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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  Why did they depart from this design? - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Serj - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive put over 10k miles on this car since april, and there is only one thing this car is short on; rear headroom. The engine is velvet-smooth and OMG fast. Interior is of VERY high quality & styling on the outside gets respectful glaces everywhere. Niceities include titanium package rims and stainless kickpanels. Wonderful to drive on twisties. Fuel econo is decent at 80, but keep it under 70, and youll see MPG numbers around 28! Steering is heavy but responsive, and doesnt lighten until about 110mph. the BOSE stereo lacks tuning features that ive seen in much less expensive setups.

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  LOVE my Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By eric_n26 - December 18 - 10:38 am

  I bought my 01 Maxima SE with every available option ($31,500 sticker) from the original owner in 2007 with 106k miles on it. It just rolled over to 145k miles and I know it would run to 200k easily. Things I love about this car are the sports-sedan styling, the extremely powerful and silky V6, its good interior space, & high-quality fit and finish. My car has been very reliable and the engine and tranny are great. To date, Ive had to fix a rear ABS wheel sensor, the catalytic converter, new alternator, and a hinge and spring for the fuel door rusted off. It is also starting to rust where the rear plastic bumper meets the metal body frame on both sides of the car, leaving orange-ish stains

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  Great Car! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By NissanBoy - December 18 - 9:30 am

  This is my third Nissan, which this one is the best by far. It has just what I was looking for comfort with a sporty feel. The 3.5 V6 has amazing power if used with premium gas, but the downside is it only gets about 16 mpg on avg. It also has loads of great luxury features at a cheap price. The quality could be a bit better, but when compared to other midsized sedans its above avg.

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  Reliable at 120,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima155 - December 17 - 1:31 pm

  First purchased my certified pre-owned Nissan Maxima in 2008 with 62,000 miles. I currently have over 120,000 miles on the car and is still reliable. The car is not as fun to drive as a BMW 3 series, but has been very affordable to maintain. Most of the repairs I have had done is wear and tear items. Brakes, rotors, exhaust, radiator, tires. Engine and transmission are utterly brilliant. Tip top shape and are extremely quiet. The car does have a few problems: service engine soon light has a faultily sensor, failing speed sensors cause the TCS to come on and off, and the BOSE subwoofer shorts out sometimes. Also, leather rips due to heated seats.

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  Welcome back Maxima, I missed you! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By J T - December 16 - 2:20 pm

  My 3rd maxima, and by far the best. I am glad maxima is back with much more personality than last two generations. This car is almost a infiniti. I red most of the reviews here and I see some owners rated the fuel economy at 5 to 8. NONSENSE. I rated at 10 because this is a powerful V6 engine car and for what it does gas mileage is fantastic. If you want to complain and cry about gas mileage, please do not buy this car, go buy a boring hybrid and yawn while you drive around. I love everything about this car. Its hot.

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  Disappointed overall - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Sad in KC - December 15 - 8:16 am

  Bought brand new 2004 was a great car until it needed tires rotated from that point on we had a shimmy in the front end. Steering wheel vibration very bad on highway at 50+. Dealer changed struts, we changed tires with good year, then GY took back and made allowance on new tires still had vibration. No matter what it had to have tires balanced every 1000, 1500 miles to not vibrate. Also breaks make noise all the time even after have them changed at dealer. Turning radius is awful, dont try to park the car without backing up and pulling in again every time. Love the car, hate the problems, traded for a Toyota Avalon 2008

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  Not bad, but not my favorite - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By JacobPlano - December 15 - 2:26 am

  I have owned many cars, M3, G35, and a CLK430, all of which were 2 door sport cars, but this time around I decided to go with something more logical for college. This car is a love hate relationship, I love that I can tote around 5 friends comfortably with a truck full of junk. But I hate the way it drives when I am alone, its quick for its size, but tire spin, turning radius, and handling are lacking majorly. Also is lacking with the toys, all my last cars have little nooks and crannys with something cool, this car is plain jane. Though, it is a great car for a family, or if you need something for easy city driving. But for fun, its not so great.

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  GREAT CAR BUT....... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stockcar races - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Maxima Sl, Love the heated steering wheel and heated seats for those cold days, Car handles great, controlablity arounf turns excellent, But, I wouldnt buy this car from Nissan 112 . The salesperson who sold me the car was rude and inconsiderate, wants to rush you with the sale and presures you to take the car home ASAP so he can get paid on his Commission, plus the day I was to take home the car, they added on to the sale price of my car that we agreed on, and added on alot of other misc. charges.

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  Enjoying the Stares - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By thornwall5 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my red 2004 SE in September and although this is my first Nissan car, it certainly will not be the last. For months I considered buying a G35 and even had a black one one on order. While waiting for the G, I discovered the new Maximas and it stole my heart. It seems to fit my 62"/200lb frame better. I must confess that Im also enjoying all of the stares, thumbs ups and compliments Im getting as well. Deliriously fun to drive!

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  its the best! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By youngest max driver - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I have now had my Maxima SE for four years. I bought it used in 99 as a 96 model. I havent had any major problems with it yet. The fuel pump is fine, the altenator is fine, and the car will stop on a dime! Even though it squeaks I think its the best 4 wheel brake car around!