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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  WOW! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By JD - March 13 - 10:43 pm

  Nissan really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. This car is awesome! Why buy a fifty grand euro car when you get more for your buck with this beauty. I almost bought a M35X. The Maxima was good enough for me to reconsider the extra 12 grand I would have spent.

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  I love my car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Lily - March 11 - 8:10 pm

  I love this car, it is incredibly fun to drive. It feels like it has more power than the numbers indicate, and the engine is incredibly smooth and light. I have never had any trouble passing someone when I need to, from a stop or on the highway. The steering feels a little loose, but when you get used to the car it can take turns and dip lanes beautifully. For the amount that I beat up on the car (a LOT, I push the car to its limits more than I should) it has proved incredibly strong and durable. It has never broken down without giving me warning for months beforehand, and it was my fault for being to lazy to get it fixed. This car has sold me on Maximas forever. I love it.

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  best car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By MikeWiser2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  built well. very few repairs if any. comfortable. hugs the road. smooth drive. pretty. presentable. roomy.

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  its a monster - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By fattboyy1105 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  A great performer in all aspects,unbelievable perfomance all around!!!!!!

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  Not the Altima, at all!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chad in Atl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Its funny to read reviews about "the Maxima is just an expensive Altima." These reviews are obviously done by those comparing based on the specs on the internet. I drove both today and there is a world of difference. The Altima is much like my 99 Maxima (just traded) with a little engine and amenities improvement. The Maxima is a stellar "near-luxury" vehicle that will compare more to BMW, Audi (6s), Lexus, etc. Much more attention to detail was paid to the Maxima on interior and exterior styling. It is truly shocking how much better this car is from any car I have ever owned. The power is phenominal! More than the 5.0 of my youth. (cont. below)

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  First Review - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nigelb - March 9 - 11:43 am

  Speed and agility is superb. Drive handling and cornering is excellent. Technology package surpasses any other package Ive encountered. Interior space seem tight for a mid-large car

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  Big Disappointment! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By bruin in Ottawa - March 7 - 7:10 pm

  This car has given me no confidence in the Nissan brand. It has a horrible fit and finish. This is going to catch up with Nissan just like it did with the big three.

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  buy a honda - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By monroe - March 5 - 5:03 am

  My wife bought this car in 2000 before we were married and it has been great until it hit about 60,000 miles. Like the others the coils have went out and front end and rear end suspension needs replacing. Tires are outrageously overpriced for the 17". The car is also louder than my 2002 accord. The gas mileage has never been good. For the price that she paid and what I paid for the accord I think that I came out a lot better. With 77,000 on the maxima I think that the tranny is going out. It loses power at high(over 3700) rpms. any sugestion?

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  1997 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By winston1 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 4 Maximas, and Nissan continues to do a good job of building a quality comfortable, dependable car.

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  Great for now, but... - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By JJ san - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive done 70k miles in this car in under 2 years and I must say its been very reliable, no problems other than wear and tear stuff (beakes, etc). However, Ive noticed the engine has gotten a little noisier in the past few months, only to be told by nissan that its normal for a car with this mileage. Surely a car isnt over the hill at 75k!! Also, the handling has always been a little clumsy. I find the throttle unsresponsive and use the brakes a lot. Drove a rental Max SE (2002?) this week - thru the mountains of Oregon - and it was a joy to drive. Perhaps they worked out the bugs on my model...