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:

• 

  Nissan Family - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By POCO - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I purchased this vehicle with high miles because we got a very good deal on it. My husband loves it. We are Nissan owners. All our past Nissans have performed exceptionally well and we hope this one will repeat the same performance. When Im in the drivers seat..Im comfortable, however, when in the passengers seat, Im not as comfortable although, the ride is a smooth one..I like a little more room to stretch. My son loves it. Its stylish and the blue color is just amazing. Its fast on the highway and the ride isnt bumpy at all. Big tires contributes to the smooth ride.

• 

  2002 Maxima one fast car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Guy - October 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazingly fast. Very smooth. The 6 speed is very fun to drive and the car gets great gas mileage.

• 

  FUN!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Gibby - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Love my Maxima! This was the first maxima I had ever driven. After the test drive, I was convinced. The 3.0 L V6 is phenomenal! So smooth, and so torquey! With the manual tranny, this car is a blast to drive. I felt the suspension is a bit soft and allowed too much body roll, so when my struts went 94k miles, I went with aftermarket struts/springs, and now it handles like a dream. Really fun car with plenty of room for the family!

• 

  Just LOVE this thing! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Cliff Dude - October 7 - 12:00 am

  I own a 2002 Maxima SE, I bought the car "stripped", but this cars version of "stripped" means it has everything but leather and a sunroof. The handling is like that of a smaller sports car, the ride is like that of a much more expensive luxo cruiser, and the engine... Oh the engine! This cars motor is a work of muscular art with a huge chunk of precision engineering thrown in for good measure. Just a wonderful car for the price.

• 

  early, but so far so great. - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By minarets2 - October 6 - 7:50 pm

  its early. i have only had the car for a week but have 758 miles after that week. bought it with 9 miles on it. i drive a LOT for work and the ride on my sport model with 19" wheels/tires are definitely rougher than the 18" models, but not too rough. i drove both, preferred the looks of the sport. the BOSE is good, the ride is good,but cant say enough about the Bluetooth. no one knows, even at 80mph that i am using BT, its that good. i am coming out of a RAM and was worried about the transition from a lot of space to a car, and so far not too bad. the 290 HP is really there. my previous 2 vehicles were a G8 GT and a RAM with HEMI so i thought this would lack punch, and it does not.

• 

  Happily traded my lexus for the maxima. - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima4life - October 6 - 7:10 pm

  Just got the car yesterday. I had a leased IS 250 to trade in and was looking to spend less but not downgrade too much. No buyers remorse here! (Except for my backup camera- that was nice.) I got the S model to save some cash and I dont miss the Lexus at all. The Maxima is a blast to drive and looks sleek- I got a compliment after owning it less than 24 hours. It has WAY more room than the IS but drives just as good. It has good pick-up on the highway and really turns heads. I test drove a loaded Camry SE and it just felt boring after owning the IS 250. The Maxima is a great car- I am very satisfied and cant wait to show it off. I got a great deal since it was an 09. Go get one!

• 

  First Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By CTM - October 4 - 9:00 pm

  The only problems I can recall having are with exhaust pieces rusting and falling off and with frozen rear calipers. I bought this car when I was a young man and, as it was my first car, it was easy for me to love its crazy, enthusiastic spirit and the surprising power of what I thought was just another dependable Japanese family sedan. A word of caution however. The GXE mixes the same big powerful engine as the pricier models with a tall and loose suspension, long-throw manual and no limited slip, sporty tires, ABS, traction or stability control. It instills a sense of adventure in me, not confidence.

• 

  Maxima 3.5SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Stefan - October 1 - 10:00 am

  My Maxima is fun to drive, although the engine is not as smooth as could be in slow, stop-and-go traffic. But there is plenty of power to get easily on/off highway ramps. The ride is excellent at speeds above 35 and you really have to watch it to stay below the speed limit on the open road. You get what you would expect with pot holes and speed bumps, considering the 18-inch tires! So avoid the bumps or slow WAY down. Overall, I love my car and still feel like the sporty one on the road, despite my three kids in the back seat!

• 

  The greatest car ever! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By mcrockett - September 29 - 8:46 am

  I brought by 1996 Maxima at a public auto auction in Dec 2005 for $2,800. The car was at 132K miles. Today in Nov 2011 I have almost 325K originial miles. This car has paid for itself over and over. I have no major problems only routine maintainence (oil changes, brakes,...). Ive had it tuned up twice. After 180K I stopped passing the MD Emission test but who cares the car is safe and reliable. I drive almost 100 miles a day for work and she still moves great. I have done several creative things including putting leather seats in from another Maxima, better radio from another Maxima AC controls and power window & door switches. Just a great Car!

• 

  NIssan Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Grant - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima it is a great car with a competitave price and good build quiality... i couldnt resist....i choose the Maxima because of the great price and all the standard features and I love the SE edition... it is so much fun to drive all around it is a great car!!