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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  Great Service and Fun to Drive - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Alan - November 5 - 10:53 am

  I purchased my 1996 Maxima GXE used with about 18,000 miles on it. I now have approximately 188,500. Very few repairs. Those of you who are buying high octane are wasting your money. I have been using 87 or 88 octane for the 9+ years I have owned it, and it performs just fine. I have tried 91 octane and couldnt detect any difference. Using 88 octane several years ago, it went up to 127 mph on a long empty straight stretch of road in Wyoming, and still had more to give when I backed off the throttle.

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  Maximas are the Best - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximas are the Best - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Maxima. This 97 model is the only one ever to have a brake down (alternator) and that turned out to be covered by the company as a recall--no cost repair.

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  2004 nissan maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By emt168 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The nissan product is the best, Ive owned nissans for16 years and my new maxima is the best for the money. Dealing with Peruzzi was a great expierience

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  Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By aliasabc - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive even for a family man

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  Love my Maxima! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By wes95 - October 31 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my 1996 Maxima GXE used in 2000 with 80,000 miles. Just recently crashed due to snowy weather with 226,000 miles on it. She would have kept going, an awesome car! I have been strict with maintenance through my local Nissan dealer from the start. Oil changes through 30K mile check-ups. I just replaced the exhaust two days before the accident due to rust and a small hole starting. Biggest expense I would say was to replace the oxygen sensors. No problems with the engine or transmission, still going strong till the day she died. Only things I would have liked to see improve would be the interior quality, the drivers side carpet wore out quickly. Good and long-lasting car.

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  All around good car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By higginsps - October 31 - 6:30 pm

  I bought this car 2 years old with 22K, it now is approaching 200K. Its been a very reliable, safe, and fun car. It is easy to park and I still get 27 MPG... use 91 or higher octane youll see the difference! Exhaust is still factory original.

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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul - October 30 - 10:43 am

  My 1999 Nissan Maxima is a great car. I bought it about two years ago and have not regretted it. I had the notorious problem with the coil packs at about 68,000 miles along with the knock sensor. Those repairs cost me about $1,300 and recently I had to replace all four tires again and replace the front struts because of a front-end issue which cost me about $1,200. For some reason the car eats tires but its most likely due to my driving habits. Driving the car is still a pleasure. It has quiet road manners and excellent performance. The engine is still quiet and serene, but will rocket off at your command. Just replace the oil when your supposed to and use premium gas and the Maxima will not dissapoint.

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  Best of 2009 - Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Feyzi - October 29 - 12:30 pm

  2009 Maxima 3.5 SV with Premium and Technology package in Silver Color replaces my 2004 Maxima. Nissan has done many things right with this car. You need to drive the new Maxima to appreciate the "Four Door Sports Sedan" motto. From outside, it has very unique and appealing design (pictures do not tell the story - you need to see it). Inside is full of technology which is very well integrated with the needs of the driver. The ride comfort and power is amazingly well blended in the premium package. Nissan raised the bar so high with this model that now they need to compete with a different class of cars. I strongly recommend this generation of Maxima.

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  Great Value---But Not a "4DSC". - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 4wheelpiliot - October 29 - 4:56 am

  Just leased a 2010 Maxima SV Premium Tech. This may be the best overall value in the segment...great style, very high feature content, solid performance and great build quality. Ive owned BMW, Infiniti, MB, Toyota, Acura, Nissan. Crossed-shopped TL SH- AWD, Audi A4/S4, 3 series. These are all superior 4 Door Sports Cars. But these are much more expensive to own and insure. FWD and CVT just cant come close to the level of pure driving excitement. The Maxima is simply a great car for the money....and in this economy, that is what I needed.

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  My Maxima rocks - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By B & B - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Leased this car originally & it has been such a great car, I bought it a few months before lease was up. This is the only car Ive ever wanted to buy after leasing it! Love the handling, comfort& power. I like a car that will jump out in traffic when necesary, & accelerate quickly when needed - this car does both very well. Even though GXE was the base model, it has many extras that I really appreciate. It feels like a luxury car, & is a great value for the price. It has been very reliable & weve had absolutley no problems,. Just replaced original tires at 39K miles, & have not needed to do anything else other than scheduled maintenance.