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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  2006 Nissan Maxima SE Happy Guy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Black Max - October 15 - 8:30 pm

  I spent months researching a handful of vehicles. I was conflicted regarding cost vs true value between Nissan Maxima SE & Infiniti G35 and am very happy with my Black on Black Maxima; which turns heads. Driving is flat out fun with a very "torquey" yet smooth engine & transmission pairing. The black interior "matches up" better with the factory brushed steel interior trim and looks "integrated" overall compared to other interior colors. The interior lighting at night, on black, is awesome and detailed as almost every switch has an amber light for 2006. It doesnt lack for technology and features, many of which go unspoken on the nissan.com site. HID is great, has fog lamps, auto set.

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  Just Short of Perfection - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Rob Federle - October 13 - 10:00 am

  One issue separates this car from the great review that it truly deserves - Im talking about world class torque steer. When you jump on the gas, two things happen, exhilaration and the immediate need to latch on to the steering wheel. If you change the drive wheels to the rear pair, youll have perfection.

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  09 Maxima: One awesome car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By cyberpunk - October 11 - 2:03 am

  I have not been a fan of Nissan cars before, but the 09 Maxima totally brought me into the Nissan fold. The exterior of this car is distinctive and beautiful. The interior of this car is well designed, very comfortable, and makes liberal use of high-quality materials. Its roomy and full of all kinds of toys! The engine is awesome, and the CVT is luxury smoothness! This car handles like a champ. If you are on the fence, test drive this car!

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  The Max is where its at!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By felix1833 - October 9 - 3:26 pm

  Im a longtime Nissan buyer and owned a few older Nissan maximas, which all where great to drive. The 5th generation Maxima is all that you could hope for in a car. I love the maximas power, options, sat radio, nav, bluetooth, handling and style. For the money you get a great deal. If you want more, then Infiniti is the way to go. A side note Nissan changes body style very often so when 6th generation maxima comes out you will lose some value in your car if you pop in and out of cars. But the maxima 2006 is a great buy and a good long term car. So if you go to Nissan test drive a Maxima and I bet it will be hard to leave the dealership without one. Stay Nissan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Really great car - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Juan Cuadros - October 9 - 6:23 am

  I have to say im enjoying this car a lot. Plenty of power for me and the interior of this car is a nice place to be. Glad i went for this model.

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  Sweet Ride - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Drew H. 23 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is pretty awsome if you are looking for a car with good power and a smooth ride.

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  Bad Buy! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By pdmj - October 4 - 3:06 am

  Even though this car looks like a best buy in terms of price (even the newer models), this car will rip you apart in maintenance cost. All parts are 3 times as expensive as other cars in the category. Annual maintenance is about $1200 up 60000 miles and there after just pray to god! Your maintenance cost may go even upto $3000 / year. I have a Honda Odyssey bought at the same time as that of Maxima, but in terms of maintenance Odyssey has no major maintenance needs. In all I would say Nissan NO GO!

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  2004 Maxima- OH NO - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jan - October 2 - 3:43 am

  The worst turn radius ever imaginable, it turns like a bus. After hearing about its safety, I see why its equipped with so many air bags. Reports say that it has the worst safety rating in its class. My car was hit by a shopping cart in a parking lot and sustained unbelievable damage. A SHOPPING CART!! Its a comfortable, beautiful car. I cant get over the fact that it dents so easily, which is backed up by the safety rating, In an accident you are probably totalled out. For this reason after only 9000 miles, Im looking for another car. And the deal I received at Victory Nissan is a whole different story. Avoid them at all costs. BUYER BEWARE.I should have listened to others.

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  Lovin it so far! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bbfan97 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I use to own a Lexus GS 300 and the lease ran out so rather than purchase that car at $22k I looked into buying a new mid size car. Im sure glad I did because my new Maxima has greater acceleration and more front and rear leg room. I had bought my lexus new back in 1999 and remember had great I thought that car was fun to drive but this car will pin you to the seat if you hit the gas. I did have great luck from a quality stand point from my Lexus so Im extremely interested in how this Nissan will hold up. If it holds up over time I think I will have made a great decision. I will have also saved a ton of money.

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  Lots of luxury! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Blake Tabackman - September 29 - 9:43 am

  This car has everthing! leather, power everything, Modern Drive Computer/Nav/Radio, heated seats, even a heated steering wheel, Telescoping wheel. Most cars that cost $20K more than this one dont offer all the features this bad boy has. Plus intergrated Bluetooth with steering wheel control.