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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  Best under $30 sports sedan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BAW - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Lets face it - there is no other sports sedan of this caliber under $30K. Nissan tried it with the Altima and that thing is sooo cheap its scary. The only real downside is that it has more power than the handling permits - you need to toss the tires right away as a start.

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  NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By LUIS SERRAS - August 22 - 3:40 am

  Performace:Very powerfull driving:Smooth drive low engine noise interior:Nice design every thing is in your hands perfect driver front view exterior:Agressive sedan look

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  Great Car, BUT... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By nmorrisasu - August 19 - 2:13 pm

  IÂ’ve owned many Maximas and all were good cars (94, 97, 98, 2002). But this one is the best Maxima yet! However, with all that there is a down side with this car. As was the case with my old 2002 MAX, this one seems not to have a good sense of direction. The steering doesnÂ’t stay straight and tends to wonder around left-right based on the road crown and irregularities. There was also a strong pull to the right that was partially fixed by the dealer swapping the wheels from left to right sides. If I knew that the 09 would have a similar steering issues as my old 2002, I would have gone for a different car. Other than that, I have no complaint so far (5K miles).

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  First Nissan - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Doyle - August 19 - 10:21 am

  I traded a Chevy Tahoe in for my Maxima Platinum. This is the first car I have owned since high school (I am 68). I am very impressed with this car. Believe me I did a lot of research and drove several vehicles before buying this car. I actually went to the dealer to look at a smaller suv, when I saw the Maxima I was really impressed with the body style and all the features on the Maxima Platinum. One of my main concerns was road noise, I told the salesman that if the car had road noise I was not interested. After driving, I was completely sold on this car. For the price, you will not find a classier sedan.

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  Commuter that fails to be boring... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Vlad - August 15 - 4:03 pm

  After 2 years of ownership, this cars design still looks fresh and not aged. Especially lively this car is with 5 speed transmission, which I was lucky to locate. Just downshift and its famously smooth and juicy VQ30DE V6 engine (rated best V6 for past 10 years) still performs on par with modern V6s. With 136K miles presently, maintenance covers way more parts, like tensioners, sensors, power coils. Yet I never had big issues except broken throw-out bearing that left me stranded 60 miles away from home and a failed injector. However, for its miles this car still holds very solid and I am sure I will easily pass 200K mark still on original transmission and with some minor repairs!

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  Great car!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By zip12 - August 13 - 5:40 am

  Purchased a 09 Maxima SV in black. Sweet car. Has all of the latest technology, a great ride, and is very comfortable.

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  Excellent Automobile - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mathilde - August 13 - 3:16 am

  This car has been totally reliable for my husband and me in the 2 1/2 years we have owned it, routine maintanence only, no problems whatsoever. This is the second Maxima I have owned and would definitely recommend this car as a solid, reliable and fun vehicle to own. We have two children and they fit in the back just fine, a little tight with two carseats.

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  Wonderful driving experience - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By gnewell - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the car and I was instantly in love. I traded in my 2000 Honda Accord EX in favor of the 2004 maxima. Be careful, if you test drive the new maxima you may end up leaving with one.

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  Eli A - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Eli A - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Steering wheel vibration after 45mph dealership claimed it was repaired but there still is a slight vibration in wheel

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  Positive feedback - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - August 6 - 12:56 am

  I purchased my Maxima in 2002 as it was the last year before they changed the style. It has been very easy to drive and I have really enjoyed it. Plus it is several thousand dollars less than its cousin the Infiniti!!