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:
Showing 2611 through 2620 of 3,122.00-
DO NOT BUY - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By mkedra - September 8 - 4:53 pmEverything was great til 50k miles. Im at 62k now and within the past year I had the transmission replaced twice (common jerking problem between 1st and 2nd gear), the AC works whenever it feels like it, window defroster takes forever to defrost, Cd changer keeps skipping, the telescopic steering wheel is wobbling. Recently my ABS started to come on everytime I press the brakes, and the ABS pump stays on constantly. From the reviews Ive read it looks like another $2000 job to fix... oh, and did I mention I need new motormounts? Yeah, I was told that happens when they replace your transmission... All these issues and no recalls, only service bulletins...
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FAULTY TRANSMISSION - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By lsanti - September 7 - 10:30 amPurchase in 2006, with 32,000+ miles. Loved the ride!! Once I reached 60,000 miles I started having problems with my transmission. Come to find out this is a problem with the Maxima for years and its going to cost me $3500.00+ to repair. In addition, my CD player stopped working a year ago and the locks dont always open with the remote.
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Should have purchased something else. - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Mina Watkins - September 7 - 8:38 amI love the sleek look of my new 2016 Maxima SL but wish I would have purchased something else. I acceleration is poor. The cost not worth the car. I bought it in super black but having issues with the dealer because it The detail shop waxed it and now I have a lot of swirls and scratches in the paint.
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Makes my day, daily! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By LilKim - September 7 - 6:46 amAfter the untimely loss of my beloved Altima, I couldnt imagine life without another Nissan. Man this car has everything but the kitchen sink! and Im sure that was an option too... Drives like brand new, everything original. More power than is ever needed, best factory audio in its class, excellent dash design, leather, & the moonroof is so quiet I forget its wide open! Great road car. So far at 115K, no coil/sensor problems (knock on the woodgrain) :) but even that is a small price to pay for super luxury everyday. Not to mention I bought this car at such a GREAT price I feel like the Dealership got suckered.. hehe.. nice turn of the tables for a change!!
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Best Kept Secret! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By kuoyc - September 3 - 10:00 amMy first car was a 91 Maxima, lots of fun and very reliable. My little sister got a 96 Maxima GLE in 1995. My parents sold their 89 Century for another 96 Maxima GLE. In May of 1997, my other sister got a 97 Maxima SE. I followed w/ my second Maxima in Oct. of 1997. No, we are not associated w/ Nissan in anyway. But our history of 5 Maximas in 7 years speaks for itself.
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Top Score for Maxima 02 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Lanz - September 3 - 10:00 amThe best way to describe this sport/luxury sedan is INCREDIBLE!!! No other vehicle has as many options for the money as the GLE 02 Maxima. Standard Xenon headlights which are aimed perfectly so as not to blind oncoming traffic, heated steering wheel (try getting this on anything but an I- 35), multi-adjustable sunroof... the list goes on and on. And all this can be had for far under 30K!!! The doors close with that emphatic thud, the engine starts with a pleasant snarl, and a 200 watt BOSE stereo w/ 6 speakers and a subwoofer...it truly is a symphony on wheels. Compliments have been..."What a smooth ride!" "Great sound-system!" and "How much didnt it cost?"
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Worth the wait - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By 2K2_6spd - September 3 - 10:00 amI have wanted a Nissan Maxima since I was 22, and I am now 27 and finally can afford to own one, and all I can say is its worth the wait! I love to drive it, Ive only had it for a week, and already have 500 miles on it. The power s enough to keep me interested, and I have a 12 second Mustang. The tranny is great, and it is ohh sooo smooth on the hi-way.
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ONE BAD MAX - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Dorsey - September 3 - 10:00 amVERY NICE CAR,YOU WILL LOVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR FAST....
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Rock solid car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By CTmaxima - September 2 - 2:00 amBought 1 yr old with 40k, 10 yrs later with 210k all I have had to do was replace rubber, pads, the occasional caliper, and the starter. Switches and gauges all still functioning normally,but intermittently lose console lighting for AC/Radio and the antenna motor died. Fun to drive with plenty of power, I only wish I had gotten the manual transmission.
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Great combination of all driving factors - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By jkh - August 30 - 2:00 amThis is a great car--styling, performance, reliability, cost to own. It eats up miles without any problem or fuss and runs the canyon roads with aplomb. It is hard to find a comparable car out there that combines all of the attributes of the Maxima at its price point. Leave your ego behind, save $10- 15K, and enjoy driving.