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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  Luv my Max except.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By l.smith - November 26 - 3:26 am

  I bought this car two months ago. I love the ext. styling. It looks so great. The SL model has everything and is comparable to Infiniti feature-wise. The one thing I really hate is the turning radius. I could make tighter turns in a bus. U-turns in one try just wont happen unless youre on a four lane road. Thats very disappointing that a car with so many great features comes up short in this one area. I dread even trying to make tight turns and sometimes wondered if I had been aware of it when I test drove it, if I still would have purchased it. From looking at 2006 and maybe even 2007 Maximas, Nissan still hasnt corrected what would make this car an absolute 10 in my opinion!

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  Still have my Max- follow up review - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By maxmus12 - November 24 - 3:30 am

  Following up from my last review April 2012. Today the car has 45k miles & still loving it. The wear and tear is holding up well. Leather seats still in great shape. In my first review I mentioned bad gas mileage. Honestly it is no different than the average V6 sedan with 3.5L engine. I took the car on a 570 mile one way road trip and gas mileage was not that bad. In my latest ratings, I knocked value score down. At 45k miles this car should be worth more than 19k. Still dealing with knock noise at 30mph. When running AC sitting at stop light or traffic the RPM idles lower than normal. Dealership said that is normal with compressor kicking in. Um..yeah. Still love my Maxima though.

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  Severly lacking in power - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - November 22 - 1:16 pm

  Wow... after getting beat by pickup trucks, dodge neons, honda civics, and nearly every other car on the road, I can honestly say I am starting to hate this car. You dont pay $30,000 for a car to get spanked by a $10,000 car. Its embarrassing. Forget about passing anyone and just take your place in line behind half the cars on the road. If someone wants to pass you, I suggest you go ahead and let em unless their car is blowing smoke out the exhaust, then you might have a chance to accelerate past them.

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  Exciting family car! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Narcis Gulan - November 22 - 1:50 am

  Excellent maintenance.

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  Pretty happy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pordy - November 19 - 1:16 pm

  Very nice car for the money- lots of kit, room, fast, comfortable, reliable- few competitors with a 6-sp. I bought 2 years old and now 2 years later and 50K miles total it has needed nothing. Id certainly buy it again. However, early 00s werent good times for Nissan and there are signs of things done on the cheap- leather has been durable but feels like vinyl, solid rear suspension, chronic wind noise around rear windows (TSB witstanding), non-adjustable rear headrests, intrusive trunk hinges, limited-slip only optional (and the 1 option mine doesnt have save navigation which I wouldnt want- forces cd changer in to trunk), some cheap plastics around e-brake and center storage

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  2004 nissan maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mark balemian - November 17 - 12:23 am

  the original tires goodyear went bad after 2 years and 40,000 miles the tires split on the inner and outer treadwalls

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  Thank You Lexus! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Yazoo - November 16 - 10:00 am

  If it were not for the Lexus GS series cars, this new Maxima design would not have happened. Its about time Nissan got rid of that solid rear axle... what a waste it was, this new car has a great new rear ind. suspension. My wife wanted the car... Nissan needs to try to apply what VW uses to ELIMINATE the torque steer! Wow... way too much for me... plus the NEW grill with that buck-tooth center is very ugly... reminds me of the 70s Oldsmobiles... The fake suede is getting dirty already... and the plastic interior door handles are already taking a beating from the kids.. hope they last beyond 2 years! Love the Nav... LOVE the engine...

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  An Impressive Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Samlong - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The 04 Maxima is an incredible car. Ive only had it for a few months and cannot even count how many heads Ive turned driving this vechile on the street. The unbelievable part is when I have BMWs, and Lexus driving staring at my Maxima. Wow . . . if that doesnt say anything, nothing well. Performance great as always, confortable, and the Boss system is awesome. All around a car thats fun to drive and stylish enough to turn heads on the road.

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  A car like a bat out of hell - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Alex - November 16 - 9:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned, period. This car is ultra smooth, and with the 5-speed, tons of power. The engine idles amazingly, fuel economy is great for a V6, and everything feels solid. Great handling, great engine sound with a cold-air intake. So much fun to drive, it is a joy. I always look forward to going somewhere because I know I get to drive this car. Very rewarding. Bose stereo is awesome and clear. Have not had any coil problems, but small problem if it does happen (Accords drop transmissions, Camrys interior falls apart). No car is perfect, but this is darn close. I bought for $17K with 17,000 miles, and its completely loaded. $28K sticker. Flew 800 miles to Oklahoma!

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  LEMON - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Melly - November 15 - 1:40 pm

  Nissan should be ashamed of the quality of this car. My car has been at the Nissan Dealership over 50 times in the past two years. I had to have front rotors replaced, when car was under warranty. The car was only at 30,000 miles. Next,I keep hearing a front-end noise and Nissan couldnt figure out the problem at all. Then at 75,000, my transmission had to be replaced costing me around 4,500. Several months after that, my AC compressor is totally burned out. I have went broke over this car and addition to paying the monthly note. Nissan must recall this car very soon. There has been to many similar complaints on this car.