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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  Our Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Mary Young - March 18 - 11:33 pm

  We are in the Real Estate business with the most plastic individuals around. They all drive $70,000 vehicles and above. I have driven in and driven Mercedes, BMW and Lexus and I have to say I like our car more. The Maxima is more comfortable and handles as well and we bought it in December and I still am not tired of the look. The cabin is so comfortable even when I am the passenger and even better behind the wheel.

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  Wow, is this fun to drive! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By sandiana - March 18 - 2:26 pm

  I absolutely love it so far! I just bought my Maxima SV on Saturday, so this review is based on my initial impressions. Its a very powerful engine (I traded up from an 07 Camry with 268 HP, and while that was a powerful car this seems much more so) and Im loving the CVT. I went w/the Monitor & Cold Pkgs, and the mats & splash guards. I got an amazing deal so decided to lease, when I typically buy my cars. I love that I was able to upgrade to a nicer, much more expensive car at such a reasonable price, and be able to get a new car in 39 months. My high ratings on Reliability & Build Quality are only a guess. I will update this review if anything changes down the road.

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  2009 Maxima: Car of The Year - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Rfoor - March 18 - 2:06 pm

  This car has it all. Luxury, sporty look, and great performance. On my long drives, and I drive a total of 4 hours per day to and from work, I get well over 30 mpg using cruise control and reasonable speeds. When I need to pass someone the V6 290 HP turns my luxury car into an aggressive sports car. I suggest white with black interior, really makes this car shine.

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  Attention ! Turn Off the Radio....SE MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wlp18NJ - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Maxima 04 Driver Preffered Package its LOOKS very cool.BUT DRIVING THIS CAR BETWEEN 65 TO 85MPH WITH WINDY WEATHER CONDITION (10 TO 25MPH WIND)YOU CAN REALLY HEAR THAT ANNOYING WHEEZING SOUND.I called the dealer and they said bec.of the design.Rediculous paying $30K PLEASE NISSAN WAKE-UP...

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  very satisfied - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack ingram - March 13 - 4:42 am

  I luv this car couldnt have asked for one better! I picked this car over a 2016 Hyundai Genesis way more features on it!!

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  I miss my Maxima! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By naf - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My dream car! It was a great car until a fire destroyed it. I loved the way it felt at high speeds on the high way. Excellent accleration. Pretty good gas mileage. I will buy one again!

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  Catch me if you can - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cam0001 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Maxima.(prev was a 1996 GLE)This one rides pretty hard. I think I would have been happier with the SL. It definately turns heads. The funny thing is that when ever I pull up to a light, everyone waits for me to pull off first. I love it! This car truly is a rocket.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Roosevelt Short - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  My 2004 Maxima exceed all my expectations thus far. It is a fun car to drive and a beautiful car to look at. This is my second Nissan Maxima. My first was a 1989 which I still have and have no intention of geting rid of. It has 180,000 miles and runs as good as it did the day I purchased it. I have had no major repairs and between the two cars I am likely not to ever purchase another during my life time baring a major collision.

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  maxed out maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bxmax - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Much better overall car than my 97 Maxima. All of the luxury car features at a family sedan price. All the power of a 2 door sports car hidden behind a 4 door family sedan outfit. Beats the crap out of my wifes BMW 328i in acceleration and comfort, but I would rather take that 40 mph curve doing 70 mph in the Bimmer!!!!! Great car.

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  2005 black on black with DPP - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Brad - March 11 - 6:03 am

  This car is great. Bought the black on black (only one in FL at the time) with moonroof and chrome 18s. With newly tinted windows, this car turns heads. Man, is it fast and is very comfortable. My dad had an 1987 SE and the car was great back then.