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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  The Japanese - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mmars80 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has never been one to take risk with the styling of its product. However, they began to move away from the "rolling appliances" into cars that sparked pure appeal, passion, and denotes the creativity that used to only be synonomous with high-end luxury sedans. The front grill is imaginative and possibly something the automotive world is not ready for. However, the "coupe-esque" body lines make up for that. My car came with the 5speed manual mode and the 3.5L engine making this car ready to haul down the Interstate swiftly and comfortably. If you want the performance of the G35 but need the space, add this car to your shopping list.

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  This car turns heads... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Danté D. - January 28 - 5:16 am

  I have an 04 Onxy Drivers preferred package SE. I love everything about it. I looked at an Audi, Lexus, Acura, etc. and this wins hands down. For the money its one of the best cars on the road. I see myself driving this car for many, many years. They could have put a little more thought into some of the cheap plastic parts in the interior but the performance and styling more than make up for it. Overall grade - A+.

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  Best deal in its class. - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By al - January 25 - 11:36 am

  This is my Max but Ive known the blood line since the Datsun 710 and 810 days. I have to warn you, that CVT is quick. Yes I did have some reservation about CVT and performance. This car put that to rest. I was in the market for a TL Avalon and considered an Accord but after crunching the numbers and the grim factor the Max won hands down. This car has one issue however, its happiest when pushed, say at a RPM of about 27+. The acceleration is quick, seamless and the braking system assures you all is well, in the event you need to calm youself down. I would opt for the VDC over the TCS, just my opinion. I commute in an area with a lot of hills and this car make those hills disappear.

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  Im a mechanic :) - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By majsterMAX - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Being a mechanic for Acura I get to drive a great deal of cars, used to work for other car companies and even Nissan- having owned 3 so far- my old 90 SE 5spd Max had 340K miles, I went right for the 01 GXE 5spd with intention of NOT keeping it stock and trying to see how long it will run redlined every chance it gets, even with burning tires right off the dealer lot with 2 miles on the ODO at 63K now its only gotten oil changes and tranny fluid changes-2 so far- Redline MTL90. I autocross this big boat and road race it-its fully modified.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By P. Ernsberger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 4/18,have driven it to Glacier Park and back and around home area. The most comfortable car Ive ever driven; very smooth the ride. On Glacier trip the car drove itself.Did return trip to in 2 1/2 days;second day over 600 miles was a breeze. Only problems I had are: getting used to fact it is wider than previous car and being careful not to oversteer on curves. Other than that, no problems so far. Great looking car,for an over 60 it doesnt look like an old ladys car. 12 year old "grand" cousin calls it a cool car.

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  YOU GET A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joe g - January 24 - 10:00 am

  NOTHING TO SAY I CANT EVEN TELL YOU YOU GOT TO DRIVE IT!!!!!

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By epr1066 - January 24 - 4:06 am

  Its a fabulous car. The exterior design is just magnificent and the addition of the double moonroof is unique. The interior design is simple but well executed, while the ride and handling is superb. I have no complaints (yet)- I love this car!

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  Nissan disappointing FAST - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By tmac4718 - January 21 - 6:53 am

  I now have 14,000 miles on my maxima SV premium edition and I have to say I wont buy another nissan product. I have had a bad rattle in the car since day one, headliner above the back seat(they made it little better recently). Front hood rubber seal keeps popping out of its space. A creaking dash/windshield area?The car went into a lockup mode last week and had to be towed to the dealer and the whole computer system rebooted. Now I have two more rattles in upper dash and climate control area. I have only owned 2 nissans, altima before which I loved, now maxima. Thats a bad satisfaction ratio. Owned plenty of toyotas and honda products with no rattles or issues above 100k miles.

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  04 in 2009 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Guitarman - January 20 - 11:56 am

  Just bought and I like it but every thing i have read about reviews is there, Wheel shimmy at 45, brakes pull when stopping, seats not comfy, sunroof stopped working, so will the rest happen too? I hope not it only has 11,000 miles on it and i do like it, and its mint shape like new, oh well hope i helped some one else, Gas milage is great 385 miles a tank full gas

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  Overall, an excellent car. - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By three_pedals - January 20 - 1:56 am

  This car is the first Ive owned and is great. It performs and handles well. It is a fairly unique car in the marketplace--it doesnt exhibit the luxury of a Lexus ES or Acura Legend of the same era, but is cheaper and offers equal, if not superior, performance. Its an ideal enthusiast car on a budget. Ive had to replace the left control arm bushing and both of my rear power windows are inoperable (one is the arm assembly, one is the motor). Other than these minor problems (in addition to brakes and clutch replacement) the car has been very reliable, requiring only routine maintainance. The performance of the VQ engine is very smooth and rewarding, but carries a penalty in gas milage.