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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  3rd Nissan in a row - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By SRVN20 - September 25 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Nissan in a row, I went from Sentra, Altima and now the Maxima. I looked at couple of other vehicles to include the Infiniti M. For the price the Maxima has almost everything that I want. I am not happy with the XM radio, I have a Sirius subscription.

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  Maxima SL - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By cannon51 - September 25 - 6:26 am

  Had vehicle only short time. Previously had four Maximas this is best yet. Very luxurious interior, adequate power, handles well. First road trip this week, 380 miles, at 4500ft ASL, flat interstate (across Bonneville Salt Flats), speed variable between 65- 85 mph, one short blast near century mark. Fuel consumption 27.44 MPG on unleaded REGULAR fuel.

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  Excellent value, comfort and acceleration. - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom - September 24 - 9:58 pm

  2016 Maxima is my first Nissan purchase... I have driven GTR on the track multiple times and am always impressed. My Acura was out of commission due to the airbag recall and I was put into a Maxima S rental. Needless to say, I was so impressed, that I bought a platinum 2 weeks later. Being a 40 yr old Engineer, I am very particular and can say that Maxima provides the best 4 door performance and comfort for the money. Strong acceleration, quiet and soft ride, good fuel economy and excellent fit and finish. CVT is very smooth and provides nearly instant acceleration at any speed similar to driving an electric car. My favorite aspect of this car is the driver’s layout along with seating position and comfort. Nowadays most cars are moving toward touch screen everything… which can be a frustrating experience in real world driving and not very safe IMO. Maxima provides 4 ways to control the electronics… touch screen, buttons, steering wheel buttons and a rotating button by the gear shifter. Although it is not AWD, the FWD drive provides plenty of traction in everyday driving and almost no torque steer unless under hard acceleration. Other cars in its class lack the driver’s layout and comfort, are slower and more expensive. No worries here as Maxima will not disappoint. Don’t be over sold by brand names. Do your homework and you will find that Maxima is an excellent value.

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  THE BEST - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tru - September 22 - 10:30 pm

  A 4 DOOR SLEEPER

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  The Blue Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Kermit the frog - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima is one outstanding vehicle. Its performance, features, and styling rank it as one of the smoothest cars Ive ever driven. They also cause my 18 year old daughter to comment on this hot car as being the coolest in town. This is a machine that spans the generations.

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  Wow! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DanF - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Owned 85, 95, 97, 2000 Maximas but this is the best. Roomy, luxurious, powerful. Great features.

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  2nd maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By 2004 SE MAX - September 15 - 12:36 pm

  The 2004 max is equipped with a very strong motor and at time is a very fun car to drive however the interior lack the comforter or style. The exterior was the most disappointing the overall workmenship that was in the past a high quality of nissan somehow change not for the good.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By kc16 - September 13 - 4:25 pm

  My husband and I looked at and test drove many high-end sedans from Lexus ES 350, Audi A4, Infinity to C Class Mercedes Benz. The designer cars didnt impress us. Seriously. It all came down to personal preference and what would work best for our family. We did narrow it down to the ES and Maxima, but the ES has really short head space. We are tall people. My hubby is over 6 ft. and Im 5 ft. 7. And each time we test drove an ES, I kept thinking "old man car". Plus the breaking wasnt smooth and it was downright boring to drive and we were worried about the Toyota/Lexus recalls. We purchased a black 2012 Maxima with gray interior with red stitching and couldnt be happier. We got a great deal on a SV Premium Package with rear spoiler. With its ample headspace, heated steering wheel, heated and air conditioned seats, Bose stereo, nav system, and double moon roof, we got all the perks we wanted and then some. Its a good-looking car thats a blast to drive. Looks and drives like a sports car. The manufacturer recommends premium gas, but the dealership said we could use regular with no problem. The only thing we dont like is the effortless acceleration. If weÂ’re not careful, weÂ’ll be racking up some serious speeding tickets, yall. This is our favorite car weve owned yet. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!"

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  Great Machine - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By happy owner - September 12 - 11:20 am

  This is my second Maxima, I also owned a 1991, which I drove to its death at 250,000 miles. I also own a 2003 with 102,000 miles. This 1995 currently has 175,000. It is a fabulous machine to drive, I had some replacements problems by having to replace alternator, starter, CV axles, a couple of fuel injectors, infamous knock sensor and the coolant temp sensor apart from regular brake, tune up, oil changes. I think the tricky thing is when the one of the fuel injectors starts acting up, the car/computer thinks the knock sensor and the temp sensor is bad, which was not the case with my and actually one of the injector was going bad. Parts are expensive but a reliable car.

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  Best Car Ive EVER owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TexasGypsie - September 9 - 10:00 am

  After reading the bad reviews, I had to weigh in on how pleased I am with my Maxima. Im the original owner and have 112,000 miles on it. It has been the perfect car. Ive had great reliability, smooth ride, excellent gas mileage and comfortable interior. I love my heated seats, excellent sound system, roomy interior and large truck. This car has not disappointed me and Im sure Ill be looking to Nissan for my next car!