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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  So far I am loving it! - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By maxmus12 - January 19 - 11:54 pm

  Purchased premium model 6 weeks ago and loving it. Choice was between Maxima, Avalon, ES350, and BMW 3 series. After driving all 4 I had to go with Maxima. For the $ you get allot of options plus I decided to go for something sporty. BMW was close but Max is a little bigger and offers more. The Maxima drives smooth, feels comfortable, the car wants to go fast even when you dont want it to. When driving, the car has a nice pur that gives you that sporty feeling. Throttle response is great. Handles great for sedan. Paddle shifters are fun. Gas however..horrible. I average around 23mpg, 320mi to a tank. If you have fun with the car..youre looking at mid 200mi a tank. Worth it though.

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  Reliable and fun to drive but noisy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jojo791 - January 19 - 7:23 am

  I drove the SE model for almost 5 years. Much better built than my 1999 Camry. Good power and handling. The car was reliable but far from perfect. First it was one of the noisiest cars from the wind I have ever driven, wind leaked in from everywhere. Second was the 1 wheel drive. The front right tire drove the whole car. Third was the steering radius, the longest of any car made.premium unleaded is not necessary., no pinging with regular and the same gas mileage.

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  2004 Maxma - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Car Buff - January 18 - 5:16 am

  I have driven Cadillacs and Jags for the past fifteen years. I got tired of the high maintenance costs and decided to try a Japanese profuct. I settled on the Maxima. By far it is the best automobile I have ever owned. Not a single warrantee issue, where after three mnths I would have been to the Cadillac dealer several times to fix annoying rattles or mechanical problems.

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  Good Design, but issues - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Craig R - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall a really great design. Been happy with style and performance. But been getting a few rattles/sounds that shouldnt be there. A bump up front is the main issue, when going over road imperfections. The dealer hasnt been able to find yet. If anyone has run into this, please let me know at mistergasketeer@aol.com. Its driving me to distraction.

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  The Maxima is Back - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Condor - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1992 Maxima and loved it. bought a 2000 Camry but missed the true luxury. The 2004 Maxima has it and then some. Couldnt drive more than an hour in the Camry without stopping to ease my legs and back. In the Maxima I can literally drive all day. Drove across Tioga Pass and it handled like a sports car. We love it!

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  Great Ride! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010Max - January 17 - 3:20 am

  Owned a 2009 black Maxima SV with a few features, liked it so much I purchased a 2010 white Maxima SV with luxury package. This car has the features (air cooled seats, backup camera, 9Gb hard drive, ipod adapter, dual sunroof, blue tooth, heated steering wheel, etc.) most cars with these features cost closer to $50k. The car has a much more sporty exterior design than any car in its category. The performance is great and the CVT transmission is one of a kind. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a FWD sports sedan without spending the kind of dough some of the euro manufacturers want for their cars but still receive the same level of luxury.

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  Unhappy Owner - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny - January 15 - 7:30 am

  Car has shimmy in front wheels, dealer says they cant fix it. A/C works intermittently, chrome is coming off all 4 wheels, rattles in front and rear of car. Every time I take it in for repair, dealer says no problem found. Car had a rattle underneath it, I found a nut missing off of the tailpipe hangar. Not the dealers problem, but had to replace the tires at 15k because of cracking in sidewalls. This is the first and last Nissan I will own, because of poor build quality and lousy customer service from dealer.

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  Outstanding Engine - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By reynard4 - January 15 - 7:16 am

  We love our 97 SE. The engine is all that youve heard and more. It wont plant you in your seat like a 69 Z, but the power and torque range is broad and smooth. You can cruise at 60 and pop up to 80 to pass and the car just leaps ahead while maintaining a civil ride. The handling is quite good also and the car squats nicely under braking (4-wheel disc), with very little pitch. Not the biggest interior or trunk, but hey, when youre having this much fun, who cares!

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  Buying another Maxie - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Darren - January 12 - 1:26 am

  Bought my first maxima in 2005 and it ended up being the best car I ever owned in my life. It drove like a dream and never gave me more than a ounce of trouble. It had about 125k on it when it was stolen. It still drove better than a lot of new cars. The police recovered it and I wanted badly to regain ownership and start driving her again. But the stupid police stored it outside with the sunroof wide open and it rained for two days straight ruining the interior and making the car a total loss. I bought a few other cars including a 2000 maxima but none drove as good as my 96 maxie. So finally a year later Im planning on getting my second maxie this one a 98.

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  4-door sports car indeed - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian - January 11 - 12:06 pm

  Fastest sub $30K sedan available with manual trans at the time. 11 years later still 0-60 sub 7sec. Very reliable sedan, sports sedan primarily, 4-door sports car second.