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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  Maxima platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Rhonda Massa - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  I looked for a sporty car that wouldnt break the bank for about 6 months. I finally found the maxima platinum and I LOVE it!

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  Maxima platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Rhonda Massa - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  I looked for a sporty car that wouldnt break the bank for about 6 months. I finally found the maxima platinum and I LOVE it!

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  Maxima platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Rhonda Massa - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  I looked for a sporty car that wouldnt break the bank for about 6 months. I finally found the maxima platinum and I LOVE it!

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  $30,000 for this? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jim - March 25 - 10:56 am

  The suspension is horrible. The front shock has been replaced as has the front strut, yet you still feel every crack in the road. The radio has to be turned up the noise level is so high. The drivers side power window has been repaired twice and it still goes up very slow. My avg. gas mileage runs around 18-20 mpg. I have to reset the clock every 4-6 weeks because it runs fast. The display screen that shows the radio station and time etc. had to be removed because it was cloudy and hampered viewing the settings. The lights do not adequately light the road, they seem to be misaligned, but I am told they are not. I keep checking to see if my lights are on and I have 20/20 vision.

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  1995 Maxima SE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By rfl - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best car I ever owned. Bought it new in 94. Now have 140,000 miles on it. Only problem has been a set of noisy chain tensioners. Car still looks and drives like new. Leather seats in interior are still flawless. The engine stills hits redline in a hurry with nary a hiccup.

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lee hudson - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Fun car but hard to keep clean,pain to dry with all the lines.

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  nice looks and drive - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jim - March 23 - 8:26 pm

  Have driven Mercedes and BMWs for years. Maxima ride not unlike either. Has a heavy feel like the MB. Fun to drive and reliable. I am at 16,000 miles and no problems yet. Front seats sit a little too high and turning radius way too wide. Would lease another

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  Good buy! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By sd - March 23 - 5:33 am

  Bought it when it was 34K miles. Now its 67K miles, no issues whatsoever! Pricey tires though, had to replace every year (but looks great). Some minor rattle coming from the center console. 20 mpg not sure whether its good or bad but somewhat high compared to my old 4 cyl Camry that was sold to get this one. Will buy M35 next after this one gets to be 100K.

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  Forever in the with the max - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jarvis Weber - March 21 - 1:43 pm

  Definitely fun to drive. Its the sedan of all sedans. I also owned a 99 limited edition, found it to be a bit small. Very pleased with the larger body, 18 inch wheels and dual exhaust.

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  Smaller on the inside while bigger on the outside - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By L Whiting - March 19 - 4:09 am

  Ive owned 09 & traded for a 12; loving them both except for each had cabin electronics failures before 34K... My test of the 16 was enjoyable yet uncomfortable. Why? The connection hit me when the salesman mention the aircraft cockpit styling changes. THAT WAS IT! Why I was so uncomfortable. the 16s new cabin mods reduced seat width and right leg room reminding me not of a fighter cockpit; but the cramped seating of all my hated 200 flights in the past 18 months. Sorry - the 12 will not got to a 2016 PS I miss the paddle shifters. I actually use them.