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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  Good for the money...just good - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By bigeandkenna - October 29 - 3:42 am

  I have a base model with cloth seats. Basically a rental car. But you would never know it from 10 feet away. Same good looks, same wheels, same growl from the exhaust. This car has great power and handling for $31G. Average 19MPG of premium. 27 on long trips. This car has long legs and you find yourself driving too fast. Interior quality has been disappointing. Rocking drivers seat- replaced once and still rocks and at 28K miles the interior rattles. The CVT drops the RPMs to early on slow driving and it groans. Steering column locked up and needed replacement. Back seat is hard to get in and out of for taller persons but ok once inside.

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  Wonder car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Ganino - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Nissans 2004 Maxima is powerful yet easy to handle. It has many features that make drinving it a pure driving pleasure, not the least of which is the navigation system. On dash controls for the radio are very convenient, however limited to the stations set in its memory. The heated steering wheel is a plus as well as the foldup side mirrors. Overall a great car and an A+++ in my book.

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  WOW - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Happy Marc - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing. Super quiet, super smooth, super fast. I have people stop me and say how much they love my car. Its so comfortable to drive too

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  Awesome car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By k-3counselor - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome ride!! We have owned two Altimas (1995 and 1999) and have an Xterra(2000,4x4), and while we have loved the others, this one takes the cake!! I have the Driver Preferred package on a silver SE with black leather interior and power sunroof. Boy, does this car turn heads?! I am 34 years old and I feel like a teen when I drive this. The Bose system is superb. My 11 year old has called dibs on it when she turns 16 already. Thank you Nissan! Quality, safety, and awesome styling for less than $32K!!

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  Its ok but will not buy nissan again - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By eg7737 - October 22 - 10:30 am

  I had a 2006 Nissan altima before this maxima and it was the worst car ever. I had all sorts of problems the dealer had to put a brand new engine when I had 8000k miles anyways I decided to buy a maxima because it looked Nice. Ive had this 2008 maxima for a little over a year and Im actually writing this review from the service waiting area at the dealership apparently my battery is dead.. Mind u its practically a new car and Ive only had it for a little over a year. I am the first owner and already having problems. Also all the cheap plastic parts they use on this car are breaking. Both charging ports are broken the visors are breaking apart the ac vent doesnt work, the shifter broke off

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  NISSAN MAXIMA SE SEDAN - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By SHIRLEY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT CAR AND FUN TO DRIVE.

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  Best Mid-Size Sedan for under $25K - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mirth review - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the other competitors in the mid-size sedans under $25K category, Maxima provides the best combination of performance, reliability, luxury, and convenience. I researched this against all its competitors: 1. Camry/Accord/Taurus - way too boring 2. Passat - nice, but the engine is anemic. 3. Impala - questionable styling 4. Intrepid/Concorde - too boaty, reliability questions 5. Grand Prix - dont care for Pontiacs styling inside or out

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  Awesome car, thats why mine isnt for sale! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By weigel5 - October 14 - 5:31 am

  I bought this car new and still have it today. If you can get your hands on one, buy it! Other than basic maintenance, Ive had very little problems. I hope to have it another 16yrs :)

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  Fast an tricked out - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By MAXIMA5 - October 13 - 11:16 pm

  Why spend 90,000 for a BMW with navigation package, XM sattelite radio, 6 CD changer, heated steering wheel and seats? Maxima has all that. .

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  A Second Look - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By CAMP HILL, PA - October 13 - 3:13 pm

  I have had this car now for over 3 months. The car before was a 04SL which lets me compare the two. These two cars ARE different in most ways. For a $30K + car it still needs much improvement in ride and needs more sound proofing. It is however much better than the 04SL. The handling is much improved. BEWARE of the SHIMMY, this has been a problem in the 04/05/06s and now the 07s. When you test drive your car pay attention to the speed of 50-65. IT CANT BE FIXED ! When I took my car in to have it corrected, which wasnt, I test drove another 07SL and it too had the shimmy. You have been warned. The only other problem that I have is the drivers seat moves when turning. To be fixed ?