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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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Cliff - May 24 - 12:16 am

  Great Style, lots of power. Rides like a full size Caddy, Dependable most importantly. Proven Nissan 3.5 V6 Engine. Great Paint. Oil, Gas, Brakes for first 200,000 miles You Go figure! Nothing Aftermarket needed to improve looks. Looks great right from the showroom floor.

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  1995 SE 5-speed - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By D. Rossi - May 22 - 9:33 pm

  When I originally purchased the Maxima, I wanted to get maximum fuel economy and reliability while maintaining a semi-luxury design and sporty feel; enter the Maxima five speed, fuel efficent, reliable, and filled with creature comforts (Bose stereo, digital climate control, heated leather, etc.). The vehicle is responsive and comfortable, handling is about average for its size and build quality is relatively good. You really do get quite a lot for not much money, but be warned: Nissan charges premium prices for its components, well over the prices youd expect from a Japanese automobile. All in all I would still recommend the vehicle despite its faults as a great daily driver.

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  Used car best buy - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By bkiser - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We "traded down" to our 1998 Maxima SE from my wifes dream vechicle- a 4Runner limited so that she could stay home with our child. Originally, she thought it would be a sacrifice, but she has since decided that she likes it more than any car she has ever owned. We looked at several Acuras, Lexuses, etc., but the Maxima offered similar luxury with much better performance. Plus, the car gets 30+ mpg on the highway (at 80mph)! Unbelievable!

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  Bargain - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Fazal - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most amazing thing in its price range. The performance more than makes up for the few small problems with the rear end.

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  Maxed Out ! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Disappointed - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Maxima brand new. It was my 4th maxima and because I was so impressed with previous models I didnt hesitate to upgrade. Big Mistake ! My 2003 model gave me no problems at all. I should have kept it instead of trading it in. Since my purchase in 2007 i have replaced the battery, the CVT, and wheel bearings. It surprises me to see how many other people were experiencing the same issues I am. My struts are making noise but Nissan wont replace them until they get worse. I hear some rattling in the engine that the technician says he cant hear. I thought it was the mechanics but maybe it is just the car falling apart and they are used to it. The car shakes at high speeds also.

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  Gross Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Vern - May 20 - 7:20 pm

  Great, looking car! Fun to drive! I love the looks and performance, so does my wife in fact she asked if she could have it for her daily driver and you know how that went... Unfortunately this car is always in the service drive for something which is never resolved! Little things continue to ad up to big things. Never buy a first year model. maybe future models will boad better. heat shield x3 strut x3 tires(road noise)x4 at $330 each bose stereo x2 brakes x2 transmission slipage x2 all in only two years of service. Not what a flagship should be. great car but far to many minor problems that are unresolved in the service drive. All you ever hear is well take care of it sir

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  Good "Sport Sedan" - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Red Thunder - May 19 - 8:40 am

  On the day of the delivery I experienced steering wheel "shimmy" or vibration at all speeds and despite 5 trips to the dealership, some improvement but not complete elimination of the problem. I love the car, the room, the VQ engine (plenty of upgrades...), reliability and this is my 3 maxima. My first is still on the road (a friend drives it now) with over 300000 miles. I really dislike the service I experienced though. And they still promise to fix the issue and Im still waiting...

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  Still Not Sure... - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By RB - May 18 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my Maxima SE new back in March 01. I like the car overall, but here is my experience so far: 1)Had to replace the front shocks at 40K 2)The exhaust pipe had to be replaced at 53K 3) Replaced original Potenza tires after 53K 4)New front brakes at 36K 5) New rear brakes at 52K. My experience with the service department at the dealership has been very good, they know what theyre doing. I will go with a Honda or Acura for my next car.

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  Martin - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Grtplan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is dependable you can get up with confidence that you will get where you are going. The car has exceptional turning ratio for excellent manuvering in tight spots such as parking or making a u turn in a limited area.The interior is durable and with minimal care will maintain a fresh look for years. The only short fall I find with the body is the exterior is of soft metal that is easy to ding if touched by another vehicle door.

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  one of the best in the price range - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jian - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have one question to ask if anyone here knows it. When the air circulation button is on, the A/C button automatically comes on, then i try to turn the A/C off, but it automatically turns off the air circulation, so i can NOT have both AC OFF and air circulation ON, is it designed that way or any other way to have AC OFF with air circulation ON? Email me at emanym73@yahoo.com if you have comment. The car is definately outstanding among the competetors within the price range.