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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  oxygen sensor - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By papa - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Only problem I have had is faulty oxygen sensor. Have had an emmision problem in models 1992 and 1996 and now the 1999. Dealer Hyannis Nissan refuses to correct problem because over warranty even though I have complaind about problem before warranty ran out. Excuse was that their computer was down until recently.

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  Very Impressive - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Recontaz - April 22 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car for my wife in April, She was in need of a new car. We bought the SV model with the premium and tech package. What a deal, we got a very good deal on this vehicle and we are still impress and excited about the car. We just took it on the road for Memorial Day weekend and the ride was excellent and the passing power was just superb. We was having looks from people driving the Lexus and Infinity. When we parked the car, people were staring at it when they passed by. We purchased the Black so it looked good with the chrome on it. We tested the nav system going and coming back home and it was excellent, it even rerouted on its own when I tested and make a wrong turn.

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  What happened to Nissan and Quality - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Dirk - April 20 - 6:13 am

  This is my second 4th Gen Nissan Maxima. Fun to drive in a 5 speed, a true wolf in sheeps clothing. I sold my 95 for a fully loaded 99. Since November 06, Ive replaced the ignition coils ($600), alternator ($200), brake calipers ($200), a new clutch ($800), starter ($250) and NOW, gearbox/tranny work (proven factory defect) ($1000) - all in the last 6 months. The coils, tranny, and starter should at least last 10 years or the life of the vehicle. Similiar so should the alternator. This vehicle is NOT reasonably durable.

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  A Gas Hog That is Worth It - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By fat_professor - April 20 - 4:59 am

  I purchased a 2011 Maxima with premium and premium tech packages one week ago. It is a gorgeous car which is tremendous fun to drive. My previous vehicle was a 2009 Altima, and I can definitely notice a performance difference with only 20 more hp. There is plenty of room for all 4 of us to fit comfortably even with the slightly lower dual panel moonroof. The drivers seat is particularly comfortable. I bought the car in the Summer in Texas, and the chilled drivers seat is a tremendous bonus. The rear sunshade makes the clips on the carseats easier to touch and handle. We live in a city of 100,000 with a lot of 1-2 mile trips. Horrible town mileage (14-15), but 29.5 @ 70 on a highway trip.

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  Great Value! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wine/Spirits EC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  A much better road car than my 96. Over 4000 miles in two months. Very comfortable, and lotsa fun! Terrific acceleration in 3-4-5th gears can snap your head back! Everyone comments on how "cool" the car is, especially hard- to-please teenagers. The rear windows even go all the way down.

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  Spent a bit to keep it up, but great car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By rustysdad - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Just turned 100,000 miles. The car has been a pleasure. Id recommend it to anyone. Did have to spend $1500.00 to replace the clutch and rebuild the 5 speed transmission. Never any other problems. Theres no better combination of styling, economy, power, reliability out there as far as Im concerned.

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  good,fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By NicholPallot - April 14 - 5:40 am

  Hard rideing car. But, car handles great & is fast. I love my Maxima, I had Three Maximas 96,99, &02 Would like to get another, but fear lights will be stolen Thank you Nicholas Pallotto

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  Disgruntled in Ohio - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By BIGDAD - April 13 - 11:00 am

  Bought the SV with sports package. Really like the looks of the car and the engine/ transmission combination is sweet. Mileage is also quite good for a car of this type. My main complaint is that the ride comfort with the sport suspension and the low profile tires is extremely harsh and jittery on any road that is not reasonably smooth. And in my city in Ohio, smooth roads are in short supply. I know it is a sports sedan, but the engineers should have been able to design a more supple ride. In addition, I need to get the front fender repainted due to a dark area on the top. It is covered under warranty but is a real bummer.

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  Love my Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By peacock27 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is not my first Max but it is my first car with all the bells and whistles and I am loving it!

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  Great car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By delgado1 - April 12 - 2:16 pm

  We traded in our 2007 Maxima for the 2009 SV model. It was pricier than we would have liked but the base models were not close to our 07 SE model. This car has the power and handling that I would expect from such a car. This car is fun to drive everyday to work and on the weekends. I think this has to be the best Maxima ever. I just hope they dont change too many things on the 2010 model.