear but when I went to the dealership and saw this car in person it looks so much better, especially with the rear spoiler on it. I got the Sport Package that has the 19in alloy rims and spoiler upgrade and its is so beautiful. I am one of the few, if not the only, person to have this car in my area so far, I see a lot of eyes and heads turning when Im driving.
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Good car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By MAXIMAGUY - January 28 - 12:16 amI purchased the maxima @ 60k miles. It now has 130k. This has been a very good car for me. At around 110k i replaced one individual cylinder coil, 120k i had to replace the alternator and 125k the starter. The cv joints are going, but thats not unexpected. I get around 23 mpg mixed between city and hwy. I drive too fast to get good mileage.
