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:
Showing 2191 through 2200 of 3,122.00-
Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By DCFRY - January 16 - 11:43 amI have put 45k miles on my Maxima and it is a great car. There have been a few recalls, but who doesnt have them. Great combination of performance and fuel economy. Should you decide to see it; it has a great resale value compared to american cars and a few foreign. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.
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Comfortable Fun Reliable - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By JvGinPDX - January 12 - 7:56 amI purchased the car about a year ago from a dealer. The car had 100k miles on it, I have driven it 13k miles. My previous car was a Porsche 924, I liked the sporty handling of the 924. I wanted a larger car, I am 63" tall, not many cars are comfortable for a tall person. I test drove a 94 Toyota Camry, it was a quality car, but boring to drive. My Maxima SE handling performance reminded me somewhat of the Porsche. The four wheel disk brakes saved the day when I noticed a car stalled right in front of me on the freeway. I the brakes stopped straight and true when I slammed on the brakes. (I have ABS) The Max more power than I expected. I have just done basic maintenance on the car.
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Poor craftmanship - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Neil W - January 10 - 7:30 pmI purchased my vehicle in 4/2004 and I must say, I was quite happy with the performance of the vehicle. In terms of driveability,The car handles corners very well, overtaking was never a problem performance I would say was superb But I had a few problems with my vehicle and the list are as follows. At around 300 miles I encountered my first problem with my right front strut. It began leaking fluid.The front rotors was warp.The strut was replaced and the rotor resurfaced. At around 4500 miles I noticed waterleaking into the terior from the sun roof. The front drivers doors and passengers would touch if the driverss door opened simultaneously with the passenger door.
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stolen lights and grill - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By sharie - January 6 - 10:00 amThis is my third XLE, and I just learned that the 2003 headlight were mounted or designed to be easily taken. I learned this after it happened to me. I have 4,000 miles on the car. It is at the car dealer being repaired. There is over 3,200 worth of damage, I am hesitate to take it when it is finished. As, the police told me, they know where you live and will be back,this car is always being hit on. The lights just pop out. I check with the dealer who confirmed this, Nisson has not recalled them or come up with a anti theft devise. I feel like a sitting duck. If anyone knows how to avoid having the lights taken, please tell me. Thank You, Sharon
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Great Sports Sedan! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Alan.Wong - January 6 - 10:00 amGreat Car! Fast Car! Powerful Car! What else can I say??
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Updated Review 3 yrs & 150K miles later - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By GKLCPA - January 5 - 4:13 amI was just looking back through the various reviews when I noticed one I wrote in August 2002. Three years later, I still own the same Maxima which now has 150,000 miles on it. The car rides like the first day I got it and basically requires little other than basic maintenance. The vehicle has aged very well and I still highly satisfied with this purchase.
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Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By Leo - January 4 - 1:23 pmEverything i wanted in the car is in the fully loaded max: great engine, excellent mobility, good stereo, all comfort features, etc
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Not as good as youd think - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By Tombo123 - January 3 - 3:13 pmWind noise, streaking wipers, creaking/binding sounds, headlight misalignment, right rear seat continually falls forward even though its locked, air entering passenger compartment from somewhere up front, left front door handle had to be replaced as FOB signal failed, poor AM radio reception. Only item dealership repaired satisfactorily was the door handle. Averaging 14 mpg yet I travel on hwys 80% of the time. Our Altima was far superior MPG wise. CVT grinds between 30 & 40 mph.
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Maxine takes me for a ride!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By nismohack - December 30 - 10:00 amMaxine loves to get up and go all of the time, and no exceptions. She is so reliable and will drive in any weather. Front-wheel drive and plenty of power to back it up with, this is the best car I have ever bought, and a good investment. She has 113000 miles and is just being broken in.
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withholding judgment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By murdoch - December 30 - 10:00 amThe power train is great. Smooth, quiet and quick acceleration. The engine is definitely the best feature of this vehicle. But reliability is a question and quality of interior is not on level of Camry or Accord. Still thinking that the wiser choice would have been the Accord; but will withhold judgment so long as the reliability is much better than average.
