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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  Near-Infiniti Quality! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Daniel J. - April 9 - 1:56 am

  As an owner of a 1998 Nissan Maxima, I eagerly awaited the release of the re-designed 2009 Maxima. I purchased the SV with Premium & Technology packages. The car handles very well and rides comfortably in spite of the 18" tires. The interior is inviting but has a mix of quality and inferior looking items. The plastic wood trim is somewhat of an eyesore and seems to detract from the numerous plush features. However, all of the other interior details make up for this shortcoming. The engine is very responsive and the CVT is seamless. You cant even feel the car shift!

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  Fast and good looking but eats oil - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By lostinfresno - April 8 - 11:56 pm

  Bought my Maxima in 2011 with 106000 car runs great and fast when using premium fuel. Mine has needed strus since the day I bought it. I have put 27K on it and im putting KYB strus on. My mechanic said the monroe struts are too weak for a cra of this performance level. Hard to believe my car burns 2 qts every 1k miles. With that said this car runs strong will fry the tires in first and second gear. I have replaced the factory stereo (that was junk) The interior is roomy and trunk is cavernous. I love the Zeon headlights most cars from 2002 don not have these in this price range I have replaced the radiator because the plastic tank developed a pin hole Still have original clutch

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  Lovin It - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim Irons - April 7 - 4:33 pm

  Bought mine right after the 2004 models arrived. Had to have it. Drove 50 miles to a dealer who had the right color and option pkg. The Driver Preferred package has more features than the 2000 I-30t Infiniti that I traded and at a lower sticker. Has never needed dealer repairs or adjustments. Just returned from a 2400 mile trip to Florida. Averaged 68 mph and 27 mpg by cars computer. Rock solid and very comfortable driving over 12 hours at a stretch. Lots of rear leg room and back seats fold -- have carried a 6-foot step ladder in back. I just might settle down with this one.

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  Elite Edition Orange Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By markscpu - April 7 - 3:00 am

  Great car. Wasnt afraid at all to buy a 2004 with 112,000 one-owner miles. I plan to take it to 200,000+ in the next 5 years (mostly highway driving). Worse case scenario, I may spend $1,200 on an engine/tranny/or front end work in the next 5 years. That makes for some cheap driving. Dont be afraid of miles people - you can get a hell of a deal on a late model car with some miles so Im more than happy that I can spend money for repairs if needed. So far, the car has been beyond excellent!

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  Love it - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Annie - April 1 - 1:26 am

  The first thing I did was replace the ugly grille! Now it looks perfect. Performance is exhilarating. Replaced OEM tires with upgrades and traction is much better. Bought a fully loaded one with heated SW, navigation, etc. and glad I did. Do 30 mpg on the highway, using regular on highway and 89 in town. Performs the same. Definitely one of the best cars Ive owned. Great value!

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  Pleased with the 03 Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ralph Iadarola - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a great sedan for those who like to drive - and yet have to consider the logistics related to hauling kids, etc. around town. Looking forward to keeping it for awhile - and expect Ill get my moneys worth out of it.

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  dyers review - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim Dyer - March 30 - 10:00 am

  My 02 Maxima is the best car Ive owned. The 255 hp engines performance is superb and runs great on regular. The heated seats and steering wheel make early morning winter drives bearable. I plan to keep it until 200,000 miles.

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  09 Maxima... SWEET! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By T Hart - March 28 - 2:30 am

  My wife and I just picked-up our Winter Frost, Maxima SV, w/Sport pkg. Its the first Nissan weve owned, and we couldnt be more pleased. I would HIGHLY recommend the Sport pkg. as it adds eye-popping 19in. rims, a spoiler, and fog lights, among several other amenities. It seems trivial, but Id also recommend mud flaps as they add an extra piece of trim just behind the front & rear tires. (These arent you dads Pontiac Camero mud flaps.) Nissan engineers pulled-out the stops from the remarkably smooth CVT to the telescopic steering wheel and well-appointed leather interior. The driving experience feels like youre in an F-14 cockpit and the exterior has the lines of a GS 400.

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  Shakey drive - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Wheel Shakes - March 27 - 6:43 pm

  This is the worse car that I have ever owned. From the time I drove it off the lot, nothing but suspension problems and back to the dealership 10 times and still have the problem. No good in snow or rain. Tires are over $200 each..bad choice of car and brand. Dealership could not keep the problem fixed. Wheel shakes all the time when driving.

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  2004 Sl nightmares! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jensie - March 27 - 3:36 am

  I purchased my 2004 SL in May of 2003 and have had problems ever since! Started with (1)swishing noise inside cabin = after 3 trips to dealer they finally replaced radiator, (2)steering wheel shaking = did many rotations, alignments, then all new brake job overhaul, (3)scrubbing noise up to 20 mph-biggest problem since Feb. 2005 = after 11 trips to 3 dif. dealers and dealing w/Nissan America (which is a joke), replaced rotors, wheel bearings, backing plate, yet the PROBLEM STILL EXISTS!, and finally (4) struts/mounts = just repaired. This was my 1st Nissan and I will never buy another. Im cleaning it up now and plan to sell it THIS WEEKEND!