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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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ioccaste - April 17 - 7:30 am

  ive had my 2000 maxima se for about 7 months now. i bought the car with 73k miles on it. so far, i havent had any problems with the car. it really is a great all-around car. interior is laid out very well, and exterior styling is great. this car really goes! you can notice the difference between 89 and 93 octane gas--better performance, gas mileage, etc. what i love is at idle, you can hardly hear the car running, you really have to stress to hear the engine. very quiet and stable at highway speeds and beyond. the ride in the SE is a little firm. if you like to toss the car around, the SE is for you. tigther suspension compared to the GLE or GXE. superior to any american car.very happy

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  Excellent Value - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By planebev - April 16 - 11:56 pm

  Touarareg, Explorer, Cadillac owner. Retired Cadillac and got Maxima 3 days ago. Feel like Im driving Bat-mobile. Acceleration is outstanding. Fun to drive. Practical for NE with FWD. Turns heads. LOVE this vehicle. SE package with leather interior is outstanding. Gadgets galore. Strong price, value ratio. Dealers willing to deal - providing price comparisons. Could not be happier! Outstanding value with high happiness index. You wont be disappointed -- strongly consider one!!!

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  Surpassed Expectations - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Bworl - April 15 - 9:26 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. I bought new in March 2000 and have not been disappointed. First car Ive owned for 10+ years and drives as good as the day I bought it. In all categories the Maxima has surpassed my expectations - power, acceleration, reliability, comfort, looks are all an A+. Cant think of a better car to turn over to my son next year when he starts driving. Only gripe is that it goes through brake pads pretty frequently.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By jgerke - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Always a Honda/Acura owner I wasnt too interested in becoming a Nissan owner, until I drove this car. We purchased it new and now have 55,000 miles on ours... and it has never been in for repairs of any kind. New tires and regular maintenance only. What a GREAT engine. For 190 HP it gets good gas milage... 22-23 around town. Very comfortable ride. We feel we got a good one!

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  Maxim value - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny Stevens - April 13 - 8:42 am

  Weve only had the car a few weeks but love it. We especially appreciate the safety features and are looking forward to being more comfortable on road trips. Fit and finish are excellent all around. Going to really enjoy the heated seats and heated steering wheel this winter. No complaints at all so far. Lots of compliments!

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  Maxim value - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny Stevens - April 13 - 8:42 am

  Weve only had the car a few weeks but love it. We especially appreciate the safety features and are looking forward to being more comfortable on road trips. Fit and finish are excellent all around. Going to really enjoy the heated seats and heated steering wheel this winter. No complaints at all so far. Lots of compliments!

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  Maxim value - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny Stevens - April 13 - 8:42 am

  Weve only had the car a few weeks but love it. We especially appreciate the safety features and are looking forward to being more comfortable on road trips. Fit and finish are excellent all around. Going to really enjoy the heated seats and heated steering wheel this winter. No complaints at all so far. Lots of compliments!

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  Best car Ive owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Quagmire - April 11 - 5:16 pm

  Ive owned this car 8 years, bought it with 55k. Its now at 226k and still running strong. The car has been driven for years in Maine to Indiana, Oregon and now in Florida. Routine maintenance is always done myself, including replacing the starter once, brake pads of course and battery a few times. Never stranded once even when the started did go out its a manual and so easy to push start. Lots of long drives and Im 65" and never any back or leg problems. Only shop work done was new shocks and struts at 160k and a new clutch at about 120k, the old was still original. Im pleasantly surprised at how well the new clutch has maintained because I dont drive the car easy.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By memo3126 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, and fast!

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  Love this car! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Rod Newhall - April 6 - 2:03 pm

  Both my sons have had Nissans in the past as well as currently. I have driven their cars, and liked the performance, the ride and comfort. When it came time for us to get a new car, we choose the Maxima and havent regretted it at all. It handles wonderfully in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, along the freeways of Ca. and in particular, along the Coast Highway where we spend a great deal of our time.