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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  maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima - April 18 - 10:00 am

  this maxima is the best car of 2004. all maximas are great. everyone should get a maxima

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  Where Oh Where Has Quality Gone - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By FORMER FAN - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Maxima since 1995. It is the most leading edge styling. Dont let that fool you. It is the worst car for quality Ive ever owned. I am shocked at how many quality errors passed inspection on this car! Its bad enough the steering radius is so large you cant turn into a parking stall without going back and forth. Things dont fit right. Things rattle in the doors. Leather seats sewn crooked. Greasy fingerprints behind the glass on the display panel. Worst of all is after 3 days back at the dealers, they fixed none of these items. NISSAN, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

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  Best Car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By claycope - April 16 - 1:13 pm

  With over 180K, the maxima still runs like new. Getting 450 miles to a tank. No major mechanical problems, just standard wear and tear items. Looking forward to 300K miles before getting another one.

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  If you want reliability..... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By AEP - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  This is the car to go for, if you need low prive and reliability. I just had the 120K miles service (as recommended by Nissan Manual) and it was all 320$. I have never had a single problem with this car - the engine is powerful , it has enough comfort for a commute car and it goes 23 mpg on the freeway - a good value given the 6 cylinders.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By P2D2KU - April 13 - 5:53 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 5 months. During this time I have driven it 3300 miles. It is a pleasure to drive. The handling is excellent, it also has very good acceleration. It does have a small amount of torque steer which is not surprising for a FWD vehicle with this much HP. At this point I do not have anything negative to say.

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  2 thumbs up - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Hudson4028 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car because it was a nissan and I knew it was reputable. I also knew how powerful and reliable the engine was since my 96 infiniti I30 has the exact same engine. So far I am very happy with the maxima.

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  Happy Then, Scared Now - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul - April 7 - 5:16 am

  Well, I bought my Maxima used and I loved the way it handled the road. Fuel economy is great. It has great power when I need it. I have come to some problems with the car though. I have had the transmission fixed on it with just 41,000 miles on it. And it hasnt run the same. Had the BOSE radio replace because CD didnt work. Im scared there will be other problems ahead. Turn radius is terrible. I had a 2000 Maxima and the turn radius was great in that one. Road noise is bad but, thinking its the standard OE tires that are bad. Other than that it is a fun car to drive.

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  2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By cubbie - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I like it. Smooth esp. on interstate. I am 6-4 and it somewhat low to the ground, coming from a SUV.

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  Great car with one problem. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By P Tyler - April 6 - 2:00 am

  ive always been a fan of the maxima, and the 04 is no exception. It has plenty of power, and the Bose stero is terrific. While not thr best in its class, its pretty competative. My main problem and only is the annoying torque steer. Nissan keeps uping the power of the car each year, and its pass its limit. Infinity cars have rear wheel, why not Nissan?

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  evs and kevs max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kman - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about our new max except we have been having problem starting car in very cold temps(0-20 degrees).Dealer gave us a cold weather starting tips bulletin(they couldnt correct problem).Is anybody else having same problem?LOVE THIS CAR ANYWAY!