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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  I Love It! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Luv2Kleen - March 1 - 7:50 am

  I traded in an 02 Nissan Altima for the Maxima. I absolutely love it! Its very stylish and fun to drive.

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  1998 GLE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Iq - February 28 - 1:30 pm

  We decided to try a Nissan vehicle, because they werent as common as an Accord or Camry, and Nissans do not get stolen as much compared to these cars. We purchased this with 32,000 KMS, and the car has been running problem free! The luxury touches are wonderfull! These cars come with many options, engine is silky smooth, and they look great! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a family sedan, with a little luxury and sportiness.

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  Maxima SE. Just give me an antenna - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Hudson - February 28 - 5:00 am

  I bought this Maxima in 2002 and have put almost 40,000 miles on it. Its total miles are now 69,000. It is time for some break and rotor work, but I have had no major issues other then a faulty air intake temperature sensor and an airbag code which was $75 to reset. The airbag code was caused by me taking the seats out to install a new stereo. If you unbolt the front seats do not unhook the wiring harnesses.

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  best maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By steverdd - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Maxima SE is my 3rd Maxima . I have driven Acuras and BMWs and they do not measure up to the Maximas price and performance. Its very powerful and the ride and handling is just right! I love my Maxima and will drive nothing else.

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  maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Angel Baca - February 25 - 8:20 pm

  This is a very fun and practical car. It turns a lot of heads with its looks and drives really nice. I installed a K&N air filter and get about 29 MPG on the highway and about 21 MPG in town. Really enjoy. Test drove a Camry before this Maxima and it made my choice really easy.

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  2nd Maxima & the Best - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom Cuillier - February 25 - 10:00 am

  We had our 1991 Maxima since it was new. Best car we ever owned, but this 03 is Awesome! Great Bose system, extremely fast, but docile & quiet during normal driving. Even Grandma is impressed with smooth luxurious ride, but when you press on the "fast" pedal, all hell breaks loose! This is a rocket. Handles like on rails, extremely roomy inside - even the back seat has a lot of leg room. I drove Mercedes, Volvo, BMW, & Lexus, before making my decision. This SE is a steal at the price and, performance-wise, will blow the doors off everything else I drove. Before buying anything else, drive a Maxima, your perfect car search will be over! This is a no-brainer.

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  My Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Tina - February 24 - 11:33 pm

  After all of these years my car is still running like a champ. I am just breaking in my 1997 Nissan Maxima.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Jennifer Jones - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has been wonderful. The only problem it has had in the seven years I have had it, other than maintenance (eg. tires, brakes, clutch), is a new starter. Its too bad they changed the body style recently. I can only hope the new ones perform as well as mine. I LOVE MY CAR!!! Im driving my car until it dies, which even at 185,000 miles, it still wont be anytime soon. It still drives perfectly. I recommend this body style Maxima to any and everyone.

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  Great all around sedan. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By MBowen574 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 1998 Maxima GXE in Jan. 2004 w/ 128,000 miles. Perfect! I wouldnt own any other car (this is my first car). It gets all the ladies, even though it is purple (maroon) and has wheel covers. I love everything about it. I dont want to sell it. About $100 in repairs in 4,000 miles on a well-used 6 year old car! And that includes $60 for its first brake rotor replacement. This cars virtues are simply too numerous for words.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tha Don B - February 22 - 10:00 am

  very fun, very smooth