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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  2004 Maxima transmission problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By thecuda - August 10 - 6:36 pm

  I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima with the serious transmission problems, driverÂ’s side window motor and one motor used to control the driver side power seat is out. We have been owners of Nissans for more than 22 years. At one time all of my childrenÂ’s (3) has a Nissan. We will switch to another brand and never own a Maxima again. My daughter had the same problem with her 2004 Murano.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Rachel - August 8 - 11:36 pm

  My husband and I purchased two brand new Nissan Maximas 2001 Limited Edition cars (made in Japan). After I bought mine, he loved it so much, he bought one. I still have mine and it is an awesome car! I have maintained all regular maintenance & service on it and the items that needed repair (catalytic converter and alternator) were covered under warranty. This is the second Maxima (& 4th Nissan) Ive owned and it is very fast, has great pick-up and is still stylish (after 7 years). My husband just traded his car in because he wanted a 4 cylinder and now misses his Maxima. The Bose system has incredible sound, all controls & power items still work, no problems with leather or paint! Buy one!!

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NISSAN - August 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE TO DRIVE, COMFORTABLE, SPORTY LOOK AT THE SAME TIME LUXERY. FOR THE MONEY IS THE BEST CAR OUT THERE.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bbrubaker - August 7 - 10:00 am

  After being t-boned in an accident with my Saturn, I decided that I wanted to get a larger car. It was between the Saturn VUE, and the Nissan Maxima. Im glad I chose the Maxima. It is really a fun car to drive, and it definately gets the "oooh ahhh" factor from my co- workers and friends. They have nicknamed my car "Spaceship", because of all of the bells and whistles on it. (I opted also for the Navigation System) I reallly enjoy the car very much, and would recommend anyone in the mid to full size car market to consider this car!

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  Awesome car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By billy - August 3 - 10:30 am

  Great car, love the heated seats and the sunroof and the bose stereo. The power in this car is great. I have gone 115mph and was not shaking at all. Good performance car.

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  Replacement cost of xenon headlamps - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By creationsbyme - August 3 - 12:13 am

  First, the motor runs great at 140K. The trans has started making noise. Undrivable right now. When I replaced one of the xenon headlamps, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor, were not talking about the whole assembly, just the bulb itself. At the Nissan dealership in Victorville, CA $258.00 for the bulb!! Can you believe it? I went on line and found the cheapest to be $159.00 My suggestion for someone who may not want to pay that much is when the xenon goes out, run your brights instead of replace. Bright bulbs cost $8. Oh, the spark plugs are internal. Tune up costs $418.00 to replace 6 spark plugs.

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  Love It! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Renee - July 31 - 1:13 am

  There hasnt been any other car out there that has caught my eye until now! I saw this car at a glance when they first came out and had to have it. Its super quick and so comfortable for long trips, everyone has ample space. Trunk is great for shopping excursions. Nice feature, keyless, dont have to have keys in your hand to open any of the doors or trunk. Headlights you can see superclear on dark highways.

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  Fun 4-door rod - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Spooky - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Had 1985 Maxima wagon previously. Also 1983, 1984, and 1986 Zs...all great cars and reliable. This time wanted a sedan that had some six cyclinder guts and good gas mileage. Ended up with a 95 GXE plain Jane thats a kick to drive without busting the bank....a near perfect sedan in an imperfect world...have had several Camrys, a Cressida, 2 740 Volvos, a 7 series BMW, and a 4 and 6 cyc Accord....this car is the most fun to drive of all

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  Smooth, Muscular, Stylish Power - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Ross - July 26 - 7:23 am

  This car is an amazing value. Luxury features, powerful 265hp V6, smooth automatic transmission (which you can shift yourself if you like), a unique muscular look, huge 18" performance tires and wheels (I could go on and on about how cool this car is!) Compare it with a Toyota Avalon and see that you get more for a lot less money.

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  This Car is over rated - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - July 25 - 2:26 pm

  Ive never had a worst experience with a car than what I had with my new Maxima. The back panel came loose and the driver side door pillow also came lose. The car has a lot of cabin noise, and after only 12,000 miles the lumbar broke. Not to mention theres noise in the front end of the car. I would much rather buy a hyndai than purchase another nissan. After 9 months I decided to sell my nissan an purchase a used lexus. I have to say the service at lexus is 100 times better than the service at nissan. Stay away.