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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  All around great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By cardriver - March 24 - 2:06 pm

  This is a great car all around fun to drive, plus a great motor and really good brakes. I like this car and will keep it for years to come.

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  Best Maxima Ever! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissaner - March 24 - 1:10 pm

  Just picked up my Black on Black Maxima 3.5 SV. Got it with the sport package. A great car in and out ! The redesigned interior screams luxury, while the carbon trim and sport paddle shifters give it a sport look/feel. This car has all the toys! Bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, premium leather, etc. The CVT is smooth and the driving is great. The car is very spacious, even in the back. For the price, it beats the Acura TL easily and gives you a lot more features than you can get in any German import. Car of the year!

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  LOVE MY MAXIMA - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By buttrnut - March 24 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car off of the showroom floor in Jan of 2008. I love, love, love my Maxima! Exceptional handling (can take a 30 MPH exit ramp at 70 MPH), acceleration is comparable to a V8, sometimes a bit scary... the power is underestimated. The exterior of the car screams "HOT". Sporty, low profile high performance ride. I took an 11 hour trip in this car and really enjoyed the ride, I averaged 29 MPG with a fully loaded trunk. I love the body style and was a little sad to see Nissan succumb to a Camry look for 2009. Hope the new body style grows on me because I would really like to be a Maxima-lifer!

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  5-spd, 5 passenger fun. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Car man - March 23 - 2:00 am

  With a 5 speed tranny and 222 horses working up front, this car is a blast to drive. A bit of body roll but easily fixed with some add-ons. Comfortable cabin, great design and fabulous engine. Its also nice to pull up to a light and take on a kid in a 4 banger who thinks hes ready to be on the fast and the furious.

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  MY BABY - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Lover - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new. I now have 180,000 miles on it and all Ive replaced besides normal wear (brake pads, oil, filters, tires) are front and rear rotors and front struts. It has nver failed me. NOT ONCE! The car still rides great and Im having a hard time letting it go in the process of buying a new one.

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  disappointed - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By will - March 22 - 1:43 am

  Purchased used at 101k from dealer who picked up at auction. I heard that the 3.5 engine is indestructible so I bought it. To date. I have replaced typical parts for high mileage (front axel/cvboots, power steering pump, starter, ignition switch, and master cylinder recently which brings me to my dilemma. (brake equpt.). I have spent about 3k in 5 yrs and 89k miles. Bad gas mileage and reliability. Cheaper parts than Toyota

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  A+++++ - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By ron nemeth - March 21 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome. buy it! great styling, very powerful, and fun to drive. great all around. lots of interior room, excellent air conditioner.. what more could you ask for?

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  maxima rating - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By first time new car - March 21 - 10:00 am

  we purchased the 2004 maxima in aug. 13 miles on it. it is the se model with the 3.5 i like the car, but hate the seats, they are short on the bottom, and hard. i have yet to set my seat position because i havent found a comfort zone yet. the remote for the outside mirrors is not in a good location, you have to reach forward, and down to adjust the mirror, and then sit back to see if its right. our car listed for over 32,000. my husband refused to pay that amount, and with trade in, we ended up paying 27 but i think we still paid too much. he loves it, but i drive it daily, and im not so sure i would purchase one again, unless i was able to take it home for a weekend, and drive it.

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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank J. Acuna - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is top notch

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  Choice buy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By steep33 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it, hauls butt!!