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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  A Best Buy - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By cla - November 9 - 2:00 am

  My 95 Maxima GXE has been a terrific buy from day 1. I almost purchased an Accord or Camry, and now am happy I spent more for the Maxima. It has been reliable and has had no out of the ordinary problems happen to it. Also, it is a stylish car that has a certain charm to it. People are impressed with the car even though its almost 8 years old. Plus, it feels like a sports car, but handles itself like a sturdy vehicle.

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  nissan maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By ecsengland - November 9 - 2:00 am

  havent had any problems...reliable, fast, safe. Had 1991 prior - manual which was more powerful, but automatic also powerful.

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  Staying with the Maxima line - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn01 - November 5 - 11:43 am

  I purchased my pathfinder le almost 2 years ago with 12,000 miles.. The car now has 35,000.. I have never had any problem with this car, it handles the snow amazingly since I live in Chicago. Much better car than 4runner or envoy. It has great look and performance and I am 100% satesfied with my purchase and I would buy it again.

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  Every day its better - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By wollomombi - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is probably the best equation for a car out there courteousy of the VQ power plant. I found the clutch differnt (used to eurpoean) but once you compensate for that, it is a joy to drive. It really does accelerate to 60 in around 7 seconds and doesnt have any nasty surprises on dirt, snow or mud. Best tyre combo: Michelin Alpine (excellent with this chassis) Suspension is easy to stiffen and if you are a Mod nut you can go with the 267hp turbo kit. Last note, My wife drives this car better than I can and I had to teach her stick and Ill be shooping for a new engine before a new car with this one.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LDLDL5 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  After 3 weeks of driving this car, Im still impressed by everything about it except the milage. We have been doing a lot of stop & go driving and are getting about 18 mpg. The attention this car gets is great. The roomy, heated, leather seats, the trunk, the dash, the sound system is all you can ask for in a car like this one. The cabin is quiet and the car handles well on the road. Its like riding on air!!!

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  Great car, few gripes - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By LA Max - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car stickered at $28,800 and after shopping around for other cars at the under $30K price, there was no other that offered the Maxs performance, reliability, and amenities. The Audi A4 was VERY nice, much nicer interior and exterior, but for $30K you could only get the 1.8T - not fast enough for a $30K car. Ditto the Passat. The Acura 3.2TL Type S was nicer inside, but cost $5 grand more, and frankly didnt feel as powerful, the engine wasnt as smooth or quiet either. And "upgrading" to an Infiniti I35 just didnt seem worth the extra $2,000+ The choice was simply Maxima!

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  Nissan Maxima(2004) - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sdahjkfhsakfhsajk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car. I test drove several other cars. I was about to buy the G35 when i noticed that with the features i wanted i would spend about 35000. Thank god i didnt. I was able to fully load it with the elite package and all the available accesories for about 36000. This definately the best deal i have seen in the market. The interior is splendid, it is extremely luxurios. Ergonomics ar wonderful. the 265 HP engine is excellent. I have never seen such a wonderful sound system. if u get this car definately get the bose 340 watt sound system. the two woofers are excellent and nissan was smart to put the tweeters on the d-pillars.

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  Happy Max - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By frencjas - October 30 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 2000 Maxima GXE with 7,000 miles on it, and now have 98,500 miles, with very few problems. Mine is a manual transmission, and has been absolutely bullet proof, and still has the original clutch. This has been the most reliable car I have ever had, period! The only issues were a bad mass airflow sensor at 37K (graciously replaced by Nissan even though it was just out of warranty), warped brake disks which I had replaced with aftermarket units that have proven more reliable, and thats about it. Exterior styling is not my favorite, but dollar for dollar, it is hard to beat this combo of performance, utility, and reliability.

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  Happy Man - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By happyCARMAN - October 30 - 10:00 am

  this is the fastest car i have ever own I had a 450 Mercedes and 2 Trans Ams. the most comfortable and quiet cars. it is majestic Blue and beatiful. the Steering is a llittle light in drive. but drop it don to third and hold on for a sure footed great handle super fast gricery getter head turning time!!! i love it. the toys the bose the compass the outside temp the climae control. oh the leather .......WOW. NISSAN WHY DI YOU MAKE THAT 2004. THE 2003 HAS IT ALL!!1

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  Great Car...and made in Tennesee - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RDM - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Did much research before buying this car, it came down between a Acura TL and the Maxima. After driving both I cant see how anyone could not fall in love with this car. I got the SE 5- speed with sunroof and Journey package. There are so many new toys included in the new Maxima but the real joy is how quite and effortlessly it cruises at 100mph The looks will shock you at first but then after a close look you say "cool". Had a hard time finding the color and options I wanted due to 9000 Maximas getting hail damage at the factory, which is leaving dealers short on inventory. Still I was able to buy it for $300 over invoice.