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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  Great car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By CarbUff - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Much better value than TL. Better performance and IMO more desireable mix of features. Acura owners also tend to rely on snob appeal to defend their purchase whereas Max owners know a good value when they see one.

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  Try One - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Anthony - July 3 - 2:46 am

  All you have to do is drive one. I read about Hondas, Toyotas, whatever... I never get tired of pulling away from VTECs (4s and 6s). I have had NO ISSUES. The gas mileage isnt fabulous, but for a car with this much zip, its quite good. Yeah, the turning radius isnt great, and there is some torque steer, but what car doesnt have one thing worth changing. I wanted a performance sedan and I got one. I have friends with 10 Hemi (390 HP) Rams that cant pull away from me. What more can you want in a 4 DOOR SEDAN. Dont forget, its a family car!

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  Sweeeeeet ride!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By NYPHIL - July 1 - 7:56 pm

  Everyone says "What a Sweet Ride!" and they are right. I just bought a Spirited Bronze SL with black interior loaded (no Nav) with everything including Sirius, a wing, wheel locks, floor mats, slash guards for $29,000! What a truly wonderful vehicle. Based on some critics reviews I was a little skeptical about purchasing this car. The complaints about interior design, torque steer and turning radius are baloney. What an underrated luxury vehicle. I had a 1995 Avalon for 11 yrs and loved it. When I compared/test drove the 2006 Touring Avalon against the Maxima I found it was lacking so many of my Favorites Features listed below (also lacked side molding) that we had to have the MAX!!

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  My love "maxeen" - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Jay - June 30 - 11:13 pm

  Like most guys I know we love our cars so much,and spend endless hours keeping them that we end up spending more time with our car than our wives/girlfriends. So we end up naming them. My cars name is Maxeen. She is my first foreign car and I absolutely love her and Nissan dealership.

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  highly recommended to buy - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By clark - June 30 - 5:53 pm

  A dependable, best v-6 with the least money can buy. Im very happy with it.

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  Loaded Sedan for the Price of a Hyundai - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Joshua M - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Why buy a brand new piece of junk when 10k will get you a low mileage, fully loaded Maxima packed with V6 power? I recently auctioned my 2003 Toyota Tundra off to the highest bidder on eBay to get back to something more my speed, and the Maxima fills those shoes. I opted for a bright red SE Limited Edition, which adds the leather interior, Bose Stereo System, and a few other extras. This engine is smooth! I make up errands to run just to drive the car. This is truly affordable luxury and sporty sophistication. Original sticker price on my car was over $29,000.00 and I picked it up for just a hair over $10k.

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  My Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sandra - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The maxima is a fun car to drive, and it looks great! Interior is very comfortable and roomy.

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  Blown away and love it. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan convert - June 28 - 11:50 pm

  First time buying a car of this size. Compared, Camry, Accord and was almost set for buying the accord. Walked into the NISSAN Dealership and was completely blown away by the MAXIMA. The trunk space beats both the others cars hands down. I actually took two big suitcases (airline-internationl travel), and they both fit with lots of room for small bags. Tall people actually have thigh support in the back seat. The cars fun to drive (read blast). Controls are good. Like the windows down feature from the key.. handy on hot days. I am just very glad that i bought this car. Wish i can keep the new car smell forever now.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Dano - June 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought it with 50k and it now has almost 150k. No real problems to speak of other than having to have the stereo head rebuilt because the CD player quit. Premium gas is a bummer with prices being so high. Gets a pretty solid 25 mpg with the driving I do.

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  Nissan Driven - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jpier - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Super car. I owned a Pontiac Grand Am prior to this vehicle. Nissan may have earned my business for every car I buy from here on.