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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  One month only review for 2004 maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By noahw - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I had the maxima for only 1 month. So far so good. Its very smooth on the highway and has power to spare. Still finding extras such as garage door opener built in, storage space above the rear view mirror, side view mirrors folding in.

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  DONT BUY IT - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By kay d. - May 1 - 4:00 pm

  This is the worst car I have owned. I should have kept my previous car. This car is good to look at but nissan compromised on quality with this car. I have been having mechanical problems since purchasing this vehicle and no one can seem to fix the problem. There is a thumping noise coming from the wheel area. The interior is missing simple things like coin compartment and sun/eye glass holder. I am short and feel it lacks head room. the seats are horrible and the air conditioning/heated driver seat is a joke. I am ready to trade in this vehicle in.

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  no ride - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By walking boy - May 1 - 6:26 am

  After 2 months while driving, the gauges went dead along with turn signals, and the fan air etc. Took the car back to the dealer and they took 6 hrs to find the problem ( they think) the part been on order for 31 days. No car.the dealer wont returns calls and left me with a 800 # where you wait 30 min before they take your call. Then all they tell you is youre high priority and your case worker will call you back. Im still waiting for my call back

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  Superiority Before Its Time - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By JGree23 - April 30 - 3:46 am

  I bought this car for $3000 with 160K miles. At first I didnt know what to expect out of this car. I had just sold my 2001 Acura Cl Type-S, due to transmission problems made by the manufacturer. After 1 week of being in this car, I was completely shocked that my Acura only had a few things that the Nissan did not. This Nissan has it all, power, comfort, and plenty of room. I stand 6"2 and there was still room behind my seat. This car is a solid driver, refilled every oil and fluid as soon as I got it and car has never gave me a problem. It rides extremely smooth. It simple has everything I need. 22 MPG city/ 28 MPG highway, always used 91 Premium Gas.

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  Great car up until - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By ballbreaker910 - April 29 - 7:14 am

  I purchased my 99 Maxima in 2010 with 104000 Miles. I was sure this car would be reliable which it was up until I hit a severe bump in the Bronx, NY. The car was never the same since. The exhaust ended up falling off. I repaired that. The axel needed to be replaced. Done. The starter failed. Repaired that. Bushing, ball joints and breaks went. Repaired. Trunk wouldnÂ’t open. Solved that issue. So my mechanic really believed in this car. Then lastly I went out to start the car one day and the car began to sputter. Felt awful. Turned out to be the coil pack. For anyone who knows anything about coil packsÂ… When one failsÂ… The remaining coil packs may be soon to follow. So I spent the $275 to fix

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  New car purchase - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By brian - April 28 - 10:51 pm

  Decided getting this car brought a 3.5 Platinum. It is a good looking car even can drive it to baseball games and NFL FOOTBALL Stadiums has everything that so equipped in all of the bells and whistles. Navigation system and ventilated and heated seats are impressive including panoramic moon roof - Bluetooth work for my Samsung Galaxy S6 electronics seems better in this new car. Maxima performance is amazing keep it Sport mode only) - CVT is incredible as car got new 300 horsepower 3-5L engine faster acceleration a smoother aggressive ride. I love how comfortable these seats they absolutely hug you only complaint interior size is smaller feels little snugged other than I satisfied with fit and finish materials. New technology is excellent just liking my car its beautiful on outside new design of exterior - LED Lights got more slimmer its much more fun to drive. Incentives, prices and values are bringing this car down I dont know seems sells on these cars arent too shabby well at least times will changed after while but I am glad purchased my Platinum its a great looking vehicle compared to other luxury cars as non-expensive brand like Nissan. So far recently purchased a few weeks ago blown away on everything inside and out of this car new looks and a outstanding interior design Nissan has improved a lot on this car its better than compared with last model new model is a computer car advanced handles better more quiet on highway definitely stylish in lots new upgrades.

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  2004 Maxima is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By davidh11 - April 28 - 9:38 am

  I bought my 04 Maxima used in 2008 with 69K miles on it. Ive had nothing but trouble with it since I bought it. Transmission went out at 87k miles. The dealerships mechanic told me he has seen many Maximas come in with a bad Valve Body causing the tranny to slip and also slam into gear from park to drive. Luckily my extended warranty covered it. Here is the long list of problems Ive had with the car since then: bad radiator fan assembly, ignition coil, valve cover gasket, 2 broken motor mounts, bad altenator, tie rod end, bad cat converter, rear wheel bearing, and power window motor. I traded it in last week and good riddence!!

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  Four Door Fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By 09NMFan - April 25 - 10:36 pm

  I have had this car nearly five months and love it. It is gorgeous to look at. I get tons of compliments on its styling. It is fun to drive, very intuitive and sporty while feeling like a luxury car. My previous vehicle was a Jaguar and I am not disappointed in my Maxima. Love the control panel. It is easy to read and use. The iPod integration is excellent. I find myself wanting to go places just to drive my car. I have not had any problems with it. My only complaint is that I am only averaging 18 miles to the gallon in mostly city driving. I have taken road trips with four adults in hilly terrain. All adults were comfortable the entire time. Truly a four door gem!! Very versatile car.

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  This is an awesome car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tracie - April 22 - 1:20 pm

  I have had many cars, but there will NEVER be another great car like my 96 Max SE - bought with 45K, gave to my 16 yr old at 120K and he has had through high school and now through college and has 215K on it. Now lately it has needed an alternator, starter and now a water pump. Well those costs for a college aged kids car are minimal compared to a car payment. Maxs engine and transmission are still better than my new car that I have. Dont have a problem putting about $600 repairs because I know it will run for another 50K miles. A while back, he hit an Explorer hitch and that darn Max drove him home safely. I love love love this car! Shes part of the family!

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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Mc - April 22 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Nissan, first 2 (93 Max Gxe, 95 Altima GXE) were leased. The current 99 Max GLE was purchased. Has 55K mi and not a single problem. The car still looks and runs like the day it left the showroom. No plans to replace any time soon!