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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  Knock Knock - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By dfwtexas - April 26 - 5:00 pm

  My 2012 Nissan Maxima also has the knocks at 30 mph...Ive had it for 3 months and did not hear it when I first test drove it as well. I have taken it to the dealership and st first they had no clue to what it was...The fleet manager pointed it out that it was the ABS...I totally agree that such a steep price to hear a knock every time is very annoying. I have an appointment with a engineer from Nissan but I have a feeling that is just the way the car is built....We test drove a 2012 with 9 miles and it made the exact same knock at 30.Would love for Nissan to put out a formal report on the issue. I have a feeling it is something that will go wrong sometime down the line.

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  Drive it and youll buy it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Bobp - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Best product Nissan ever put out, I didnt want to trade in my 2001 Maxima but I am glad I did. I would recommend the Driver Preferred Package.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By ksp2trader - April 22 - 4:21 am

  Without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned plenty. Hottest looking car on the road with its sexy lines, accelerates like it has a supercharged V8 with endless power (thanks CVT) and handles like a RWD sports car yet is still a awesome family car if need be. I own a White on Black with the Sport/Tech package SV (awesome Navi system), have 115k on the odometer and never had any major problems with the car. Looks, performance, reliability, I think I summed up the perfect car.

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  Parting is such sweet sorrow - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By nlangdell - April 20 - 6:39 pm

  I finally had to let it go at 177000 miles and 14 years old. Talk about take a lickin and keep on tickin! I sure wish it hadnt become a rust bucket. She started every morning even on cold ones and thats -05 or more.

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  Once a Max owner, always a Max owner - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By caljn - April 20 - 4:03 am

  Traded a 2003 Maxima which I was sad to trade in... solid, fast, dependable and the last Japanese built. The 2008 SE however is also powerful and an excellent freeway cruiser. Quiet, solid, and quick. Around town however it can feel over weight and lumbering. CVT took some getting accustomed to but now love it. No downshift lag when passing... just hit the gas and ZOOM! Now driving a typical "automatic" feels old school with all that engine revving up then down with each shift. Some interior materials feel a bit cheap which was a disappointment. Overall satisfied and will probably keep for 4 years then trade for 2012 Maxima. As my title states, once a Maxima owner, always a Maxima owner.

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  A Bit Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Raymond - April 19 - 10:26 pm

  Ive loved Maximas ever since I first test drove one in 1995. I then went on to own a 92 Maxima, 98 Maxima, 03 Infiniti I35 (Maxima in disguise) and now this 2008 Maxima. I feel that this 2008 Maxima is probably the worst of all the other cars Ive owned. Having bought this car new I have already noticed light engine ping which is downright annoying. I have used all premium fuel grades and the car still pings lightly. This is my major gripe with this car. Nissan of course says that it is normal. On a more positive note; the CVT will impress you with its quickness and eerie sense of moving the car very quickly at a very low "fuel saving" RPM. But in the end, I shouldve bought an Avalon.

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  Luxury, speed, and beauty.....#1 - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Craig T - April 19 - 2:03 pm

  I get so many compliments on my Nissan Maxima, its so stylish, fast, and flat out perfect. I added the seven spoke chrome high performance wheels, spoiler, and went with Ocean Grey. I test drove the Audi 4 and BMW -- not even a close second to the Maxima. I simply love this vehicle -- it makes driving fun.

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  Take it to the Max - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By John Buller - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its great fun to drive, very comfortable. Looks fantastic in Sheer Silver!! More than one person thought it was a Mercedes, including a friend who has one. Its a blast smoking away those hoity toity Benz and Beemer suckers. Had a 99 Maxima, 03 is totally different car.

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  Fun to drive and powerful! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Medley98 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Alot of power even with the automatic verison. Gas mileage is far less than desireable, but the need for speed contributes handsomely to this driver contributed problem.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ccc - April 18 - 10:00 am

  it really nice and smooth