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:

• 

  So far not to bad but getting nervous - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jake - November 28 - 11:33 pm

  142k and aside from the usual brakes, tires, etc I only had some stupid bracket underneath break and needed a new muffler. But now I need the timing chain replaced and might as well do the water pump. The mechanic is trying to warn me about spending $1500 on the timing chain when these are notorious for oil pressure problems. I have no current oil problems but I need this car to last up to 200k miles. I havent had a payment in four years so $1500 seems like nothing, way better than a car payment!

• 

  A Real Disappointment - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Nathan - November 28 - 1:53 pm

  My wife and I bought the 6-speed Maxima because, while we needed a 4-dr sedan, I still wanted a performance- oriented vehicle. The Maxima fit this description and, aside from the Altima, had the most bang for the buck. In addition, being a Japanese make, we felt this would be a reliable vehicle that would be with us for many years to come. HOWEVER, in the 3.5 years that we have owned the car, we have been to a Nissan dealer no fewer than a dozen times due to problems. At least twice as many visits I have ever had to make to the dealer for problems with ALL of the other cars I have ever owned. Of note, we had to get a new transmission at 32K and finally a new engine at 49K. Time to trade.

• 

  Good Dependable Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By wingcomdr - November 25 - 5:10 pm

  Bought as lease return with 29K-now has 94K. Great window visibility over the Camry and is a big reason we got it. Plenty of power. Drives very well and holds the road. Replaced muffler at 59K & 74K, starter at 61K & 88K, otherwise regular maintenance-fluid changes at regular intervals-have kept this car relatively free of costly repairs. Gas mileage city is 21-24 and hwy 26-30 based on records of every fillup since we bought it. Replaced original tires at 49K and put on Michelin xOne and have 45K on them-they need replacing in another 5-10K. All accessories work well other than antenna. A good solid performer.

• 

  Lower Quality interior than piror years - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dschnatz - November 24 - 10:00 am

  My 4th Maxima. This is by far the poorest quality interior ever had with Maxima. Dependability & quality are still big draw but gone is the rich leather & cushy seats. More austere interior with your choice of quasi titanium or plastic formica veneer faux woodgrain trim. Dont put your arm on the armrest after the car sits in the sun awhile. OUCH! May entice Altima crowd to move up a model, but left us grannies out in the cold. Sorely tempted by Infinity which is basically the old Maxima, but husband had other ideas. Missing my 1996 Maxima with rich cushy black leather interior & great comfort. (& no tacky plastic trim panels)

• 

  Love it but needs some improvements!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Kelly - November 22 - 8:13 pm

  The car is a very nice car and I love the power. Have taken the car on two long trips. One I was alone so it was fine the other was very cramped. Not made for traveling, or maybe i just travel with too much stuff. Has pretty much every feature available. However the car seems very thin and I sometimes feel unsafe. The car looks great though, I love the new body style! If you buy one, buy it with all the features you want, dont put aftermarket xm radio or subs in it or you will have trouble if you have radio problems. The dealerships like to blame problems on other people!!! They think you like to spend hours at the dealership for no reason at all. They can never find anything wrong

• 

  FIve years, never an issue - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By RustyNC - November 20 - 12:03 am

  We love this car. Never a problem. The highway ride comfort and noise are the only improvement it needs. Very good in the snow.

• 

  01 Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tobyperk - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I would not hesitate buying another Maxima with the experience I have had with my 01. Very solid and sporty car for a family sedan.

• 

  most pleasant car so far driven - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - November 17 - 9:03 pm

  Currently leasing 2016 Maxima SR. So far the most enjoyable car Ive driven (as a field engineer travel 40 weeks per year, renting all type of cars). Ill start with Cons first : poor fuel economy in manual mode (7 - 12 mpg in suburb with many stop signs, not using sport mode), average ticket for fueling went from 32 bucks on sentra to 55 bucks on maxima (it uses 91 gas). hard to get out of a car (seating is very low, need to pay attention not to headbump the roof) comparing to altima, sentra, murano as well as challenger, comaro and mustang. Only 370z was even harder to get out. Also nissan connect does poor tracking of traffic, car keeps telling youll be in place in 20 minutes for 1 hour. Thats all i have for cons. Pros : press 1 button to start cruise control, press second button to adjust desirable distance between car in front of you and set maximum speed. Now kick back, relax, lazysteer it for 50 miles of trip. (wish to test on longer distance, i had rental maxima for that without dpcc) Not usable in traffic jams since it disengages once you stop. increases mpg from 7 to 28 combined as well. You want to switch the lanes - show signal - it accelerates just the right amount not to cut buddy behind you on the road. You can place hands on 4.5 - 7.5 oclock , rest them on handrests and car will never wiggle / strafe / whatever even in wind (sentra was swinging like hell), place them 2 - 10 oclock and you have perfect sharp control for maneuvers. D shaped steering wheel provides extra grip for those u-turns you often make in california. I can compare this car to S trim 2016 maximas I had for half a year and can feel traction enhancers really work, far less body roll, higher cornering speeds, no understeer / torquesteer. Acceleration and CVT : 4 seconds of fun and ticket. It can make it, you cant afford to make it. Switching to an empty lane on a highway is now no problem. Paddle shifters can be engaged even in Drive mode to give extra acceleration, after you are done - switch gears D - Ds - D and relax again. blind spot sensor a bit paranoic, beeps even when you can see car in it, but never kept silent when bikes / cars were there, pretty reliable. Of course if you use turn signals. Front collision warning - you feel cars are going to stop, maxima makes beep sound, cars indeed start stoping. Remote launch. pros - it just works. return to a cool car in summer and warm in winter. cons - you always forget to push the start button once inside, start moving the stick - car shuts down (so breaking the window and stealing car while you are away will not happen) , but still pretty annoying. Front seats can be indeed cooled during those hot days, but make tickle feeling on your back. If your passanger used cooling and today you drive alone - youll spend 10 minutes figuring out where that hissing comes from (captain obvious - from the passanger seat, but feels like not closed window). Last but not the least - seat belt stops stretching and fixes its position once you start maneuvering heavily (not necessarily breaking) , keeps you away from swinging inside car (Ive seen it only on dodge challenger so far) . Now what makes a difference - big, no, HUGE and tactile buttons both on the steering wheel and on console, matte finish not leaving fingerprints, you always know you have pressed the button. For me that counts. No idea what else to add. Summary - not an economy car , get ready to spend buck for gas and for car itself, not a true sports car - front wheel drive feels worse than awd on subaru, except that - fun and pleasant to drive, sexy and comfortable, obedient and nimble, and dont listen to those saying cvt is not sporty - it is, just prepare to fix it once warranty ends.

• 

  Love it! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Bobby G - November 17 - 12:13 am

  I have had this car a couple of months. I was concerned about the CVT trans but am delighted to report that it is smooth and a good fit for the Maxima. It is a 290 horse engine that snaps and still gets almost 24 MPG on my routes . I am a long time Nissan owner but this is the first NEW Maxima and I couldnt be happier. This thing turns heads everywhere I go. I traded an 06 Altima that I also bought new. Its not even close.I love the new body design and everything about the car. If your looking, stop now and own the Maxima. You wont be sorry.........

• 

  Good car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I put about 25,000 miles a year on this car and I have had one engine problem, a sensor that the dealership said was a recall on the 03 but not a recall on my VIN number. Considering it was a $300 repair, I wasnt happy but over all has been very reliable.