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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  One of the best - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SMS - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Although the car has 3 recalls on it, it is still an excellant automobile to drive and own. All recalls were promptly taken care of by the dealership and aloaner car was provided.

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  Lovin My New 2016 Maxima! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - July 23 - 12:06 pm

  Ill admit, the Maxima wasnt even one of the cars on my list to consider, since I was so hell-bent on getting a Lexus IS 250, Scion FR-S, or Lexus NX300h. I really wanted a sportier car that was fun to drive with great gas mileage, as I commute everyday, but needed one that could fit at least 5 people. The Lexus NX300h was at the top of my list since it could easily fit in 5 people and had all the features I wanted, but was a bit out of my price range. The Lexus IS250 was a lot more cramped and had a lot less features.. and though I REALLY liked the handling and driving of the Scion, much like the Lexus, it had a lot less features and was even more cramped in the rear seats (leg room was next to zero) and was even worse than the Lexus. As I was looking at the Lexus the dealer had in stock, I noticed a Nissan Maxima, which only had caught my eye because of the beautiful color (Bordeaux Black) I went to test drive the Lexus and Nissan and I was completely blown away by the interior, handling and performance of the Nissan. I test drove the Nissan first and then the Lexus. The Nissan had so many features that the Lexus didnt that I was sold after I had finished driving the Lexus. The interior is amazing, and I love the blind spot indicators, as well as the excellent mpg, and the handling in sport mode is awesome! This car is definitely a head-turner and I always get compliments, especially on the color, styling and interior. The only downsides to this car: 1.) Does not fit 5 people comfortably 2.) The Bose sound system is a little off, as the music tends to fade out at random times while playing music, without messing with any of the controls, but could just be my system. 3.) Navigation could be a little bit easier to use, since it can be dangerous trying to go and type through all the manual input information in different sections for the city, state etc while driving. I find it easier to use the nav on my phone than the one in the car, where you can just enter the address easily.

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Debbie - July 20 - 9:56 pm

  Has anyone else had a problem with the seats. I love the car except the seat is so hard after 1/2 hour I am in excruciating pain and cant drive it at all. Ive never had this experience before with a car. I test drove it but had no problem on the limited test drive that I took at two different dealerships. Back pillows havent helped and the car is leased. Any suggestions to remedy problem would be appeciated - also just curious to know if I am alone in experiencing this problem.

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  Mighty Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By J.C. - July 20 - 11:56 am

  Im new to the Maxima scene, but I now understand all the "hoopla" behind it. When I bought this car I had no idea about the power behind it (even though I test drove). This machine is sweet, decent on the petro too! A lot of features on the SL, including BT, sunroof and wood trimming.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By James B Beavan III - July 20 - 11:30 am

  I put over 118,000 miles on this car over the years and did many modifications to make it even sportier. The car has a great engine, interior and exterior. With a few brake, spring and exhaust mods this car can be somewhat fast and handle really well. The Bose CD/tape deck sounds great and the power features are really good. I only had one major repair ($600 for ignition coils) prior to the transmission dying at 118K.

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  Not so excited about this car anymore - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By TZ - July 18 - 6:30 am

  I bought this car brand new thinking that like my last vehicle it would less me at least 140,000 miles without fixing anything major, so in 2 years my air condition went down, following winter something happened with my unt brakes, and now my transmission start acting up dont know whats the problem, i hope this car will get a recall it seems a lot of people have the same problem and after spending a good buck for this car i expect also a better performance I would never buy Nissan again unless there is a 100,000 warrant since i dont trust them anymore,

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  good car but nothing special - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By pv - July 15 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car used from a family friend 2 years ago. It is at 76k miles and has not had any major problems. I feel like the car is mid-range in every aspect. For instance, the V6 engine is responsive but nothing like a sports coupe. It gets decent gas mileage but nothing spectacular. I like the look and design of the interior, but the materials used makes it feel a little cheap. Overall I think this car is good at a lot of things but great at nothing. It looks and feels more sporty than my Moms Camery, but has all the same practical uses. It is a rational choice for someone looking for a functioning car with a little more flare than your average sedan.

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  Great everyday car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott - July 15 - 1:26 pm

  Great car to drive for everyday use. More than enough power and handles well at high speeds. Never had a problem after a year. Only had to change brakes and tires. Car handles great in the snow up in Buffalo, NY. All around awsome car I would highly recomend the purchase of a maxima I do not think itll disappoint you at all.

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  Maximus supreme - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SL8ROCK - July 13 - 7:20 pm

  Bought my SE in May of 06 with about 48k on it and it rides like a dream. Those 6 cylinders come in handy on the highway. Takes curves pretty well, too.

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  Nissan in the shop - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tigger79 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Maxima Se since 10/01. It has approximately 18k miles. At 12k miles, we found a crack in the rear spoiler. Nissan would not fix it. It was only covered up to 12k miles. Just this week-09/08/03-the car died and would not start. It had to be towed to the dealer for repair. They still do know what is wrong with it!