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:
Showing 2871 through 2880 of 3,122.00-
nissan maxima new york - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By tonypremiumnissan - October 29 - 2:00 amgreat,lots of fun to drive
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Great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By STEELROBS - October 29 - 2:00 amI love everything about this car.
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2003 maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By projo - October 28 - 10:00 amgood engine,fine interior, excellent head lights,superior handling. No opinion on traction control until the snow falls. The odometer reads about 2% short,as did the 2000 model we just sold.
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Love to the Max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By rideordie - October 27 - 2:36 pmIve had my max for a few weeks now and I love it. Ive driven many V6s but this CVT is, by far, the smoothest, and one of the quickest. It adjusts to your driving style so when your taking it easy, it drives in a higher gear for better fuel economy, and yes as someone said, it can feel a bit lethargic off the line in that mode. Feels like it starts in 2nd? However, if you drive a more aggressively, off the line, at 100 mph, or anywhere in between, this car is a beast! It automatically adjusts and rides in higher RPMs to stays in the "sweet spot" where are the power is. Its very sure-footed in corners with hardly no body roll, but feels a bit heavy. All around a quality built car.
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from BMW to Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By ceevee - October 27 - 10:46 ami wanted to save money. i was looking for style, comfort, performance. i found what i was looking for without having to pay too much for it. whats standard in the maxima is an arm and a leg when compred to audi, bmw, CTS Cadillac, Saab as they charged a lot more for all the extras that came standard with the maxima
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This car saved my LIFE!!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By micks maximan - October 25 - 4:43 amThe car is fun to drive and easy to handle. I have had this car for almost [?] when I was involved in a wreck. A car traveling in the opposite direction spun out of control and hit my nearly new Maxima in the front right, deploying airbags and spreading car parts everywhere. After sliding a good 100 feet on my rims I was struck again from behind by a second car. All the safety features work as designed! Unfortunately, my 2005 Maxima is totaled but I am not!!
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Maxima SE - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By steve - October 24 - 9:53 amI looked at just about every entry level luxury car there was out there. 328xi, lexus 350, infiniti g35, saab 9.3, audi a4, mercedes c300. All had the same thing in common, did not offer anything more than the Maxima except AWD, most looked nearly identical! All the same features for less money. I cannot see why people would pay thousands more for a car that is so close to the Maxima. I am a former Cadillac, Lincoln and BMW owner. I chose the SE, this is more sporty without the wood accent. This is an entry luxury car without the price tag. Without the name plate either but I can say one statement. I saw all the other cars and could have bought them instead, I love my new Maxima.
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Excellent Highway Performance - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By R. Gray - October 24 - 3:39 amSmooth, powerful highway performance, but terrible in confined areas. The vehicle has the turning radius of an aircraft carrier. For congested parking lots and tight narrow spaces this is the worst vehicle I have every driven--including but not limited to a pickup truck-- and should be avoided. If you drive in the wide open spaces of the highway system, this vehicle will delivery power, comfort, and very good mileage. Mechanically, this vehicle has required only routine maintenance for my 8+ years of ownership.
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Cramped Front Seat - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Jamell - October 22 - 11:00 amThis would be a great car except for the front seat. Its cramped & you have to been your leg sideways to reach the accelerator pedal. The middle front section is way too wide & the pedals are too far offset to the right. I recently rented one & my right leg was hurting after about 30 minutes. Its hard to get in & out as well. The front seat needs to be redesigned.
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Dr. Nismos Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Pete1234 - October 22 - 10:00 amLove the car, 2003 Titanium edition Maxima SE. Fast, handles decent. Real power isnt until 3-5k RPM. Car has some much torque its an upper body workout. Only 1 problem, my left front Bose speaker keeps going in and out, dealer said they will replace it. Also Bose Subwoofer is distorted. Dealer said there is a "bulletin" out about this problem and can be fixed in a few hours. Apparently there add some foam or something. Not happy w/ the Bose. The 6 CD in dash works fine, speakers sound like Kmart audio. Car is nice and big inside. Dash is a little weird, the clock is deep into the windshield. The SE handles like a shopping cart over bumps.
