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 2621 through 2630 of 3,122.00-
Feelin Great about my 2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Houston Maxima - August 30 - 2:00 amYou cannot get a better combination of performance/styling, practicality, and price than the 2004 Maxima. I have put my first 4,000 miles on my Maxima without a single complaint. Its fun and fast and turns heads around town but is also practical enough to haul the wife, kids, and dogs around the Lone Star State with room to spare.
-
This car is awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By offthewall3669 - August 30 - 2:00 amI got this car when it first came out and it is awesome. I have the car fully loaded with navigation. This car is worth the money and it drives like a dream.
-
maximun fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By bbmax09 - August 28 - 9:56 pmThe wife and I were looking for a car to replace a VW Passat. We needed something that we both were comfortable driving.... I needed more headroom and wanted sporty performance, she wanted a four door that performed plus wasnt too big in parking lots. We tried the new VW CC and Passat, but the Maxima had more for the money. As a retired state trooper Im used to handling cars. I tried abrupt 180 degree steering wheel inputs on the Maxima and it handled them perfectly. I dont plan on taking the Maxima out on a race track, but its nice to know that it can handle crash avoidance maneuvers on the highway. This car is fun to drive and safer than the average sports car.
-
Recommended with one stipulation - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By Andy92 - August 28 - 4:20 pmI downsized from a 2005 BMW 545i, and I drove almost everything trying to emulate that “ultimate” ride. Well, good luck. This is a nicely equipped sedan, I got the S version with cloth seats. These can get pricey when you move up to an SV with various option packages. If you are used to a rear wheel drive sports sedan, you may not like the front wheel drive. I am having difficulty getting used to the handling drop off. I also drove the 300C and G8 GT, get those if you want rear wheel drive at a similar price point. I may trade it in early. Sigh.
-
I LOVE, LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By Laurie - August 28 - 1:16 pmI traded a Nissan Quest for the Maxima in the fall of 2007 and I couldnt be happier! My parents owned Datsun products when I was a kid--anyone remember the 280Z? This car is fun to drive, handles beautifully, lots of power, and extremely reliable. Not one problem since the purchase.
-
I LOVE my Maxima SE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By lynnr - August 28 - 10:00 amThis is the best car that I have ever owned. I will probably never drive anything other than a Maxima. I love the sporty look but it also has plenty of room. It handles great and the acceleration is awesome! It also gets good gas mileage for a car with this much power.
-
Great family hauler - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By whidby - August 28 - 10:00 amThis is my 2nd Maxima and they keep getting better. Plenty of room for occupants and a joy to drive on the highways.
-
dissapointed after reading reviews - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By marpey - August 28 - 10:00 amCoach work very poor Door gasketing an after thought Power steering turning radius too large Rides hard crowded interior very overpriced for the quality A pre priced car Windows shake when half opened Body makes creeking noise when going slowly over pavement.
-
Best V-6 made. Period. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Bpuppy - August 28 - 10:00 amThis is my second new Maxima. I love the power, styling, interior design, reliability and above all else- the engine. Name another midsize 4 door that has a 6-speed, limited slip differential, 255hp and does 0-60 in 6 seconds for under $27,000! Theres very little I dislike about this vehicle, and with Nissans reputation, an engine thats consistently on the 10 best engines list and a base price of under $25K, I think its a no brainer.
-
WOW !! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By rick - August 26 - 7:06 amI was on my way to test drive an Accord v-6, when my wife told me to take a look at the Maxima. What a tremendous car. I was able lease the Maxima for a lower payment than the Accord and it is way more car for the money. I hate when she is right!
