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:

• 

  Awesome car! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By dfjcu1979 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Very solid and dependable car. Engine is very smooth, ride is solid and performance is great.

• 

  Another excellent Nissan product - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By 07Max - December 7 - 9:40 am

  I have had no complaints about the vehicle so far. The car does have a large turning radius, but you know its there so you just plan accordingly. It was obvious on my test drive, and I bought it anyways, so I cant complain about it. Love the navigation, Bluetooth, comfortable leather seats (which hold up very well, the family dog gets the back seat and they still look new after a year and a half), heated seats, heated mirrors, and cant forget the heated steering wheel which is a must to combat cold Minnesota winters. Excellent ride quality, good passing power, and I find it to be one of the more attractive sport sedans on the market.

• 

  Enjoy the Ride!!!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By cds - December 6 - 8:33 pm

  The Maxima is a blast to drive. I have put over 118K miles on mine and I enjoyed everyone of them. When you step on the gas, you go. And it corners like a dream.

• 

  Nissan got it right - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima - December 6 - 7:33 pm

  Just acquired my 09 Maxima fully loaded with the panoramic sun roof. This car blows the mind. I sometimes have to keep my eye on the speedometer due to the CVT shift. It is very easy to go over speed limit when you dont feel the shift points. Voice control provides another way to manage some of the onboard functions such as navigation, phone and climate control. Bluetooth integration allows me to continue a conversation from my headset over my cars system with very no effort. If you should acquire one you may find yourself spending a few hours playing with all the technology. You will also drive this car just for the sake of driving it.

• 

  Unbelievable - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - December 5 - 7:46 am

  The newest of the Maximas, the 09 is breathtaking. The aggressive look and lines of a Maserati, an the interior of a $60k Benz of BMW. HP has been upped almost 40 more and the newest version of the cvt is smoother then our old Murano. Looks like nothing else on the market and draws attention everywhere! Great value for the money, even the standard model comes with push start ignition and sunroof. I love mine.

• 

  WOW!! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By mrmc1 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This carÂ’s whole personality revolves around its incredible engine. Acceleration, economy, and reliability are all well above average. ItÂ’s smooth and delivers abundant power through a broad rev range. In contrast to other power plants which seem to complain when pushed, the Maxima always sounds eager to run hard. This engine is always a joy!

• 

  Fun car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ron_22 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Well, this car if paid price is invoice or less(minus $1000 rebate) is a great value. Great powertrain. Very comfortable ride. Acceleration is awesome.

• 

  Stabbin - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Governor - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The horsepower is great. It gets to 100 in no time at all.

• 

  Love my new car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wetbong - November 29 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. I picked it up yesterday after shopping around. You cant go wrong with this car. There is nothing out there with the stlye this car just oozes out. I went for the 6 speed manual transmission because, to me they are more fun to drive. The only semi confusing feature at first is the center control and data center. There are quite a number of buttons, but once you get the hang of it theyre nice to have.

• 

  lovely - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By bobsyouruncle - November 29 - 3:33 am

  its the best...get one! awesome acceleration and great handling in a car of its price/class. Its not a 540i of course, but its great for the price.