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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  I heart VQ30DE!!!!! (maxima motor) - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By IOWAEXPLORER - October 20 - 2:26 am

  I actually sold my 2nd maxima last year, but wanted to share my experience. First and foremost, there is so much to be said about the amazing 3.0 v6 standard in every maxima. Though 190 hp does not sound like much, this car will beat v8 muscle cars! Thats right! I owned both in 5 speed configurations, and have mixed reviews on the manual tranny...quality seems somewhat subpar for nissan....clutch is weak and expensive to replace. Clutch hydraulics gave me problems in both my 97 and 99. Transmission is questionable, but luckily never gave out on me. I recommend the 98 model, as the 99s nearly all have coil pack issues that are aggrivating. Maxima is a heck of a good all around car.

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  Rock Solid - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By zoomer - October 18 - 6:16 pm

  No unplanned maintenance. NONE. I have 30K miles on it and still on original tires and brakes. I cant over-emphasize how reliable this car has been. Engine power is excellent, but too much for the tires and suspension of the SL. So easy to spin tires and the body lean is a bit much under hard cornering. I was hoping for a cross between prior cars 350Z and Lexus GS300, and maybe shouldve got a MaxSE.

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  Better Brakes but otherwise solid - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By carl - October 16 - 2:20 am

  Bought used in 2002, with 60K miles. Replaced muffler, brakes, wheel bearings, tires. Redid alignment. For an old car, seems to be doing okay. People claim that these cars seem to go forever. A/C stopped working, power steering seems to have corroded. However the dings and scratches from life seem to be doing it in rather than mechanical things. Maybe now that Altimas made in the US, replacement parts might be cheaper.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By KenBen - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 96 Maxima SE new in Sept. of 95. It rides very well, still gets very good gas milage and the engine was the best of its day. Smooth and powerful, I have 116,000 miles, much more than Ive put on any of the many other cars Ive owned,(and two other friends with the same car have 110,000 and 175,000 miles respectively) and I cannot seem to part with it. I just bought new tires so I wont have to face that for another year or two. I dont know if the new ones stand out among their competition today as my Maxima did in 96, but Im glad I chose my first Nissan back then.

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  Awful - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By gp5454 - October 12 - 3:07 pm

  my 3rd Maxima I have owned and by far the absolute worst!! I have spent well over $8,000 on mechanical repairs (not maintenance) and it still has under 80k miles on it. Transmission valve body, both catalytic converters, both primary and secondary timing chains tensioners and guides, multiple sensors, 4 sets of headlights (considered maintenance if it were only 2, but 4 sets!!) I wish I still had my 96 which my neighbor still drives w/ 250k+ miles with minor repairs and maintenance.

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  Made the leap From Altima to Maxima - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Holcomb - October 12 - 12:04 pm

  I am loving my new Maxima Platinum 3.5 V6! All the things I loved about my 2007 Altima SE 3.5 V6 are in my new Maxima plus a ton of new technology and design improvements. I loved the powerful V6 CVT engine, the ultra comfortable seats, and the incredible reliability of my 2007 Altima, and now my daughter will be enjoying it too for the next few years. All of those things continue in my new Maxima, but now with I have soft and comfortable leather with the stylish Alcantara inserts, power front seats that are heated AND cooled, and all the driver infotainment comforts that anyone could wish for! Navigation, Satellite Radio, Apple Carplay, a great driver information computer/display, and sporty styling are all things I love about it. I live in Texas so my favorite new feature so far is the cooled front seats. They really make a big difference.

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  Made the leap From Altima to Maxima - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Holcomb - October 12 - 12:04 pm

  I am loving my new Maxima Platinum 3.5 V6! All the things I loved about my 2007 Altima SE 3.5 V6 are in my new Maxima plus a ton of new technology and design improvements. I loved the powerful V6 CVT engine, the ultra comfortable seats, and the incredible reliability of my 2007 Altima, and now my daughter will be enjoying it too for the next few years. All of those things continue in my new Maxima, but now with I have soft and comfortable leather with the stylish Alcantara inserts, power front seats that are heated AND cooled, and all the driver infotainment comforts that anyone could wish for! Navigation, Satellite Radio, Apple Carplay, a great driver information computer/display, and sporty styling are all things I love about it. I live in Texas so my favorite new feature so far is the cooled front seats. They really make a big difference.

• 

  Made the leap From Altima to Maxima - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Holcomb - October 12 - 12:04 pm

  I am loving my new Maxima Platinum 3.5 V6! All the things I loved about my 2007 Altima SE 3.5 V6 are in my new Maxima plus a ton of new technology and design improvements. I loved the powerful V6 CVT engine, the ultra comfortable seats, and the incredible reliability of my 2007 Altima, and now my daughter will be enjoying it too for the next few years. All of those things continue in my new Maxima, but now with I have soft and comfortable leather with the stylish Alcantara inserts, power front seats that are heated AND cooled, and all the driver infotainment comforts that anyone could wish for! Navigation, Satellite Radio, Apple Carplay, a great driver information computer/display, and sporty styling are all things I love about it. I live in Texas so my favorite new feature so far is the cooled front seats. They really make a big difference.

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  Worlds Best Synthetic Oil/Premium Gas/Air filter, 155K Still runs like the day I bought w/ 56k - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By loveurcar - October 12 - 4:50 am

  Bought my Maxima in "06" and switched to Full synthetic oil within the 1st 3k-4k miles and have always ran Marathon/Speedway brand Premium gas almost always except for traveling on vacation. After studying more about syn. oil and air filters. I found that Amsoil syn. 0w-30, Amsoil oil filter, and a nano fiber air filter that they recommend that filters down to the smallest particle size(oil filter also) on the market that last 100k(vacuum every 25k) to keep your oil clean between 10k-12k between oil change intervals or once a year. I only have to add around 1 qt of oil between intervals. Since owning the car the MPG improved after switching to listed above to 30 mpg hwy and 27 average.

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  fast, reliable, good looking car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By manero - October 12 - 2:00 am

  fast car with a stiff ride