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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  Extraordinary Drive - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Duane - May 26 - 11:06 am

  I have a 2005 Red SE Max w/ Driver Preferred Package. At the push of a button my steering wheel and leather seat heats up. I added a remote starter so the leather seats are heated when I enter the car. It has been fun getting into the car this winter. I had no problems pulling out of the snow. I just turn on the radio and cruise. My daughter loves the RDS. It shows the name of the artist and the song the radio station is playing. Eight way power seats with memory allows me to preset seat position. The seats and steering wheel actually automatically adjust to let me out when I turn the car off. Once I open the door to get in the steering wheel and seat adjust to let me back in. Extraorinary!

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  3 year review - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By clubber - May 24 - 9:33 am

  This is my second Maxima. The first I kept for 12 years and the engine ran beautifully until the day I traded her in for my current Max. The smoothness of the engine with all its power is my favorite perk. The car has never failed to start. I have the Bose sound system and it is great. The black color still comes up with a great shine. Interior is a bit spartan, however but instrument panel is easy to locate.

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  Still ticking - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By briellejade - May 21 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased this maxima after owning x3 other Nissans. I work home health and have driven this car 169,000 miles while all my co-workers have had new vehicles since employment, I am still driving my Maxima to the "Max". I do feel that the depreciation\trade-in value of such and expensive vehicle should be higher and does deter my notions of purchasing another new one.

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  2009 Maxima SV Premium PKG NAV - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By KVH - May 17 - 4:03 pm

  We purchased this 2009 Maxima SV on 8-1- 2008 with Premium PKG, Navigation every option available Winter Frost, double sunroof. This is the best driving and handling car we have owned. It will get 27 MPG avg mostly interstate driving at 75 mph. We get lots of compliments about the looks. We have not had a problem at all. A lot of equipment for the money. Very satisfied.

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  Nissan Maxima the Family Sports Car. - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Luis De la Fuente - May 17 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive. Great exterior look. Husband and Wife are 43years old and are over 280Lbs. and we have the room of a full size car. Handles great. Drove SUV before we got Maxima and do not miss the SUV. Kids like it too. Will pass car on to son in 2 to 3 years.

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  Nice and peppy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By John L. - May 17 - 2:00 am

  After four years driving GXE98 model I got another Maxima SE 03. GXE98 ,very good car, perfect reliability, well build car. New SE 03, with titanium package make me happy, very fast, smooth ride with sporty suspension, well design interior with many useful features. Perfect choice for sporty family car.

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  Rocket - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By rudepuppy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Best engine of all v-6 in production ANYWHERE. Blows away newer camrys and accords. New accord has smoother ride but balky transmission. New camry is a gramma car, toyota engine troubles on older cams and siennas has soured me on toyota.

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  CVT Unreal - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By stoppani - May 16 - 7:00 am

  Had other Maximas before but the 2007 has it all. If youve driven the 2004- 2006 Maxima a test drive in the 2007 will convince you to trade. Incredible acceleration and feel with the CVT. It has it all, looks, power, ability.

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  Nice Auto! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By stephen dudas - May 15 - 6:46 am

  I have had a 2004 and 2006 Maxima. The cars have been excellent and great quality and value. Performance is great, driver comforts and features excellent. One complaint is the stiff ride I would attribute to the 18 inch tires with stiff sidewalls. Very happy overall however.

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  gxe - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By graydon116 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  awesome. leased and would have bought at end except I had to get a minivan!