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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  Nissan Wont Honor Warranty - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By 1adam12ks - October 22 - 3:03 am

  I like the car, comfortable and smooth. The transmission is great, mileage never hits sticker but expected that. Main problem is leather seat - I paid high $ for luxury package with leather seats. First car I have ever had with leather. In under 9 months the drivers seat has big area of wear on leather. No luck through customer service, Nissan claims normal wear. I dont believe every car on the road with leather seats has the seats crumbling in under a year, Nissan should replace considering how much the option for the seats is.

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  best car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By dancingirl16 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  i loved this car

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  Maximas Finest Year yet.. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By peterb520 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is ready for anything.. if your looking for a car thats under $30k, this would be it. Not only is it tailored beatifuly inside, it also has an array of futuristic features. I would just like to hand it to the engineers that thought of this wonderful design. And by the way.. OH MAN!! is it FAST!!! and just incase your into the performance specifications of the 2002 Maxima.. This 3.5L V6 runs you 0 to 60 in exactly 6 seconds flat. Believe it or not this car beats the Porsche Boxter with about half the retail price. If you are going to invest in a car. Invest Smart. Dont bother with a "name" .

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  One Sexy Beast - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Vanessa H - October 20 - 12:50 pm

  During the 3 weeks it took for my insurance company to finalize the payoff of my Honda, I drove a rented 09 Maxima. I loved it so much I HAD to buy one. I love it! Im depressed NO More! Its beautiful inside and out. The seating is extremely comfortable. The ride is very smooth. I dont have the BOSE sound system, but my 8 speakers still sound excellent. I use the bluetooth with my cell phone constantly, its very convenient and much safer than reaching for your phone while driving. Every time I step on the gas pedal, the powerful 3.5 V6 engine just roars. My 2010 Maxima in Tuscan Sun, now named "The Maxi Beast" is so stunning, it demands attention everywhere we go.

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  ok car, not great - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Geoff - October 18 - 8:06 pm

  Fun car to drive and own. Lots of power when you need it. A very comfortable cruiser. Quality is something to be desired. Maxima has 190 kms. Have had to replace maf, o2 sensors, struts, rotors, and tranny under warrantee. Tranny is now clunking again from 1st to 2nd. Why does nissan build rotors on a new car that are to the min thickness ? My toyota with 190 kms Ive only had to replace a block heater and tires, thats it.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RonSteinbach - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all! It is a hotrod, i.e., faster than most cars on the street. It is a luxury car. It is totally fun to drive, and it is an economy car (27 to 31 mpg on the highway). You can pay up to twice as much for very little more, but why? At 90 mph the car is rock solid in feel. I would highly recommend buying the SE model with the 5-speed automatic transmission. This transmission can shift much faster than any human can. If you insist on shifting, the automatic transmission has a manual shift mode. This car will place a perpetual smile on any enthusiasts face!

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  03 Maxima GXE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By cd9403max - October 17 - 4:26 am

  This is my second max, first one still have 94 with 264,000 km and engine/trans tops. Only have 62,000 km on 03 and now first major repair, brakes all around. Got this as last Japanese made one and was afraid of quality control with 04 on. I may be wrong with the 04s on. This car takes off like a scared cat-make sure you are hanging on tight. I like the 94 more as it seems more roomer inside and with self adjusting shocks, real nice. However, very poor head lights-moved up to stronger ones to help. 03 lights, what an improvement over the 94.

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  Best performance for the money. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By littlesue - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I drove the acura TL-type S and it could not compete. This thing is phenominal. It drives like a sports car with the comfort of a sedan and the ourstanding reliability that is synonumus with Nissan. And much cheaper than type-S. Nothing out there competes with it.

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  Fantastic Value - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By gen6lover - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Nissan hit it on the money with this one. The design and performance sold me on this car. I was looking at an Altima and Im glad I waited. For a price difference of less than $1,500 you get a much better interior and many more features than a similiarly equipped Altima 3.5SE. Skyview roof is perfect for us 63" tall drivers who cant loose the headroom of a conventional sunroof.

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  the max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jaw28Jaw - October 17 - 2:00 am

  love the look and feel. thinks it is more expensive than it is! a great value in this economy