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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  UPDATE ON TRANSMISSION.... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By josh37 - December 17 - 11:12 am

  I have two other reviews on this car. I bought it used with around 60,000 miles on it. Drove perfect until around 119,000. Like ever other 2004-2006 maxima, the transmission started jerking, kicking, and slipping. I really like this car. I had the car put in the shop when it had 127,000 miles on it, to have the transmission rebuilt. They had it for about 2 weeks (shop was really busy). I picked it up and he said that he did not replace the transmission (took it to a private transmission speciallest, not nissan dealer) he put a Shifter Kit in it and flushed the transmission fluid and not the car has 132,000 miles on it and drives smooth, on occasions it will slip but hardly noticable.

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  WOW, We love our Nissan - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Rich - December 16 - 12:03 pm

  What a great auto. Awesome power, great handling, and it looks so cool too!! Sport and luxury at a super value.

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  Dont compare to Camry & Accord - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By uga91 - December 15 - 3:06 pm

  I recently bought a 2011 Maxima S and could not be happier with the car at the price I paid. I took the 0% NMAC financing, so I didnt get all the rebates; but, at about $26.5k, you have to compare this Maxima to cars like Acura TL and Lexus ES350. The 290HP, keyless ignition, all the safety features, the power seats, 6-disc changer and other features make this car very formidable against higher priced competitors. I know I dont have leather, but thats about all I dont have versus cars like that.

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  Trouble Car to Buy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By victorwill - December 15 - 9:18 am

  I have a 2006 Maxima w/ 104K miles that is having the same jerking issues. In Aug 2011, the car lurched and jumped so bad in traffic while slowing down. It also happens whenever I am pulling from a stop light or reversing. This issue continued and sometime I have to stop the car because I thought I was going to get into an accident. Since this appears after the car is driven for about 15 minutes, I will let the car sit for a while before I drive it again. It will drive fine for a few miles and start lurching again. I took the car to our local Nissan dealer and needed to pay $105 for an inspection. I tried to tell them the prob. but they acted they didnt what i was saying! Dont buy Nissan

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  Transmission Problem - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By jesus - December 14 - 4:03 am

  I see there are a few bad reviews for transmission problems. Unfortunately I have the same problem with my Maxima. At about 60k it started having problems with tranny slipping. I believe Nissan should own up to their faulty transmission. I have lost faith in Nissan now. Good luck Nissan cause youll need it.

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  Good car but has its defects and damage upon delivery - 2014 Nissan Maxima
  By drcofwc - December 11 - 5:37 pm

  I have about a 1k on the car and it handles, accelerates, brakes and looks great. Its 2014 sport and the suspension is stiff. The interior is clean but dated and when it was delivered it took me a day to find that the control panel for the navigation damaged with multiple scratches. The car was basically not detailed on delivery and I later noticed it was damaged (see suggested improvement section). Check your Maxima over with a fine tooth comb before you sign the paperwork. They wont help you if you find something wrong later or they will make it difficult for you to the point where its not worth going back. Also the paint has dirt in it in some spots, clear coat is already separating

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  Most reliable car I have ever owned... - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By JMoney - December 11 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car with 60,000 miles on it and I have never done any work to it except replace a left front axel. (1 hour of work). Regular maintenance only. Excellent reliability, great performance (for 200 Horsepower), great looks, good fuel mileage, and awesome quality. I would totally buy another one!

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  Great car for the Money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By harry69 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  What a ride, all the horsepower you need with 4 door insurance rate! This vehicle does it all, ride A+, power A+++, looks A++, quality A++++ nothing better made in this country!

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  Good Car.....For the Most Part - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By NR - December 8 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this car 2 1/2 years ago with 37,000 miles on it. Now it has 63,000 and running strong. I read some reviews and heard it was a pretty good car, so I thought Id try it. So far its been pretty good. I like the power and the exterior styling. The 222hp really gets it up and going for a bigger car. But it has some down sides too. I think the interior looks kind of cheap. The dash set up looks pretty plain but the seats are fairly comfortable. So far Ive replaced/fixed the exhaust(55,000), 1st coil(57,000), 2nd coil(60,000), and an O2 sensor(61,000). Right now I think the passenger side window motor is going bad and a a/c is acting up. Overall you get what you pay for.

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  The perfect car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By hotberyshocker - December 7 - 7:10 pm

  This car is extremely nice and fun to drive. It has everything and I love it!!!