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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  Pay Close Attention to this review - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Luv Maxima - November 8 - 3:20 pm

  Bought mine from 1st owner with 180K miles for $1700. Replaced the struts within 3 months and have only put brakes and an $85 part that controls trans shifting since then ( now have 215K). This car and drivetrain is absolutely bulletproof! (just change the oil using synthetic oil). If trans starts shifting hard it IS NOT the trans going bad, but a cheap little part just behind the battery that ANYONE can replace themselves (talk to dealer as they keep them in stock since they fail frequently on the 3.0 24V engine). Rides a little stiff but handles like a vette with GOOD Tires on it... QUICK as he%$, and I dont even drive that fast....

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  Lemon - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Not a happy camper - November 6 - 7:23 am

  This car started out ok but just out of warranty a computer module failed and cost about $700 Can. After that we have put thousands of $$ to keep it on the road. Its in the shop now. Another computer item for $1000 incl labor. It was towed into the shop to get this fixed, and this is the second time it had to be towed. Last item it was the alternator $700. The vehicle now has 190,000 km which is quite a bit but did not expect to have get rid of it this soon. I have never had a vehicle as unreliable as this one. I would have to be crazy to ever consider another Nissan product.

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  What a spectular car... performance plus - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By shussey - November 4 - 10:00 am

  For the performance enthusiast! I have cloth, minimal extras, basically just the Sunroof is the only extra I have. I drive it for the performance. Its a little different with the variable intake and variable capacity muffler. You get boost when you need it and conserve gas when you dont. The trip computer is an added bonus and the 60/40 fold down seats add more cargo flexability. This is a great car for the performance enthusiast with the family in mind. The ride is smooth with the performance suspension yet handles turns like a race car. The Nissan Maxima 2003 SE is a perfect cross between the performance race car and the four door sedan.

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  First Car - Favorite Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kuktle - November 4 - 3:52 am

  Owned for about 30,000 miles, Car had 120,000 and when I wrecked it was at 150,000. If you by chance come accross one of these amazing cars I would most certainly recommend it. Ive raced people in them and have very often won. It is very fast and very reliable. I recently rear ended someone in it and becuase the air bag deployed it was totalled out. Im sad and devastated. This car is the kind of car that will last forever. The only thing I never liked was the braking could have been better but I drove it fast so what do you expect... Loved it Loved it Loved it!!!!!!

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  Problems with Maxima 01 - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - November 2 - 8:03 am

  Have Nissan Maxima 2001 Had to replace the following: Exhaust system Catalytic converter CV joint ABS Tires etc

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  Keeps Going and Going and ... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By sbddmd1 - October 31 - 8:26 pm

  182,000 still runs good as new. I installed a k&n filter on it which improved horsepower and fuel economy.

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  Aces - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By DC - October 29 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years and not had a single problem! As a side note, I am extremely dedicated with scheduled, dealer delivered maintenance. I would definitely buy another Maxima. The dealers have been great and the car has been flawless. I got 58K miles out of the factory tires and after having the dealer replace them with like tires, Ive gotten 63K on the next set. If youre thinking of buying a Maxima....DO IT!

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan>Man - October 29 - 1:56 pm

  I just got my Maxima 3.5 SL with leather and Bose and I love it. If you want a car to go from point A to point B you can get Camary(V6) to Accord(V6), but if you need FUN to drive car and power when you need it, this is the car. I tested both Altima(V6) and Maxima but I think Maxima more refined even though they both have same V6 motor. I also added $5/month option from using to get my oil change and tire balance for upto 100K in any Nissan dealership in the country.

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  The best car ever built in its class - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Dalgen - October 24 - 5:23 am

  The car is greatly built and a steal for the price. It can be put up against a BMW or Infiniti. This car is one of a kind and there is no stopping it. Buy it and you will experience the difference!

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  Maxima review - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Papp - October 23 - 11:54 am

  Love every aspect of this car...great buy