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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  Hard shifting transmission. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By GeoTech - August 16 - 11:51 am

  Hello Guys. For those who have the hard shift problems of your transmission. The fix is about $65. Find shifter kit on eBay. Watch YouTube video on how to fix the 3 selenoids and your car will be running again smoothly. Average time 3-4 hrs. Do take apart the valve assembly because its only the selenoids. This is a problem from not changing the transmission fluids. You will need mechanical knowledge to do this fix. Hope this helps.

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  Top Notch Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Alberta - August 16 - 10:16 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 150,000K and I now have 190,000 with virtually no problems. Replaced the struts and the starter but other than those repairs the car has been fantastic.

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  Maxima, best car for the price - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By europa3962 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a wondeful automobile. Nissan has the best engine going. Smooth performance. No service issues and the most reliable car Ive owned. This is a great sports car feel disguised as a sedan

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  15K Miles & 7 Months Later - GREAT! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By tlluvr - August 16 - 2:00 am

  See my previous posts for more info under Third Timer. Just want to clarify this car does not require Ester type oil which some dealers are charging over $90 to replace at oil change time. Nissan recommends this type oil, but any synthetic 5W30 oil will suffice. You can also use NON-synthetic oil as long as you change it every 3000 miles. Do not waste your money for $100 oil changes! Ester is a component of synthetic oil formulas, not some mystical oil type only Nissan makes! Dont be fooled! Also, premium gas is recommended but not required! Need a minimum of 87 octane. Reference Nissan Owner Man. I highly recommend this vehicle...a fantastic value!

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  IN TEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Momingeorgia - August 16 - 12:36 am

  Just traded mine in with transmission problems!! Only had it 2 years. The first gear no longer worked. Highly dissapointed in the nissan name. Powertrain warranty ended at 60000. Transmission went at 65000. I am still upset

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  LP - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By lp - August 14 - 10:26 pm

  Each year Nissan builds a better Maxima. Maxima is an all around driving experience. It performs better than any other car in its class. Nissan builds quality into every driving component of the Maxima. It looks great,it is comfortable and reliable. The best car for the money under $30,000. This is my fourth Maxima and I will continue to buy this car.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima SE - super value! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Gary95 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Owned since new--10 years (2004). 140k miles. Extremely reliable car. Parts worn out so far: starter motor (easily replaced it myself) and suspension (as getting too soft--upgraded to high performance aftermarket setup). Most people dont realize the customization market for the Nissan Maxima has been growing steadily for the last 5 years. Maxima.org--phenomenal resource for Maximas, especially advice from die- hard owners. Ive made extensive improvements with info I learned there. Upshot: greatest value vehicle Ive ever owned. If youre on a budget and you can find one in very good condition, GET IT! (of course, after mechanical inspection)

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  What a Kick! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tammy2fast - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is just an awesome car, 265 HP is great, and luxury is unbelievable new console design looks like an airplane & computer. Baby seat in back, yet as front passenger I can still lean all the way back with lots of leg room, very comfy!

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  Great car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By maxdriver - August 11 - 7:30 pm

  I really enjoy driving this car, my only complaint is the amount of road noise that can be heard in the car.

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  Hate to drive, Love this car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Laivdoc - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont like to drive, so to compensate for my distaste for this essential part of life, I pamper myself with a car that makes it tolerable, or in this case downright fun. I have the SE 5- speed, having previously owned 3 Nissan Z cars and Ford Probe GT. The last two had been 5-speeds as well. Believe it or not, the Maxima outperforms them all. The shifter is a dream, the clutch neither too heavy nor too light, and the power is a blast. Handling is superb. The seats are very comfortable and the sound system is as good as any factory system Ive heard. When this car finally bites the dust, Ill get another 5-speed SE to replace it.