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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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Christene - March 20 - 11:13 pm

  Smooth ride with ample horsepower. Interior design is beautiful, comfortable, with spacious leg and head room. The Bose system delivers high quality sound with no distortion. This is my second Nissan and I never have any maintenance problems. Reliable car and a head turner. Great price for a car with a lot of extras.

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  150000 miles and NEVER a breakdown - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By David Truxell - March 20 - 9:16 am

  This is the most dependable car Ive ever owned. I put on 100 miles driving to work each day, and have owned the car for nearly 6 years. I change the oil every 6,000 miles, and that is it! What a great car! Highly recommended. Every option still working

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LMAC - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a true sleeper. Step on the gas and it just goes. For a family sedan, its a fun car to drive. Just the right mix of performance and luxury. Some complain of the rough ride, check the PSI on the tires. Mine were at 44 when delivered. I lowered to the recommended 32 and its a world of difference.

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  fear - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By HOWARD - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We live in fear since buyng ths vehichle. We were not told that the headlights ,which cost $2000 apiece were being stolen in droves. You replace them they get stolen. Great car if you live in it and never leave it anyplace unattended

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  fear - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Howard - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We live in fear since buyng ths vehichle. We were not told that the headlights ,which cost $2000 apiece were being stolen in droves. You replace them they get stolen. Great car if you live in it and never leave it anyplace unattended

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  very good design - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By kler - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have this vehical for more than a year. I naver had any kind of problem. Very good looking and lots of power under hood. I alwys feel like I am driving an extra ordinary can not like regular car. No noise inside even at high speed on concrete pavements. Very good excelration, braking and smooth ride.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dvp560d - March 17 - 2:00 am

  A great everyday driver with power for anything. Seemingly no creature comfort is spared in this agile sport sedan. An automatic transmission, power sunroof, Bose CD stereo, power drivers seat, ABS, and remote keyless entry for under $25000? This is a bargain, my friends.

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  Fast and Furious - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill - March 15 - 5:08 pm

  I traded a 2014 SV Maxima for the 2016 SR Maxima. The improvements over the SV model are great. The SR model has the 60/40 fold down rear seat that the 2014 model didnt have. This gives more trunk space. The 2016 navigation system is far superior to the 2014 SV. I like the fact that you can change the ride quality from normal to sport mode. The 2014 model had a sliding seat and steering wheel lift that the new one doesnt. It also lacks the sunroof. These are two items Nissan should have kept. Without the sliding seat it is a little difficult to get in and out. The interior is first rate. The dash, seats, console, are all high quality. I love the car. The dealer is I bought the care from is another issue. I opted for the extended warranty and told the dealer I wanted a Nissan warranty not an after market warranty. Well, when the warranty booklet arrived in the mail it was from an after market company. I now have to deal with this issue. This is the forth Nissan product Ive owned. I had two Infinitis and two Nissans. Three of the dealers have been dishonest in their selling practices. Only one dealer did what they said they would do. My suggestion is, if youre going to buy from Nissan make sure youre very clear in what you want in the vehicle. Because of this Ill probably shift to Lexis or another high end car as Im burnt out on dealing with Nissan.

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  Traded 2 BMWs for the Maxima, love it - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By chrissy grieco - March 15 - 6:26 am

  My husband owned a BMW 740i and I had a BMW x5 coming off lease. We have been a BMW family for a long time and had been considering a BMW 3 or 5. My husband saw a Maxima in person, and was impressed with the styling, so we went for a test drive. I never expected to get him into this car. We were so impressed with all the features we got in the car (Sport loaded) that a similarly equipped 3 would have been $55k, and we loved the sporty look and feel of the dash board and small steering wheel! We had fun driving it, and were impressed with the 5 star crash ratings. In todays economy, why spend more money for a name, when if you dont look at the emblem, you dont know this is a Nissan.

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  GREAT AUTO - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By narf - March 12 - 7:16 pm

  Have owned this auto for almost two years - no problems, oil changes only. I will buy a new one when the 2010 models come out. You cant buy a better made auto for the price. (a friend bought an Accord, paid more and got less - no comparison on handling)