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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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Darrell - June 24 - 12:26 pm

  Just received my new 2010 Maxima today. I considered other makes of cars before deciding upon the Maxima. I went to the dealership to look at the Altima. I test drove both the Altima and Maxima and I was blown away by the features in the Maxima.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Corvette098 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the car less than a week, but so far it is really awesome. The power is amazing, the transmission is smooth, especially in manual mode. The Bose system kicks ass. I have the DPP and the power steering wheel is a good thing to have. My only complaint is that no one knows anything about the satellite radio. The dealer says that all you need to do is activate it, but I think the receiver and antenna has to be installed first. I think the people selling you the car should know about this, otherwise getting the car was a painless experience.

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  Eh... could be better, could be worse... - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By MrPicky - June 21 - 5:03 pm

  The first Nissan purchased ever. Had a Jeep Gr. Cherokee V8 before so I wasnt as impressed as most were with the power. OEM tires stink - expensive and noisy. No traction up inclined snowy driveways - wheels spin easily which is probably why its even hard to drive up ramps for oil changes. Ive got a noise coming from the engine (30K miles) that sounds like a bad engine bearing, but I have yet to take it in to find out. The cover for the air filter is extremely difficult to reinstall. No major repairs up to this point, so all the little things are not a big deal.

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  Great Sedan! - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By austintx13 - June 20 - 8:23 pm

  Have had the 2013 Maxima SV with premium package for 3 months and Love it. Was coming out a 2002 Acura RL sedan & did a lot of research on imported 4 door sedans in the $35K - $45K range - Maxima SV won hands down against all competitors. Great ride, strong engine, CVT transmission with shift multiple options responsive handling, strong brakes, attractive body style very nice interior with Bose stereo. Local dealers were aggressive in their pricing too - all around I an quite happy with the Nissan Maxima SV Premium car - you wont be disappointed.

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  cennic at heart - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By karen higdon - June 18 - 10:00 am

  ihad this car for 2years i drive almost 40 thousand miles a yr. this car has gotten me thur rain,freezing ice storms,uncovered snowy road and save me from crazy drivers on the interstate.it seems that no matter how hard i am on this car it just keeps taking the abuse.i have never had such a reliable car with so few problems i have had alot of cars but this one takes the cake! all i have to say is if you want a car that has it all and need to fell secure in what your driving this is the car for you!

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  Very Good - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Luanda - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever driven. It is great.

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  Think Twice - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sonja killip - June 17 - 12:46 am

  I have had 4 Maximas and when I saw the 04 I had to have it and I bought this car the first week it came out. Since then I have had nothing but trouble. Ive had a new computer, 6 new injectors and now this week the dealership stated I need a new cat. converter. The tires have been replaced 2xs due to wearing out at 40,000 miles. This car has been in the shop more than any car I have ever owned. The front grill has also been replace due to peeling paint.The list goes on and on. I dont know if I will ever buy another Nissan.

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  Good, not great - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Good Car - June 15 - 10:13 pm

  Put 33k on my 2006 Maxima in 14 months and it is a decent car. Good performance, nice to look at, good highway mileage, stereo and bluetooth are excellent, and its a big car. However, Ive had the brakes done twice (11k and 26k), The lumbar in the seat broke, 2nd gear a little notchy when cold, and AC stopped blowing real cold air and dealership says its fine. Couple of annoying rattles in dash. My biggest complaint is seat comfort. No lumbar or upper back support compared to other "Sport" sedans. I drive 30k miles per year at least and my back is broke after a 300 mile drive. Back was never sore in my 2004 acura TL. So... going back to Acura or step-up to lexus/infiniti.

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  you will regret it I learned the hard way! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Texas 2015 - June 14 - 7:34 pm

  It will definitely gain attention on the road by the exterior design but that is about all this car can do for you. Very low mileage purchase in January of 2011. The first thing I noticed about a week later was the famous shimmy. Im doing 45-50 and the steering wheel starts shaking like a hula dancer. So of course I went back to the dealership they re balanced the tires. A week later it came back so I purchased 4 brand new Goodyear tires didnt solve it shimmy remained up until the end. March of 2011 had to have motor mounts replaced under warranty. September 2011 the timing chain was replaced under warranty thru Nissan. January 2012 the upper A/C hose was replaced for $600. July 2012 Power Steering leak was replaced. December 2012 both H.I.D headlights went out on the highway due to a bad ballast. March 2013 both CV Joints had to be replaced due to leakage. August 2013 The vehicle began to experience a hard start then that same day left me stranded at wal mart it was the Cam/crank sensors. January 2014 The Valve cover gaskets leaked oil. Fixed properly leaked again for a second time. June 2014 check engine light comes on P0420: Catalyst Efficiency Failure which means that catalytic converter was bad didnt replace. October 2014 Alternator fails. By December 2014 another check engine light this time the transmission needed to be replaced for a second time as had been by the previous owner. January 2015 traded for a 2009 Infiniti M. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR YOU ALONG WITH MY BROTHER,MYSELF,A MILLION OTHERS WILL REGRET IT.

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  Boy This Thing Is FASTTT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ThisThingIsFAAST - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fast its almost scary to drive. THIS model is definately worthy of the title of "4-door sports car"