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 2401 through 2410 of 3,122.00-
Superb aside from hot start - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By thehawk - May 9 - 10:33 amSupremely comfortable and powerful car. Brilliant interior design features. Quiet on the road. Factory fault is loss of one cylinder intermittently on hot start - before buying one make sure you hot start it ten times and drive a short distance each time. The cylinder loss is shown by engine vibration especially up hills or on throttle. It can last up to 30 minutes and is the ONLY fault I have had in 120,000 miles.
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Lovin it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Migman - May 8 - 10:00 amI have always wanted to own a Nissan Maxima. My dream came true the day I sold my "yuck" Ford sedan. The minute I got in to test drive the car I knew that this car was for me. With 255 horse powers this car has great acceleration. No longer do I struggle to merge onto the highway. Not with this baby! When you start out there can be a slight spinning of the front tires when the roads are wet, so care is needed here. With the stiff sports tuned suspension, the SE model feels well grounded, and hugs the road nicely on the curves. Overall Id have to say that this car rules!
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Great Care for the $$$ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By novynich - May 8 - 10:00 amI think this is one of the best cars for the money, mine is fully loaded and has more features than many high end cars in the similar price range.
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Wonderful Max. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By MDao - May 8 - 10:00 amThis is my first Maxima, I bought it two months ago.I just brought the car in for repair due to rattling noises from the dashboard and rear speaker, right front brake squeaking, and the rear left door rubber seal came off! The dealer was happy to fixed them all. So far I am very satisfied with the dealers services. Over all I love the car, its fast and fun to drive.
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25 Years of Drivings Maximas - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Jay Rand - May 3 - 1:03 pmThe car is a reliable means of transportation with good looks, low maintenance and few repairs outside of normal maintenance. I drive the car for 5 years and hand it down to my wife (4000 miles per year) for the next 5 years.
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Outstanding Automobile - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Charles Grandon - May 2 - 10:00 amI purchased my Maxima 4 years ago and have not had any major problems what so ever. This vehicle has been in the shop twice. The first time was to have the trailing O2 sensor replaced and the second time was to replace the defective trailing O2 sensor that was put in to replace the one that replaced the original. This has been an outstanding vehicle and real pleasure to drive. I average around 29 mpg on the highway which is unheard of for a vehicle this size. I am absolutely sold on the Nissan Maxima and will likely purchase another when that time comes around!
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3rd Maxima No Sign of Stopping - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Nissan4ever - May 2 - 10:00 amI have owned 3 Nissan Maximas (88,89,01). I have had nothing but good experiences and look forward to owning a new one. It is my opinion that you cant go wrong with owning one of these vehicles, especially if you have a bit of a lead foot like i do.
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2nd Maxima to date - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By mphilips - April 30 - 2:00 amOverall, this car is sweet. I love the bose system and subwoofer. For a factory system it rocks. The interior layout is simply designed. I couldnt see myself driving a camry or accord. I am happy with my purchase, yet not happy with the reliabily and fit n finish. 40K miles so far. I still have my 87 max, which I still love (87, best max ever)
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Best Used Car for the $$ - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By Matt025 - April 30 - 2:00 am1996 Maxima GLE Price Paid: $11,500 Mileage at Purchase: 74,000 Current Mileage: 170,000 Couldnt be more impressed. Ive driven this vehicle to death and its still running strong. If you change the fluids, spark plugs and filters at the recommended intervals this vehicle will last. Mine is approaching 200k AND IT STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION!! Although my next vehicle will be a truck, I will definitely buy a Nissan or Infiniti on my next car purchase. This is the absolute best used car you can buy.
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Brakes - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By tamsmax01 - April 29 - 1:23 pmOrig. owner of my 01 Max. Love it overall, but have put 3 sets of brakes on it now at 140,000 miles. this last set involved callipers as the rotars were very warped - perhaps due to callipers not releasing fully, wearing them faster. Also needed a speed sensor for the right rear wheel. All for $900. Wondering how other owners were faring with brake issues on their 01. Still handles well. Great Giddy-up and gets an avg. of 23mpg in the city - around 330 miles to a tank of gas.
