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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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NICOLE836 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! MY SECOND NISSAN. GREAT HANDLING ESPECIALLY IN THE SNOW! THIS CAR IS SWEET AND FAST! PEOPLE ARE CONSTANTLY STARING AT ME!

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  Maxima, Superior to BMW, Cadillac, volks - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By fkovats - December 3 - 2:00 am

  A No Brainer buy

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  Love My Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By carolinagirl7 - December 1 - 6:20 am

  Bought my 2001 Nissan Maxima in Dec 2003 and it has been a great car! Love the way it handles. Its roomy and very comfortable. It now has 194k miles and still going strong. Only regular maintenance done over the 10 years Ive owned the car. When I sell this one, I hope to get another Maxima.

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  20th Anniversary Edition Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Brooklynborn - December 1 - 4:16 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and I absolutely love this car. Ive had it 4 and a half years now. The car rides smooth and quiet. It has a strong 227 Hp engine, the same one found in the 2001 Infinity I30. 4900 miles on it and still performs like new. No problems to report. All Ive done to this car is replaced the tires when needed. The reliability of this car is excellent. This is exactly why I buy Maximas and nothing else, its the best car for the money. Im about to buy a 2006 Maxima. Ive received many great offers on my car to sell.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By SoonToBeME - November 29 - 3:53 pm

  My car has 191,000 miles and shes still purring. Most reliable car Ive ever owned. I am astounded at the people on here who spent $600-$700 dollars on ignition coils. Yes, four of mine have been replaced, but its as simple as a couple screws and a plug. I got mine for $50/ea. and installed them myself. Im no mechanic. Ill drive this car till the engine dies, and honestly I dont see that happening for a long time. Great car, and if youre here youre thinking of buying one. My suggestion is absolutely do it... youll never regret it.

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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WMW - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable to drive or ride in, smooth acceleration, lots of power. The exterior is sure to turn some heads with a front grill that is eyecatching and great shape. The standard sunroof that covers both the front and back seats is interesting. The interior combination of wood, metal and leather makes it look like cars costing much more. Ive had the car for about 4 weeks now and still find myself taking the long way so that I can drive it some more.

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  Its a Little Bumpier than I had Hoped - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BellmorePole - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The exterior of my 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE is an extremely sharp looking vehicle. All interior controls and dials are handy . The climate control fans are noisy until the internal cockpit reaches the set temperature. The front seating is roomy and the leather seats are very comfortable. The rear seats provide enough legroom for any passenger. Acceleration is excellent. It reaches 60 mph faster than promised. I did expect a ride that was smoother than I am experiencing to date from the GLE. The dealer felt that the tire pressure might be of fault but when checked for my 3 month checkup by Nissan it was determined to be the correct psi in all the tires.

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  Had to buy another GLE! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jetguy - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car from a dealer about 1 hour away. Traded our 2000 GLE with 34k miles. This 03 did not disappoint. The ride was just as smooth as the 00. The added features, memory seats and 6 cd changer, were welcomed as standards. The extra 33HP make the car seem to relax more when accelerating.

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  SPEED, LUXURY, and all the goodies! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By ATOice - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Youve got to be kidding me, LEXUS IS? Not even worth it. This bad boy would smoke all in its class. I looked at the Lexus IS 300, Maxima SE, and Acura 3.2 CL Type-S. Bang for the buck, Maxima is the way to go. I torched the tires in second gear going up an Hill at a 50 Degree angle and it ran as well as my Supercharged Integra. If it werent for love and kids, I would keep it, but instead, I am getting a sports car for me, and a family car for the family. Save yourself over 8 thousand dollars and get the Maxima, you will be doing yourself a favor. You will enjoy the interior (comfort), exterior (looks), and performance (Speed and handling).

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  2008 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5 - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By robin0107 - November 25 - 7:10 pm

  I have own 2 Maximas before and have returned to one after 4 years. I found a like new limited eddition for a good price. It drives well and is very quiet. I have found no problems or complaints so far. It gives me 26.1 miles per galons, good confort and nice ride.