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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  2016 Nissan Maxima SR - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric M. - July 8 - 1:03 am

  Leased this vehicle almost a year ago. Great service from the sales team. Got a great deal. The car itself is fantastic for a car under 40k. I have the SR model in black with the camel tone Interior and it looks great. Good acceleration, comfortable ride, and great driving experience. The heated steering wheel is useless to me because I live Florida. I air conditioned steering wheel would be a great feature. Handling could be better, but overall its a fantastic car that has decent speed and would also make a good family car. I enjoy it thoroughly.

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  Amazing!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tri Guy - July 7 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. Second Maxima (96 is the other). Had it a week and it is amazing to drive. The cornering is tight and responsive. The interior is quiet and roomy. Lots of trunk space. Amazing amount of pick up when the accelorator is pushed and I havent even opened it up yet. The gas mileage isnt even close to what I was told I would get, but I also have been playing with the gas pedal so far, so once I get into the groove of the car, I would imagine (hope) it will go up. I recently put an aftermarket air filter on it and the torque has imporved as well.

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  2001 Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - July 6 - 3:06 pm

  I thought Nissan was the better deal compared to a comparable Accord. Boy was I wrong. In the past year Ive had to replace the rear calipers and the check engine light comes on randomly. At the time it first came on, the car was covered under the factory warranty. The Nissan dealer replaced what they said was a faulty oxygen sensor. The check engine light came on about 3 months later. By that time the warranty had expired. I had another shop determine it was a catalytic convertor. For now Ill just live with it.

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  WORTH EVERY PENNY! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dawson - July 4 - 2:00 am

  You will not find any car with this price tag. I looked for 6 months, with the same package that this car comes with, all were asking above 30k. GRADE: A++ NISSAN! Nissan did its homework!

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  2000 Nissan Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Guy - July 3 - 3:53 pm

  Hello all, Ive had my Nissan Maxima for about 4 yrs now. Not a bad car, it had 24,000 mi on it when I bought it in 2003, now has 112,500 mi on it. Besides the normal wear and tear, oil changes, expensive tires, I had to replace the front and rear rotors, both rear calipers, they leaked brake fluid. Had 1 ignition coil replaced at about 105,000 mi, that cost me $600. That was just one, they told me that the years 2000 to 2001 the coils were junk, so if you have one of those years, and you have not replaced them yet, youre lucky. Had to have the CPU reprogrammed, engine light came on due to the increase in ethanol to 10% from 5%. Its a very fast car with lots of power, Id buy another Nissan!

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  Combination of Sporty and Luxury - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Hal - July 3 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased the Maxima a month ago, after owining a Dodge Intrepid ES. Althought the Max is a smaller car, it still has adequate interior room and trunk space. I think it is almost the perfect combnation of sportiness and luxury, and compares favorably with cars costing much more.

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  Lots of problems with memory seats - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By jeayrs - June 29 - 7:37 pm

  This car has a rough ride and lots of road noise when driving over about 30mph. Have taken mine into the shop 3 times because the memory seats will not hold what is programed into them. Also had a problem with the steering wheel falling and locking into the down position after turning off the car and then it would not come back up when ignition was started. Again, another trip back to the shop.

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  POOR QUALITY - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By henduuu - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I really want to like this car. However, I have had nothing but problems with this car over the past year. Three engine coils (yep, thats half of them) have gone bad over the past six months. In addition, my computer was replaced within the first year, had to be updated again recently and now my oxygen sensor is having problems. Ive been into the service department more times with this car than I have with any car previously.

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  Maxed Out - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lisa Brooks - June 27 - 10:14 am

  I brought my 2004 Nissan Maxima SL at Motor City Auto Brokers in Waukegan, IL. When I first got the car I was in love with it. The gps, the put in radio with auxiliary, the pretty neon blue headlights, but after a few months my car started acting crazy. The steering wheel shakes, the brakes went bad, power steering is messed up, tires was messed up, parts of the car was broken. It was just maxed out. If you buy this car please get it checked out throughly before taking it off the lot. Keep up the maintenance. We had to take it to the shop and found out my car had many problems yet it drove like nothing was wrong. Not even a light came on. I would not even buy another car from Motor City Auto Brokers. Anyhow Im just sad that my car is maxed out lol I am planning on upgrading to the 2010 maxima. Lord willing.

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  Having fun with a six speed - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 6-speeder - June 24 - 10:56 pm

  I absolutely love it. It has been a good car for me. Buying it with 50,000 miles was miraculous. Especially with it being a six-speed. The car looks great and has beautiful horsepower. With it not being driven much I have had to replace the sprockets on the timing chain and little things along the way. But overall its a wonderful car I would recommend it to anyone.