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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  Amazing All Around - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Chiefslax1 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I absoulty love this car. When I sit behind the wheel i forget im in a sedan and think im in a sports car. The car has excellent pick up off the line, and the sports suspension hugs the corners. The bose stereo is a great option for serious music lovers.

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  Pleasure to Own - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DSKuc - March 1 - 10:00 am

  After 14 years of boring, but reliable Accords (EX V6 last owned), its a pleasure to drive/own the new Maxima...head and shoulders above the previous Maxima. This is a comfortable, fun to drive car that has more head-turning quotient than any other cars in its class/price group. The best value to me is the SE with the Drivers Preferred Pkg...I didnt need anything else. If one is considdering loading it up with more options, they might consider looking at an entry model Lexus.

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  My all-time favorite Car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By gm157usa - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car,powerful but smooth with good gas mileage.Super strong transmission that handles evrything I throw at it. i have the Dark Blue matallic color that is great. My only major problem thru 109k miles was my Sunroof stopped working at about 50k miles and Nissan wanted $1500 to fix it but because I was a good customer at the dealer they kept asking for a good faith discount from Nissan and after 6 months they fixed it for 650.00 i highly recommend this car!

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  My Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike NYC - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I`ve only owned the car almost 2 yrs and i put at least 30,000 on it and the only thing I had to do to it was brake pads(dealer pads are the only way to go).I had the car painted since then and some other things like rims,music,suspension and a ton of other things. I`ve pretty much bonded with it the car,it has been very good to me thus far.From gas milage to reliability no bigger bang for your buck.Everyone at one point or another should own a Maxima one day.My parents borrow the car from time to time and they ask me to sell it.....

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  2004 maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By james - February 25 - 5:33 am

  Responds exceptionally well. Accelerates immediately when the gas is pressed. However, the computer terminal is not entirely intuitive.

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  fast - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By victah - February 22 - 5:00 am

  this car is very fast fun to drive with leather inside full loaded cd player the sound system is amazing alsome i love the ts system 29 mpg great car and heated sets lol this rocks.

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  Rock Solid Fun - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Dean - February 21 - 9:20 pm

  This is actually my second Maxima and I am a true believer. Having owned Toyotas and Hondas which are also great, these are the best sedans made. The style is attractive and fresh despite its age (10 years)! It has great acceleration and spunk, but I average an easy 25+ mpg. in combination driving. After two years and nearly 35k miles, I have only replaced the alternator, tires and oil. The interior is plush and refined, but can handle kids, spills and mud always cleaning nicely. The engine and transmission show no signs of slowing down, and I have no strange clanging noises or tired groans. The body refuses rust and the doors still thump shut like new. I just could not be more pleased.

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  99 Nissan Maxima SE Limited - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximus - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Maxima. Its got one of the best, if the not the best V6 there is (or was in 1999). Ive only had minor problems with it. These problems were: Air Blower in car makes a whistling noise, drivers seat creaks a little, and the micro-chip keys can be erased if put on the counter in a store like Target or Walmart (which then requires a tow($75)and key re- coding at Nissan($40). I never had any major problems. Overall, its a great car that Im going to keep even after its paid off.

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  Peeling grill, oil leaking - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tigger - February 20 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this car brand new and I loved it for the first 2 years. Then.. The main problems I have are the grill peels, I have replaced the brakes and pads several times and it still shimmys at high speeds, and I have oil leak. I have changed the oil every 2000 miles and I treat it like my baby. Unfortunately the CD player stopped working and the CD is stuck. The sun roof wont open and last but not least the car is very difficult to turn without going back and forth a few times. The heating system is terrible. It is near impossible to get it to defrost if it is humid out. This car has always been in the garage too.

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  The working mans luxury car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By shamarcus - February 19 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 in CA with ~42k miles. Now 107k miles. Black SE model with cloth seats and sunroof being the major options. The A/C delivered cold air in the deserts of the southwest. The heater delivers heat in minus 20 degrees cold of Alaska. I did experience one ignition coil to die on me. Since I deal with a lot of stop and go traffic, I have gone through 2 sets of brakes and rotors front and back (due to size of car). Besides that, normal maintenance. I averaged 18.5 / 24 mpg city/Hwy in CA. In AK, I average 20mpg/26mpg. If I were to move back to the gulf coast, I can expect 22mpg/29mpg. Regional gas makes a difference. I plan to keep this car to over 200k miles.