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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  Runs like a champ - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Abyss - May 17 - 10:06 am

  Up to 160k and running strong. Great acceleration and city handling. CD player is having some troubles. Speedometer sometimes does not work. Overall a fun and reliable sedan. Strongly considering upgrading to the Infinity g35 after owning this car.

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  Maxima Heaven - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By mojo - May 17 - 10:00 am

  My 1995 Nissan Maxima is the best car I have ever owned. I havent had a single problem with it since I bought it new in 1995. I am almost afraid to part with it and purchase a different dealer brand or even model. What more can i say. WOW thanks Nissan for such a GREAT car!

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  My Maxima Review - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By My Maxima Review - May 15 - 4:46 pm

  This Maxima in black looks awesome. Great power and handling. A lot of car for the money. Mileage is also pretty decent.

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  2004 maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dick bowns - May 14 - 10:00 am

  as stated this is one fine machine, lots of fun and looks so good

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  Well-Produced but Check engine problems(light only) - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By superflykhaeyo - May 13 - 12:16 pm

  +PROS:Looks GREAT inside/out, FUN TO DRIVE, and i get on the highway and never have to slow down, i floor it and im already caught up to traffic. The FOLD-IN side-mirrors help avoid hit-and-run parking lot drivers. -CONS:The suspension is so/so, the ride is just as harsh as a school bus as far as suspension, and its hard to block the sunlight sometimes, My check Engine light would NOT go off no matter how well the car was running, even after i replace the parts the obd reader told me to because The COIL PACKS&O2sens must be original manufactured, meaning mainly dealer parts but some websites have them at wholesale prices from the factory. OTHERWISE the light wont go off even with no faults

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  Maxima is Great - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By John - May 11 - 10:50 am

  Purchased our Maxima new and it has been the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. It is now 10 years old and the only repairs besides routine maintenance has been an alternator (recall), a starter and new front axles/cv boots, and oil sensor (leaking). The engine is still like new with only 73k miles on it. Its got some dings and scratches but we are going to keep it for a least 2 more years. It has been a great car.

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  Better if: - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Greg Roland - May 11 - 10:00 am

  It had Good breajs, a better winshield, awd, standuard parts (tires, wheels, and wipers). Nice engin though. My car now has a dieing tranny, and some sort of stearing prob.

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  Very dependable, stylish and fun car to own - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By kscommuter - May 10 - 12:13 am

  Bought this car new in Dec 2006 and have enjoyed it every single day Ive had it, and Ive driven it a lot -- 115,000 miles so far and I plan on keeping it easily until it has 300,000+ miles on it. Have always had it serviced at my Nissan dealership religiously; the car has been extremely dependable and very light on the pocket book; only needing brake work and tires replaced as youd expect. Continental ExtremeContact tires are great on this car; they make it ride like new. Besides being a work car, we use this car for all our long trips to visit family (500+ miles each way) and always feel decent at the end of the drive. Last but not least, this car has excellent "get up and go"!

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  My Love Affair With the Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Frances Glavan - May 9 - 10:53 pm

  In 2004, I bought my first Maxima. When I began looking I was sure I was going to buy a Honda, but since I had been driving company cars for years, I thought "Im going to test drive everything and be sure I get the most for my money". I drove the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the Lexus, Accura. Mercedes and the Infinite. When I got behind the wheel of the Maxima, I said to the salesman, this car looks so familiar. It didnt take long to figure out the interior was almost identical to the Infinite. The Maxima and the Accord were almost even in price, but I got so much more with the Maxima. A Bose sound system, heated steering wheel, CD and cassette player (it was 2004), etc. Honda just couldnt compare. In 2013, I bought my second Maxima. I drove the Acura and the Genesis and hands down the Maxima won for value in the same price range. In 2016, I didnt bother to drive anything else, and decided I would buy the top of the line Platinum. The car is beautiful inside and out. It has a plush leather seats, Bose sound system, heated and cooled seats, a sunroof and a moon roof. etc. Ive had people stop me in parking lots as I was getting out of the car, to tell me how beautiful the car is. She rides silently and smoothly. The 2004 has 160,000 miles on it and is still running like a dream. Weve done regular maintenance, but she has her original engine and transmission. Love my Maximas.

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  I love the Nissan Maxima! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By jrmj72 - May 9 - 6:03 pm

  I was reluctant to get a Maxima because I had a Ford Mustang GT and a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 just before the Maxima. The Z28 would blow the Maxima and the Mustang away...but the Maxima has the same horsepower as my 1996 GT and it is a higher quality car. I am very glad I purchased the Maxima and Nissan now has a loyal customer...