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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  Love it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By krkal - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I really like my car. It gets good gas mileage, especially on the highway (I have gotten up to 31 average mpg). It feels sporty and really has some get up and go, but doesnt feel as stiff adn roady as a lot of sporty cars. I prefer the not stiff feeling, but I wanted the look and pick up of a sportier car. Ive had no problems yet!

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  Reliable transportation - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Bryan S - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car for 5 months but it has performed very well for me. The gas mileage is pretty mediocre and I did some preventative maintenance by replacing the starter even though it hadnt broken down yet. Other than that, its been exactly what I expected it to be. No surprises - which is pretty good for a car that cost me less than $7k.

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  why did i wait so long to buy a maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By maxed out - February 16 - 10:00 am

  i have the se model and i can not pry this auto from my wife. she has already gotten one speeding ticket. before you know it, you are going 80 mph. the pickup is awesome. i have the 17" wheel upgrade and it handles like a slot car. i am seriously considering purchasing another one and selling my jaguar. thats right, giving up my xj8l jag for another se maxima. this car is well put together, and looks best in black.

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  Superb car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By jwaine - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Our 97 Maxima SE is one of the best, if the not be best, cars we have ever owned. Other than regularly scheduled maintenance, it has not required a single repair in over five years and 40,000 miles.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By skillmyster - February 16 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT MY 2003 SE A WEEK AGO. LOVE IT SO FAR. GOT THE BASE SE WITH SUNROOF, FLOOR MATS, CARGO MAT AND SPLASH GUARDS. HAD EVERYTHING ELSE THAT I WANTED STANDARD. THIS CAR IS THE BEST IN ITS CLASS FOR POWER AND OPTIONS. CONSIDERED THE 2003 ACCORD BUT THEN THE PICTURES CAME OUT. WHAT THE **** WAS HONDA THINKING???? I KNOW I MADE A GOOD CHOICE. LIKED THE MAXIMA OVER THE ACCORD, CAMRY, PASSAT.

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  Beware of rotor problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Duane - February 16 - 9:56 am

  1. This is an excellent performance car, but I did not take enough time test driving to realize the ride with the low profile tires was going to be too hard. 2. I just spent $400 with the dealership to have the brake rotors turned to eliminate serve brake chatter at high speeds. With 30,000 miles and my prior experience, this is an unacceptable reliability issue. No coverage on the brakes even with the extended warranty. Bummer and the last Nissan I buy!

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  2009 Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By goddale - February 13 - 3:33 pm

  No major drawbacks about NissanÂ’s best Maxima yet. These are minor inconveniences and as a result, I would recommend this car. I wish sunglasses cases actually fit todayÂ’s sunglasses.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By cridout - February 11 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car other than the tire issue. You have not traction at all in snow so dont even venture out. I bought this as a family car but seeing how it will not handle well in weather I am considering selling for something that handles better. Doesnt even handle well in rain.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Arthur Spera - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned. This is my second Maxima, I will definately keep buying if this is as good or better than my first(2001). Great body design, very reliable cars.

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  Lemon of a car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Melissa - February 9 - 7:26 pm

  My check engine light has been on 3 times since March, two dealers cannot find the problem, so they reset the computer and send me on my way. And my leather seat was defective, that has been replaced. Did I mention my bluetooth has been replaced also, all of this before the 6,000 miles mark. What a lemon. If you own a Nissan, good luck if you have a warranty issue.