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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  Exceptional Used Car. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Zoombag5 - April 28 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 01 Maxima SE used in 2004 with 44,500 miles. Now have 106,000 miles after 4 years of driving it. I replaced the A/C compressor & oxygen sensors soon after purchase. Since then the car has been very dependable and fun to drive. All other costs have been maintenance related (brake pads, tires, etc.) I get 19 mpg local and an impressive 27 mpg hwy driving 65-70 mph with 3 passengers & luggage. I highly recommend this make & model. My 2nd Maxima. My 1st (95 SE) was hit & totaled at 9 years & 94,000 miles, but was running like a top until then.

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  My view - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By jhbodie72 - April 28 - 3:16 am

  This is my first new car and I absolutely love it. I am a family man but this car is still a sport car. I just bought the 08 se model and I have no complaints. Sexy yet within my budget. I think it performs outstanding and looks better than everything in its class.

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  This car has my personality - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By D Doxon - April 26 - 1:40 pm

  I traded my 2004 Chrysler 300 touring on a new Maxima. Although the 300 drove nice. It had bad blind spots and every time I drove it I felt like an old man(not to mention 3 repair trips already). On one nice Saturday I stopped at the Nissan dealer and drove The Maxima. I didnt want to give the keys back. One week later I had a new car in my driveway and am enjoying it. I bought the 300 because it was the "in" car. That was a big expensive mistake. The Maxima is the true 4 door sports car.

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  My Wife wants to drive my Maxima, I dont want to driver her Lexus ES 350! :-) - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By sunsonshaan07 - April 23 - 4:53 am

  So I just traded up for the 2012 Nissan Maxima here recently at the end of October. I went with a Black/Black 3.5 SV w/. Premium, Premium Tech and Cold Pkgs as well as the Spoiler, Window Tints, Pin Striping, Wheel Locks and Nitrogen filled Tires (Im in the Dallas, TX area). I traded in my previous car, a 2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 w/. about 75k miles (got around $8k back for it) and let me tell you Im not regretting it one bit. I regretted getting a Korean Car more as with the age, the ESC light started to periodically light up and everytime it did, the evergreen Microsoft methodology came to the rescue (i.e, LOL, Shutdown and reboot). I got sick of it after a while.

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  Hands Down Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By mjg - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three Maximas prior to the 2010 and this is by far my favorite. The features are comparable to that of a $50,000 luxury sedan. If you are on the fence, go with the Nissan. Best buy for the money!

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  maxed out - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By meka - April 20 - 10:20 pm

  I bought my car 4/06. since then i have replaced struts, ac compressor, tie rods, head lights. knocking sound on right and the service men at nissan cant figure out what it is. constantly being aligned. front grill chipped up. it is very sporty and fun to drive but cant enjoy the drive for having to replace tires so often which are way to expensive. a headlamp cost me $186. oh not to mention the motor mounts keep breaking. guess you can say i got a lemon too. will never ever buy another one. im maxed out on funds keeping this junk running!

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  Can you be in love with your car? YES! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By sw21669 - April 19 - 10:26 am

  I purchased in 02 a 4cyl. Altima - I moved out of my poor Accord sporting 250k miles I kept waiting on Honda to change the Accord but noooo they had to wait one more year. Lucky me! My husband is a Honda Mechanic - he has been for 17 years. We both own Nissans. Go figure. Honda makes great cars but they didnt make what we required at the time we required it. I had several warranty issues with the Altima and 300 mile beyond my warranty I got nervous so I moved into the 05 Maxima Black w/the Elite package fully loaded I LOVE IT.. it will fly! I have the 4 seater with the tangerine color leather. I get more looks with that color scheme! Great for the money and the performance..Im sold!!

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  Slight Problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By TSM1116 - April 18 - 9:16 pm

  I have had several Maximas in the past and have always been pleased but this one has me scratching my head. Love the car with a few exceptions. The front end squeaks like a 90-year old wooden wagon. Have taken it into the dealership 14 times for repair, cant pinpoint the problem even with the stethoscope. Have gone back now and tried to drive several other year models with the same body style and ALL have the same squeaking noise coming from the front end. Doesnt do it all the time only when the weight of the car is on that side. Very embarrassing going thru parking lots or areas where the ground is not level. Love the CVT - man this car will fly!!! Just cant get past the noise.

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  2006 Nissa Maxima-Disappointment, Costly - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By bmcgavin - April 18 - 3:04 pm

  So, like everyone else that seems to be writing reviews, my 2006 Maxima had transmission issues. Ill start at the beginning (which wasnt long ago). I bought the car for $12,000 from a used car dealership less than six months ago with 117,000 miles. I loved the car. It was one of the nicest cars I ever bought. I also bought a 2002 Altima brand new (loved it). Two weeks ago the transmission started slipping between 2 and 3rd gear and it would downshift when I let up on the gas. Also, the Service Engine Soon light came on. Took it in and low and behold, Transmission was all but gone and the catalytic converter was needing replaced. Out of luck the dealer told me. Traded for a 2010 Chev Impa

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  MAXDOUT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon - April 18 - 3:46 am

  My 2004 Maxima now has 60,000 miles. This Maxima had alot of issues. Build quality should have been much much better. Performance holds this car together. But I would NOT buy this car used & I love Maximas.