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 - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Grimmax - January 27 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my 05 Maxima when it first came out with the EGR valve. I love this car very much. There are also tons of performance mods available for this car. Everything from headers, body kits and even Chip tuning. I am over 320BHP. I have had zero issues with this car since I bought it. I would recommend everyone look into upgrading the suspension for better handle if you are not into modifying the engine.

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  Its a cool car - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By otis - January 27 - 12:54 pm

  Great looking car. Cheap parts . I brought 1 of the 1st release cars back in June 2015. Door jams was a rush paint job faded! Driver seat springs broke in the 1st month console arm rest rip. Dealership didnt want to warrant the parts. Had to Harass them to paint the door jams! Car was in the shop for almost 1.5 months! Right bumper clap replace twice. And it still pops out never resolve that problem yet. Love the lights . But I have the car to my wife. I rather drive her Avalon.

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  Still going. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By JD - January 24 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this car with less than 23,000 miles now I am over 60,000 the car is smooth and still fun to drive. As for mechanical issues I have had a few my transmission was changed out at 53,000 due to harsh down shifts usually between 2nd and third luckily the car was still under warranty and had to replace a rear wheel bearing recently. Otherwise I still love the car my average mpg is about 22 in the city and 29 on the hwy. It seems that the only major issue that people are having is the transmission (which cost a fortune to replace) otherwise the car is solid. Maybe Nissan will own up to there defect.

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  Super sport sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By abcd1234 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  greatr looks,great handling, editors ratings are totally bogus

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  Transmission Shot - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Norman Dell - January 22 - 10:10 am

  I purchased a 04 max, from the beginning ive had problems. The headliner had to be replaced because the fabric was peeling. The brakes have been awful, had to replace the sun roof, not the oval shaped one. The mileage is currently 71,000 miles and my transmission is completely shot. The car would jerk in the gears, especially when Im reversing then shifting to drive. The dealer says there are metal shavings inside the transmission and it needs to be replaced. This is gonna cost me $4900, parts and labor. I owe 2 more months payment on the car. When I finally own it, I cant drive it. Was gonna buy an Armada, but now I will never buy another Nissan again. Very disappointed.

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  Great Car ! I expect 200K Miles of it! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Todd - January 22 - 2:00 am

  No problems other than reg maint. Low deal cost for tune up, fuel filter, transmission and coolant flush at 72K miles.

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  Best Car Ever - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Chad - January 21 - 4:16 am

  I bought my 1995 Nissan Maximain March 2004 with 170,000 miles on it. Since then I have put 10,000 miles on it. The only problem I have is a leaky sunroof and a broken antenna, but the guy before me neglected everything but the engine and paint job. The car has an amazing shine (black), and gets a lot of compliments. It still looks like a newer car. Ive had a Stanza and a Maxima before this and would definatley stick with Nissan.

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  2nd Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By jryka - January 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 Maxima with 67K miles has not needed ANY repairs (just one set of tires, front brakes, and oil changes) in the 5 years I have owned it, so I bot another one. The 05 seems even better!

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  Gets Me By - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Stevo - January 19 - 1:13 pm

  This car has been overall pretty decent. As far as most FWD cars from that era, it performs pretty well. Steering is a bit light though, making handling not too enjoyable. Stock suspension is complete trash - a lot of body roll and ridiculous ride height, even with SE setup. Exterior design is quite bland, especially the 95-96 models. The 97-99 look much better. Same with the interior, very bland but at least its simply laid out. The cabin seems cramped for some reason, partly because the ceiling isnt as high as most other cars I drive. For a 140k mile car, its been pretty reliable. Hasnt ever left me on the side of the road, but stranded in my own driveway interestingly enough.

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  Great Value / Great Car - SL Version - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By okedoke - January 19 - 8:40 am

  A very comfortable ride. A very good value for the quality / caliber car ( if looking at BMWs, Acura, Lexus, or Infinite, but dont want to drop an extra $10+k, consider this car). This car is an SL. Got the non-nav, non sunroof, non-sat package. Only disappointment was my color combo was manufactured in early Nov 04, and did not come with traction control as standard. Had a couple of snow storms in New England in March, seemed ok with out, but the real test will be next winter. Kind of like the mpg also - if I hot dog, I average about 22 mpg, if I grand dad it, I get about 24.5 mpg (mixed hwgy / local driving).