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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  Nice Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By newdriver - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 82K in less then 2 years. Very happy with the performnce and look.

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  My 5th Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Fredw - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Totaly Awsome car! This is my 5th Maxima and the best one yet...Well worth the money!!!

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  My first bad auto purchase - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jimjam56 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Oil leak right out of the showroom! Nissan mechanics cant figure out where its coming from. Ive had this vehicle less than 24 hours. Nissan "official position"....we will not replace, but we will repair under warranty any defects......whether Ive owned the car for 3 hours or 3 years. They will not replace the vehicle. Can you imagine buying a brand new, top of the line car (a lemon) and Nissan wants to "fix it" as opposed to replacing it?

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By ilovecars - May 11 - 10:30 am

  This Maxima is my third Nissan. I still have the other two and love them. Very reliable and well built automobiles. We have had the 2002 Maxima, with every option, about three weeks and love it. As for the Bose audio and Nagigation system, must have options, in my opinion. About two seconds after using the Nav System I was hooked. Wonderful piece of gagetry. I bought the car virtually site unseen. I did not even test drive one. Ride, handling and performance are above expectations. Heated steering wheel, worth it. The Maxima is truly a wonderful car! We love the Maximas so much, my brother bought an almost identical car. His is a different color. :-)

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  4th Maxima is the Charm! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By TMINJ - May 11 - 6:43 am

  This 2009 is my 4th Maxima, (94,99 and 03) and by far the best. Have it for 6 months now. Handling is nice and the looks it gets are amazing as MaximaÂ’s are not sold in Germany. Love the body lines and hood. Was not happy with the design of the 04-08 models so this one really grew on me. I actually prefer driving this car daily as opposed to my 2008 335I convertible. Double moonroof is excellent, but it will make some noises when turning sharp out of the driveway. Stereo, and interior comfort are excellent. Some difficulties seeing the back end of the car. Silver with Black Leather is a nice combination. Looking forward to my 5th Maxima in a few years. Nissan did this one right.

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  Great performance and luxury - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill - May 9 - 5:20 pm

  I compared the Maxima, Acura TL, Accord, and G35. It came down to the Maxima and TL. For a comparably equipped car, the TL was about $2000 more. I loved the way of them drove, so I picked the Maxima becuase it was a little bit more roomy and cheaper. I really like this car. The power and luxury (I got all the bells and whistles) combo is great. I have had no initial quality problems and dont expect to have any. I find this car to be a great highway cruiser, but the real fun is how it performs on winding back roads. The acceleration, handling and braking are excellent. I dont see what all the fuss is about torque steer. 265 hp with front wheel drive is pushing the limits (but fun)

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  Today I bought a 2010 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By BHM - May 9 - 8:20 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. The style and performance today are nearly as good as when I bought it new in 1997. You can not find a more reliable car and a cheaper one to own. It has never needed any major repairs and has never left me stranded. I have 218,000 miles and it still starts right up, handles beautifully, and runs great. My wife has had 3 new cars (not Maximas)since I bought it. This car will not nickel and dime you like some American cars. I get 50,000 miles on the brakes. I love my Maxima so much that I just bought a new one. I will miss my "97" but I am confident that some lucky kid will enjoy another 200,000 plus miles. 1997 NISSAN-MAXIMA...What a car

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  the best sedan going - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Vince - May 7 - 10:53 am

  The Maxima is a very roomy sedan...lots of room front seat and back, and the trunk cant be beat as far as storage space. The performance side of the sedan is unparalleled among 4 doors when its time time put the hammer down, and the tiptronic tranny shifts just as well as the automatic version. The vehicle is a joy to drive, and I have been very impressed by the power and refinment. Highly recommended!

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  Great Car, only minor issues so far - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Splat - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our car for over 3 years now, and really enjoy it. Very reliable, except for some annoying squeeks in various places in the cabin (front pillars, roof liner).

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  Wow!! What a car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Madtown76 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Unlike most reviewers, I was looking for a Mid-Sized Sedan to replace our aging 2000 Hyundai Sonata. We looked at the Toyotas and Hondas, but nothing touched the Nissan when it came to price vs. performance. We purchased the car at $3,000 below MSRP with 3.5% 60 mos financing, so the price was definitely right!! This car rides super smooth and has plenty of giddy-up when needed. I couldnt be any happier!!