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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  04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mpp - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car with lots of power. Fun to drive except for the fuel economy. Doesnt get good gas mileage. Very roomy. Great sound system.

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  Shake your boody - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By hogwildlane - January 14 - 12:43 pm

  No turning radius at all, caused me some very sticky moments in u-turn type scenarios. Rear end eats tires for lunch >25000. Nissan said I was drifting based on tread wear. It does drift everytime you hit a bump. At 43 years old it has been quite some time since I spun out in the corners, memories of my 74 Nova in high school! Will not stay in alignment. Runs like a raped ape. Out run must on road but starts to shake at higher speeds. 6 speed manual/automatic is a blast but gas mileage suffers, < 20MPG in town. Interior quality very disappointing. 12 volt power port cover on console a joke compared to Altima set up. Very Noisy vehicle. Any one that rides on back has to yell to say anything

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  Nothing less than excellent - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Sesan - January 12 - 2:13 pm

  No doubt the 2005 Nissan Maxima is a car to be proud of. It gives you almost all you can ask for in a luxury sedan.The ride is so smooth that I want to drive it everywhere.I tried the Acura TL but it didnt give the kind of performance the Maxima gave.

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  Loads better than the Avalon - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By ron oliver - January 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife has had a 2000 maxima SEL...had it for 4 and half years..milage was just a tad over 38000..She has been wanting a gold color Avalon. To me the Avalon is a nice car with good history..but dull..dull..dull...and I talked her into getting another maxima, with the color she wanted and at a better price than the dull avalon...i like it..she will learn to like it...Its a lot more car for the money, and lots more fun to drive..now..lets just hope my wife is as convinced as I am...thank you...ron oliver

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  What a difference a Maxima makes! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BrownJ - January 7 - 8:43 am

  Super car for the money. Lots of power, quiet and you can even travel in it with out having to pull over and stretch after an hour. I traveled 4-1/2 hours without stopping once from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, CA.

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  This is what Maxima should be!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Farhad - January 6 - 11:36 pm

  This is my 3rd maxima and the best. My first one was a 95 and loved it, second one was a 2000, disappointing. I walked away from maxima since lost its personality. After driving other nissans like, 350Z, murano and altima coupe now Im back to maxima again and could not be happier. I love everything about this car...well just about everything, accept I wish it was rear wheel drive just like the infiniti G37. Maybe well get there in a few years.

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  2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By steve alter - January 5 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my Maxima for over 5 years and havent had any problems. Its fun to drive and looks great. It has been very reliable and I highly recommend it.

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  myMaxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nada - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Maxima. I use it as a commute car, and it is fun, fun, fun to drive. Main criteria were reliability and performance for a reasonable amount of money, and I got both with my 2000 Maxima. What I like the least about the car is the fuel economy, or the lack of - my driving style contributes to that :-) I highly recommand the car.

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  A Year Already - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bgm - January 3 - 10:00 am

  As expected the Maxima has performed exceptionally well over the first year. I have put 25K mileson my Maxima in the first year. The good: I have no major complaints about any of the major systems. The traction control works very well in deep snow. Fit and finish is outstanding. This car wants to go 80-90 mph. The not-good (mostly nit-picking): Problems with an ABS sensor has taken literally months to fix while the part was on back order. A problem with the CD player/Radio required a replacement. Sometimes feels soft in long turns like an on/off ramp. Overall: This is by far one of the best cars I have had the pleasure to drive.

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  Very happy, love it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By acere - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car to have, especially if you drive in the hwy. Engine very powerful, lots of room, sound system the best, lots of space in the trunk, love the idea of having Xenon light.