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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  Very Poor Quality Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike S. - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely will never, ever buy Nissan products again. The issues with this car are innumerable but Ill try and include them in order of decreasing cost to fix: New transmission (other complaints on this site) @ 70K miles, new paint job due to defective black paint that lasted only 3 years, new front struts at 65K miles, new front bearings @ 60K miles, front wheel shimmy is recurring issue since day 1, front headlamps are not clear due to sun after 4 years. The front turning radius is that of an 18-wheeler.

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  I love this car! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Cat - November 15 - 6:00 pm

  I have owned this car since early 1999, I bought it with only 35 miles on it and I now have 125000, its been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

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  Early Maximas rock - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter Williams - November 15 - 4:08 pm

  The cars were comfortable, powerful, felt like they were glued to the road, or on rails. The sound system was great, I had two, I think a 2000 and 2003 GLE, and I loved them. I got a few $800 or $900 repairs when the mileage was in the 1403. The repairs were the coils an an oil leak.

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  Fun with a few rough edges - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 2005 Maxima Owner - November 15 - 5:56 am

  The spacious interior, good looks, horsepower attracted me to this car. After 60 days it still wows me! I had a little buyers remorse having not chosen an Acura Tl... so i went back to take a second look at the TL last week. Glad I got the Maxima.

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  Fast and Dependable - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - November 14 - 11:43 pm

  Bought vehicle used with 36K on it. Now have 126K on it and still drives great. Replaced brakes and tires. Aside from regular maintenance, thats all Ive ever had to do to it. Has never left me stranded. Still accelerates like a champ and hugs the road. No complaints at all here. Looking forward to turning over 200K.

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  Great First Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Lonewolf - November 13 - 8:40 pm

  My first car and I love it. Bought it with 113,000 miles and no problems so far. Everything in the car is solid. When shifting, 1st gear has a distinctive lack in power, but after that, it pulls like crazy. Fuel economy isnt as good as I expected, but the performance makes up for it. One thing I wasnt expecting is using premium fuel. I tried regular for a while and I ended up getting worst fuel economy and performance. Now I always use premium.

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  wanted it to be great only good - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jarvis - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling... BMW influence.....roomy...sterile inside..harsher ride because of low profile tires..21 mph....too fast for front wheel drive...needs 4 wheel drive like Infinity..wait till 2007

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  I love my Maxima but.................... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By imet - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Maxima for almost a month now. I love the speed and handling. But Ive also notice a weird bumping sound coming from the back when I go over bumps on the road. Also a small ratling sound coming from the hood. I am not sure if its the air conditioner or the engine. I havent had time to take into the dealer, but will do it sometime this week, other than that I love the car.

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  A smart choice for smart people - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Williams Young - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Pls dont laugh at me but this IS my 3ed Maxima. The car is like many reviews mentioned, reliable, powerful, roomy and all that. Whats better is it also costs thousands less than any entry-level luxury cars out there. So if you are the kind of guy who always relentlessly pursue the perfect cost/effect ratio, this is the car for you.

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  Much better than I expected - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By ffabric - November 9 - 10:37 pm

  We bought our car 6/3/14 rebuilt title with 7000 miles on it. Its Black Rose with Tan Interior. We paid $15,000.00 for it and Of course we were a bit timid trusting the car at first. We have had it a year now,,, and have put 7,500 miles on it and its been a joy to drive. We average 26 mpg (On regular gas), which is guess is good,,, Heck its got almost 300HP and its quick,, agile and comfortable. The radio system is outstanding,,, the leather seats are first class,,, all the appointments are great. The weak point is the Heater/Air Condition ETC. Folks,,,, this car is fun to drive, and its handles like a sports car. Glad we bought it..........