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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  13 yrs & still going strong - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By cool blue - March 11 - 2:33 am

  Very reliable, reasonable yearly maintenance costs, still looks good. Moves very quickly even though it only has 190 hp. I wish I was more talented mechanically to do a few mods to tighten handling; Its handling is decent but could be better.

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  Great car! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Fitz - March 8 - 12:00 am

  This is my third Maxima, and couldnt be happier with it. The car is truly a sports sedan car. It has ample power and solid handling. The front engine oversteer is a bit noticeable on hard corners, but overall feel is strong. Would highly recommend the car to anyone

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  2002 Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By kycol4u - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great overall car. Good performance and fun to drive....lots of room

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By pimpbotz - March 7 - 2:00 am

  The new maxima sl with the driver preferred package is a great car. Its very fast and comfortable.

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  Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By T.Husted - March 6 - 3:03 am

  2nd owner since 7/09 with 68K miles. Great Car. Power is smooth, the dynamics are great for a 14 year old car. Torque is much better compared to my Honda and it gets around 21 mpg mixed. Interior is great with the black leather. Trunk is large too for a car this size. Friends cant believe its a 96! I replaced all the entire Bose System. Now with bluetooth, HD radio, and MB Quart components, I couldnt be happier.

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  2003 Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Max007 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Maxima is the best sport sedan out there that offers great package.Recently I bought 03 GLE Max,I just love everything about this car. Overall its a great car to drive.

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  Great value for the money - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Olliemax - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima is a great car for the money. The engine is the best - incredibly smooth and revs freely. Im not as impressed with the auto transmission as it sometimes hesitates and seems tentative when accelerating after coasting at a slow speed(under 20 mph) Not terrible but sometimes annoying. Shifting is silky smooth under hard acceleration above 4000 rpm revs - very impressive. Comfortable cabin. Ive never had a maintenance problem. A very well made and fun to drive sedan.

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  Best Car ever owned - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By gazzoo - March 5 - 3:19 am

  This will be the last day driving the best car I have ever owned. The Maxima (Mimo for nickname) has flawlessly given everything I ever asked from it. The engine and torque are in perfect balance in every gear. Need to get up to 60 mph in third in order to get on the highway. Just slightly depress pedal half way and feel the hand of God push you back into your seat. This car was/is a thoroughbred race horse. It never hiccuped while making a 800 mile road trip while on cruise control or any trip for that matter. I managed to get 170K on the original clutch! And now after 197765 miles it still gets about 28mpg on the highway. It is time to trade in and get a car for the whole family. Thnx Mimo

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  My First Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By BIGED - March 3 - 7:16 pm

  Drives great! Love the comfort and controls. Gas mileage is Nice surprise 28-30 mpg. No major problems purchased used with 93K now at 103k miles. Great for long trips, great brakes and fast on freeways.

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  Maxima info - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010 maxima owner - March 3 - 6:53 pm

  Good looks, a head Turner nice interior and exterior. User friendly nav with voice recognition, bluetooth, XM all easy to use from steering wheel. Cooled seat, heated wheel and seats. Dual panel roof is nice color contrast whole roof is black. I tinted Windows. The 18 inch premium pack wheels are ok, I dropped the car an inch and put nice 20 inch rims. Great value, reliability with Nissan/longevity, re-sale and also a great car.