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:
Showing 2361 through 2370 of 3,122.00-
Luxury-level sports sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By One_Hand_Sound - June 28 - 10:00 amThe build quality, smoothness, quietness and sheer power are on a luxury car level. I have two new Maximas, 7 months old now and with a total of 13000 miles between the two. Absolutely not one single problem with either car the whole time. How can they make such a complex machine so perfect?
-
First time Nissan Owner - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By bbpe01 - June 28 - 10:00 amSo far so great. Dealership was good to work with and we made a great deal, better than Edmunds TMV estimate. Everything is great about the car, but it could use better insulation. Wind and road noise at highway speeds.
-
I love the car, but....... - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Steve B. - June 13 - 2:16 amSolid vehicle. Love the design and the way it drives. Very comfortable seats and all controls are reachable, but a little confusing at first. If you are going to drive this car hard then get the SE with the lower profile, larger tires and stiffer suspension. The only thing that troubles me is the gas mileage. I had a 99 SE and got 28 mpg and drove that car very hard. The rear wheel wells have a felt material as protection I was told was for sound deadening. This material catches all dirt, leaves and gravel in it and if very hard to clean. Bad choice for that material when the front wells have hard plastic.
-
2TheMax - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By kendra - June 5 - 12:36 pmGREAT acceleration. Sexy and fun. Great leg and head room for me - 62". Very comfortable and stylish. Reliable.
-
Maxima Has It All! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Lu - June 5 - 10:00 amI finally found a car with all my requirements: comfort, reliability, performance and reasonable price. I have back problems and found adequate lumber and lateral seat support. We previously owned a 1999 Maxima and have experienced first hand its reliability. The Maxima has outstanding acceleration, responsive steering and braking. Finally, in comparison with the Infiniti G35 which has the same engine, Maxima has more luxury features on the base SL model thus providing a better value.
-
2000 Maxima SE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Jay - June 3 - 3:46 pmIm at 151k miles on this 2000 SE model and still love this car. Great speed, comfort, and looks. I just recently encountered the coils issue that will need repair but otherwise its been a GREAT car. At 64" tall, Ive had plenty of leg room and good back support on long rides. I dont recommend Z-rating tires on the car though as you can wear them out quickly and at $250 a tire to replace, regular tires will do the trick for this speed and handling.
-
The best!!!!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Snowymaxima - June 3 - 5:40 amThis is the best car I ever owned. I purchased my 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE from a private party in 2003 when the car had 55,000 miles. I am now at 140k miles, and the original engine, transmission, exhaust system etc. What a car it has been!!!!This 14 year old car is more reliable than the new cars. Why cant Nissan replicate this car, with all of the high ratings it has gotten over the years. The Maxima after 2003 was never the same, and the Altima is a cheap joke. I was recently starting to look to purchase a newer auto, however with what I know about the car, and after reading the reviews I may hold on to this car a lot longer than I thought. What a car Nissan!!!!
-
No surprise - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By EmeraldGreenSkylark - May 31 - 10:00 amReplaced a 96 Buick Skylark. Performance doesnt beat the Buick by as much as I hoped (222 vs. 155hp) but otherwise a far better car in every way. Huge rear seat, reliable, joy to drive. I disagree about Maximas being ugly. I think the 02-03 in silver with spoiler is the hottest looking car on the road! Now the 04, thats hideous. what were they thinking? Oh well, Id probably buy it anyway.
-
The King Of Sedans - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Jay_SE - May 31 - 10:00 amThe experience with this car are Great, I got a nissan maxima SE (automatic) with all the options except Navigation system. This car is nice and the performance are excellent, fun to drive and most important you feel totaly secure, finally you wont find a car with this performance in this price ($30.150.00)
-
love my maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By f24k - May 31 - 10:00 amI recently bought a 2004 maxima. Although I try not to be too materialistic, I have to say that I love my maxima. It is very roomy and I feel safe in this car
