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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  Love my Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris - December 9 - 12:43 am

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  Performance/Luxury Sedan - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken Harris - December 8 - 6:13 am

  The Maxima is an excellent choice in this price range fully loaded. I purchased the SE model fully loaded except for navigation. The 3.5 liter Nissan v6 is one of the best in the market. The CVT has extremely smooth operation with no feel of any downshifting or lag time. The ride is fairly smooth and road noise is minimal. The interior design is well constructed and overall I am very happy with the purchase. I have owned 3 Maximas previously, 1990, 1999 and 2001. Nissan has come a long way over the years. I plan to keep the 2008 Maxima for a very long time!!

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  No More Nissans - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By steanboat1 - December 7 - 6:53 am

  Purchased 2001 SE brand new for my wife and absolutely love the car at first - power, comfortable, ample interior space and did I mention Power. For the previous 15 years, weve owned Hondas and Toyotas and guess we were spoiled with their reliabilityr records of these. Starting at 30k we started having problems with the Maxima (O2 sensor, transmission, and Catalytic Converter). These are not your regular $200-$300 problems but more like $900- 1,300 a pop and you would expect these problems at 200+k versus 30-100k. I love the power and styling of Nissans, but I must say Im going back to the ole faithful Honda or Toyota for reliability and $$ saves in maintenance.

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  Reliable and affordable - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By amb4081 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car in early 2000 with 48K miles on it. I have only had to replace mostly maintenance items. I had one of the three O2 sensors fail ($90), knock sensor($150), and AC fan motor($cant remember). Everything else has been maintenace. I am very pleased with the car. Mine is a 5- speed manual and it has good pick-up for a larger sedan.

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  My Nissan - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter Sliwa - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I loves my Nissan, Its the best car I have had so far. Compared to my dads 1992 Mercedes S class, my car is much more fun to drive.

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  Fast and Reliable - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Rich255 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration, good handling, bullet-proof reliability. 18k miles in six months and not hint of a problem. Cruises effortlessly at highway+ speeds. If it wasnt a work office I would have gone with the 6-speed.

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  Rocket Update - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By rudepuppy - December 2 - 1:30 pm

  Original review 02-14-2003. A very good car, now with 64,000 miles. I dropped my comfort rating from 9 to 8 because I have tired of the firm ride. Economy rating from 9 to 8 because we avg. 24 mpg, down from 27 mpg first 3 years. Quality rating from 10 to 9 - anyone else have peeling paint? I washed the car this week, and paint is coming off the hood in quarter sized pieces - NOT GOOD! Well see how Nissan stands behind their cars now.

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  Almost a year - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Louisiana Drive - November 28 - 11:53 pm

  Ive had my second SE almost a year now. I drive between 2500 to 3000 per month. As with the 03, the 05 is a fantasic car. Its comfortable, stylish, and fast. I can easily get 28 MPG doing 80 and got 32 MPG at 70. Look no further for a good car. The torque steer is noticable, but love the power when you step on the gas. Youll get used to it. Get the sun roof to really enjoy the car, its worth the extra money.

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  A let down - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott D - November 28 - 11:13 pm

  Have owned other Maximas and have not been happy with my 2007 SL. Parks like a truck, have had ongoing problems with front struts, even after being replaced after 4 trips in. Have a co-worker with an 07 SE with the same issue yet deal claims they have not seen this before. Has nice speed and decent ride but handling is not great on the highway or on curves. Too much road noise in cabin.

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  Good car...a bad experience is on you - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By kolib - November 27 - 3:04 am

  I have had my 2007 maxima for 2 years now, and minus the minor necessities, I have not had to put any serious money into the car. I think all these bad reviews go back to the individual. People fail to realize there driving habits, conditions, etc play a big part into the longivity of their vechile. Most of us wait until the last minuet to get our car inspected or sent in for a tune up. Personally I have had a great experience with my max - and I came from a 2006 volvo xc90 (a very nice and luxuries SUV). My maxima is smooth, roomy, above average on fuel for its size, and the SL interior is up to par. I think people were expecting an infiniti not realizing they were buying a nissan