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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  Big Bois Review - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Boi - December 6 - 10:00 am

  this car has everything you want in a sport sedan. speed, acceleration, great suspension and amzing looks

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  Maximum entertainment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Fish78 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Great powertrain, acceleration and handling are terrific. Bought for my wife who is not into cars and she loves it.

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  What a vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By It just wont die! - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Max with 42k miles in 2001 off a lease from a single previous owner. Almost 10 yr later it is still going strong with 234k miles on it! Yes it has issues with the sunroof leaking, and things that just go wrong with a car with its age but overall I am in awe at how good the engine still is. I bought this after a short stint with a 1989 maxima (my first car) which I loved and have no regrets. Every time I go looking at a newer ride I just cant justify the payments and contently crank up my trusty maxima and go about my business. This thing moved with me from Atl to TX (2 trips back to ATL and back) been to FL, DC, AL, MS, NC, SC and the states in between with no issues!

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  better then the rest at that price - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Fl. Frank - December 4 - 10:00 am

  this is the 1st Yr. of my 2nd new Max. I like the car better than my last one (04) in comfort and style. The cvt takes time to get used to, I think it might be the engine noise at shifts? One thing I miss is the 6 pack cd player. We bought the crimson Blk. with Cafe inside,happy with that as it turns heads and draws Attn. when parked. I changed my grill to a SS wire type found on the Jags. took off the Nissan badging too,also added hand painted custom pin stripe and blacked in rear windows and lighter tint in the front ones. I wished they would have made the rear seat to fold down like my old one, Separating the nav. from the back up camera price nice touch. Having a Great Dlr. is nice too.

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  excellent except for ignition coils - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill Barber - December 3 - 4:10 am

  excellent car, very reliable and fun to drive, 5 speed, except for 2 very annoying issues, the ignition coils that Nissan is aware of and wont fix and brake calipers

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  Its About the Ride - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By TB - December 1 - 4:20 pm

  I bought my jet black Maxima Sport Edition on Xmas Eve 2008. I had narrowed it down to the Maxima, an Acura TL, or a BMW 128. The Maxima proved to be the best value, while probably not the top quality, but there is a lot to be said for value. If youre into Technology Packages, the Acura is the way to go as the Maxima Voice Recognition is nearly useless. It will turn things on and off, but not make adjustments, such as temperature control. The Acura excels here. But its about the ride and comfort! And the Maxima offeres gobs of both, along with exhilarating performance and great gas mileage (23 in town, 28+ on the road) The CVT is admirable and fun. And the Max has looks to die for

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  2010 Nissan Maxima SV - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott - November 28 - 12:16 pm

  i just purchased a 2010 Nissan Maxima SV. Loved the new styling and wanted to try it out. One test drive was all it took. This is one powerful car, but you have to get up to highway speed to really appreciate it. The suspension is great and will not jar your molars loose on rough pavement. I really like the interior. Well crafted with attention to detail that you would expect from this car. The CVT also works well with no obvious shift points. I have noticed an intermittent subtle vibration at low speeds that radiates up through the steering wheel. Gas mileage is what you would expect from this engine (about 21MPG around town). This car comes with many standard features including bluetooth

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  Simply Awesome for the price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By johcha - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nothing can compare with the Maxima for the performance quality and price. I shed a tear when my 1999 SE (47,175 miles) was recently totaled in a rear end collision. I walked away with a $19,215 insurance check. I went right back to Nissan and bought a loaded (except Nav)GLE with spoiler added. I only paid $25,752 (after $1,000 rebate) plus $400 for spoiler installed for a total of $26,152. Of course there was also the customary state tax, title and registration fees. I test drove the comperable Honda, Acura, and Lexus and they all have their good and and not so good points. However, when it came to value for the dollar, the Maxima won hands down, no contest at all.

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  My second in as many years - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jersey Jeff - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 GLE for the 2002 and I couldnt be happier. Driving 30-40k per year doesnt allow owning any car too long. For the 1st time, I bought the same car twice. My 2000 was (prior to this) the best car Ive owned. The increase in HP for 2002, in addition to the new features made buying it a "no brainer". I loaded it with all but the GPS and walked out for a little over $26K. Tell me any other car with this kind of comfort and performance for the price, and Ill take a look... but until then, I love my car!

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  07 max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By marty boren - November 28 - 3:26 am

  This is my third max, I like the dash set-up over the 06 but still getting used to tranny. the exhaust system is louder and sportier. I opted for the SL but had dealership put SE tires and rims on. This gives a fuller wheel well look. The horse power seems to be the same but is sluggish in take off. I run around 50k to 80k miles a year. I had no prob. with 06. hope the same with 07. Add k/n air filter youll see why!!!