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:

• 

  96 Maxima still runs great - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By munsoor - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Never had any major problem, except with the O2 Sensor, which I later found was being recalled, so I got that replaced for free. I find this vehicle fun to drive. It is low maintenance and reliable, which is the way I like my cars. After 130k miles, it feels like I may have to replace the shocks. The audio knob doesnt respond sometimes. But engine is trouble-free.

• 

  Buy it if you can the right PRICE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By rasyoyo - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I found this vehichle to be outstanding in the off the line department, car really gives you some white knuckle driving while its doing it thing to get you out on the expressway and down the expressway. On tight backroads it a little soft in the turns and needs serious attention from the driver to accomplish fast left to right turning while braking. My wipers dont clean so well, driving in the rain is a pain, but that could be my fault for not asking for new ones after purchase. Car draws alot of attention even while sitting. Interior needs an extreme upgrade on materials used, the finish looks cheap but can be corrected with aftermarket parts.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Very Impressed - September 8 - 12:03 pm

  This car is not only a pleasure to drive, but fun! Nissan does a very nice job of adding excitement when sitting behind the wheel. Really enjoy the acceleration and responsiveness of the handling.

• 

  I love this car. - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim - September 6 - 6:04 pm

  This is far and away the best car I have ever owned. The quality in the build of the car is apparent as soon as you step into the vehicle. The car is super quick. My previous car was a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP with a 5.3 liter V8. This car feels every bit as fast as the Grand Prix and falls short only at high speeds. Ive test drove Accords and Camrys with V6 engines but this car feels like its in another class of performance and luxury. So far I am the second owner of my Maxima. Zero problems. The only issue I would say the car has is not good in snow despite being a FWD car. If you live in a place with snow get some nice snow tires. Still have the Maxima on 3/20/16. Everything i said above - true

• 

  Fun comfortable ride great Tech - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By m - September 6 - 10:46 am

  My last car was the Infiniti M35x loved it but I love this Car more! I bought 5 months ago and have been very happy. I love the lines of this car and the Tech is about the same as what I had in my more expensive M35x. I do not feel that I traded down I was very worried about it but in the end I feel I traded up! This car is really fun to drive I recommend it to anyone who wants great Tech, comfort and a fun sporty drive! Heated steering wheel sealed the deal I would have bought another Infiniti but none of them had a heated wheel! And I saved a lot of money in the process! I am very happy with this car so far!

• 

  Love this car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By brandon1031 - September 6 - 5:31 am

  Bought this car with 120k, and now just hit 161k in a year and a half I can only say one thing-this car is awesome. Ive driven brand new cars that dont drive as great as this. Normal things had to have been replaced but nothing that its to expensive. Love this cars power, reliability, roomy interior, and the bose stereo is phenomonal. Not completely crazy about the outside looks, thats the least of my problems. Would reccommend this car to anyone!

• 

  This was a god choosen car 4 me!!! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By MarvinS. - September 5 - 2:03 pm

  I looked all over for the perfect car around $10,000 and this was gods answer to my prayers. This car has room, power, looks, and class. Every chance i get i want to drive it but on the other hand, i dont want to put a ton a miles on it. This was the only car that had an awesome rating (along with the subaru sti). So my advice to anyone looking, find on that has be taken go care of and enjoy it until the wheel s fall off!!! Remember i prayed for the perfect this car!!!!!!

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck Konfrst - September 5 - 6:40 am

  This car has been fantastic. Its fun to drive, very roomy, and decent fuel economy. With the leather & moonroof, its almost elegant. Aggressive exterior styling along with the 255 horsepower engine make this car fun to drive. My only wish is for the suspension to be a bit tighter - the GLE is a bit softer than the SE. The back seat is very roomy and comfortable. I originally was considering the VW Passat, but I felt the value of this car was much better than the VW. If youre considering this car, I would definitely recommend it.

• 

  This car is a beast! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By peacefulruler - September 4 - 8:39 pm

  Drove a Maxima S, SV, SL, and SR on 3 successive nights...bought the SR almost instantly. The steering and road feel are sharp and precise, and the highway speed acceleration is exhilarating...reminds me of my Thunderbird SuperCoupe. A real highway cruiser. This car is much more exciting to drive than my friends BMW 328i...quieter, faster, more comfortable. My friend said its much more luxurious...and its less expensive AND more reliable.

• 

  Always somthing wrong - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Harry - September 1 - 1:30 am

  Whats next? It started with fuel leaks on the fuel rail. Two in fact. Then wheel bearings. Then brake rotors warping continually. Next came the A/C leaks. Now the A/C compressor is making a noise. The struts are shot and bottoming out and the engine is whining. Clear coat peeling of chrome grill. Whats next? Im not hanging on to find out! Its out of here!