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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  Driven - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RASTA - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Has plenty of kick, good on gas too. More room than previous models. Anything you can think of as an option...most of them STANDARD! Great car and fantastic track record...Nissan got it right this time!

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  Max is the best!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By gionniebird - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This car can handle pot holes, sharp turns, wet pavement!!! The sounds system is awesome! Mines is black w/tint on the windows.

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  Great sheer performance - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Go Blue - May 28 - 3:30 pm

  Pros: Superior 255 HP engine. You canÂ’t beat this in the family sedan market. This car flies- great acceleration. Standard Xenon Headlamps. Very cool feature- gives your car luxury status. Great safety feature. Cons: Some people donÂ’t like clear tailights. Paint quality not that great- chips easily. Premium Bose stereo not worth the high price. Overall, more exciting than Accord or Camry. Not as pretty as the Passat, but much faster.

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  car is great! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By yeah - May 28 - 6:46 am

  this car is fun to drive, fuel mileage is pretty good, lots of power, handling is near perfection. inside is luxurious, seats are comfy, gauges are great.. i love it

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  absolutely awesome! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By parker - May 27 - 11:10 am

  I was originally very hesitant to spend this much on a nissan, but the car is worth every penny. Ive had an Acura TL and lexus RX, this car blows both away--and costs way less. Build quality is top notch -- no creaks no noises. Fuel economy is excellent considering how powerful this car is. Tech package rocks. I cant believe editors dont rate this car higher. def recommend to anyone.

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  Good Purchase - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By aaron - May 26 - 11:56 am

  I love driving this car. It has everything a hard working middle aged man needs (aside from a corvette). I honestly dont see this car as a family sedan my wife thinks it is too fast and she drives a BMW 528I. So this being said I prefer the Nissan over my BMW much faster and more fun to drive,

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  We Love It - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By senecaman - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Maxima for 4 months now and just love it. Everyone we meet admires it. We find it has great prefomance, and we got 33 mpg on a trip.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Bil - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The best preformance you could find for the dollar investment. The interior is wonderful. Great driving position.

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  Your Supercar has arrived.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JMan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down the BEST car I have ever owned. I can think of no sedan other than the BMW M5 ($80k) and the Lexus GS400 ($60k) that performs as well as this 04 Maxima. To compare this to a Camry is down right insulting. I purchased a 04 SE, DPPackage, white with tan leather, tinted windows.. The power is amazimg and the tiptronic shifting is so much fun. This is a SPORTS car that doesnt know it has 4 doors. My girlfriend thinks im nuts because I go out in the garage and just stare at it. I CANT HELP IT!! Is there a support group out there???

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  BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE BUYING THIS CAR - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Martha - May 24 - 8:40 pm

  This car is poorly designed in relation to safety features. If you want a safe car, stay away from the 2011 Nissan Maximas or all Nissans in general. IF you get into a minor car accident in this vehicle you will have major injuries. This model 2011 Nissan Maxima is defective, unsafe, hazardous, and life threatening. Do not ever buy a 2011 Nissan Maxima, no matter how pretty it seems. Dont ever get in a 2011 Nissan Maxima. Dont drive next to a 2011 Nissan Maxima. Dont let anyone you love or know get into one of these cars. This car is nothing more than a death wish. STAY AWAY!!!!!