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:

• 

  Overall great car with one problem. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - November 25 - 8:26 am

  Overall, love the car. Fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles. The only problem with the car has been in the steering wheel. It has had a tremor since Day One. The first diagnosis was "elliptical" tires caused by being tied down too tightly during transport. After many phone calls, the tires were replaced. That, however, didnt really solve the problem. The wheel continues to vibrate and shimmy. It has been in the shop several times but nothing has stopped the shaking. This has been frustrating.

• 

  FIrst time Nissan owner - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jozeph1074 - November 24 - 1:56 pm

  Being my first time as with a Nissan, I have been brand loyal to Toyota for over 15 yrs. But comparing what the 04 Maxima had to offer over the Camry at what I consider equal build quality, it was no comparison. The six speed transmission mated with the smooth 265HP V6 is just a example of how Nissan is listening to the market. Horsepower wars are back with all brands and Nissan has shown they are not going to be left behind.

• 

  Third Times the Charm - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By shk1123 - November 23 - 9:00 pm

  This is my third Maxima, and the 2007 model is by far the nicest, most exciting model ever produced. The CVT (whose effect does not change even when using the manual option of the automatic transmission) is a great option, and I think provides more consistent power. It looks quite a bit like the Lexus on the outside, but not close on the inside, and performance is not markedly different from what I could tell. Price is. A great car, as Maximas have long tended to be.

• 

  Loving it even more than I thought! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By FireFish - November 23 - 4:06 am

  In a nutshell - if youre even looking at this car, youre probably looking for the same thing I was. I loved the look of the 2007 Infinity G35 coupe and swore Id do anything to get it after test driving it. Aside from the compact factor, everything else I liked was tech related or cosmetic. I didnt get it b/c it was way over my budget at the time and once the new Maxima came out, it was literally love at first sight. My Maxine (you heard right) has Premium + Technology packages, ultimately containing everything that the G37 Coupe currently has in its interior aside from the 2-hand Infinity clock. Many reviews I read call the Maxima more of an Infinity than an Infinity itself. CAR IS FUN!

• 

  Maxin - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By iceprinzes - November 22 - 7:50 am

  I purchased this just before taking a road trip roughly 1200 miles round trip. This car is perfect, every where I go someone was asking me what it was. I got the white SV Sport Package. The leather seats are to die for and the pick is just outstanding. Another thing that I love about this car is when taking off from a full stop and punching the gas peddle I dont have to grab onto the steering wheel to control it. I live in the suburbs of DC and have only seen one other 09 on the road. I love this car!! Oh by the way this is my 3rd Maxima and 4th Nissan.

• 

  116000 miles and still going!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Momma to the Max - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous car for the money and age. I bought my car new- its the black/green metallic with buff leather interior,moon roof, heated seats(nice) and ABS brakes & all other options which came with the car. Its been to Florida & back several times, Canada (opened her up to over 100mph on the Northway) and she cruised at 75-80 mph. You would never know how fast youre going until you look at the speedometer...I LOVE THIS CAR! Oxygen sensor after 110000 miles and brakes/tires only repairs made.NOT EVEN A TUNE UP. I changed filters and plugs..thats it! I dont want to give it up its just a fab car ...scale 1 - 10 its "10" !!!!

• 

  WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jmaxima - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  I looked and looked and Maxima was finally my choice. You cant beat the rebate and you cant beat what you get. Mine is a fully loaded SE. The ride is a little harsher than the GLE....but its a sports car! The closest in price ans features would have to be the Acura TL Type S which to me feels like a much bigger car. When you compare you see you cant go wrong with MAX!

• 

  One of the BEST - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jmsworth - November 9 - 7:41 am

  This car is great, The oil everyones reporting being lost is due to a tiny rubber hose coming from the block to the oil filter, they used a cheap hose and EVERYONE has this issue. I replace it with a premium hose for about $2.99 at an auto parts store and viola, no more oil loss. My car had several performance modifications and was in the 400 hp range, 0-60 in under 4.3 sec. THE MOST SOLID CAR I EVER OWNED, I adore Japanese cars and American muscle as both are just full of potential. This maxima never went through tires, never overheated, never had ANY issues that were not product of my own doing. Most issues are due to lack of maintenance and car knowledge. Lost my Max in a car accident:(

• 

  Sporty Family Sedan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Anissa - November 6 - 8:16 am

  Bought 05 Maxima SL with GPS, Satellite, Elite Package...I tested and priced various vehicles including BMW and Lexus. The Maxima is a great vehicle for less money and exciting to drive for good old Dad. The kids love the heated rear seats and the DC connection for Laptop. The vehicle has plenty of power. I love the automatic to manual shift when I want to play.

• 

  Great Value for the Performance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Halwg - November 4 - 2:13 pm

  Just purchased the Maxima SL after driving Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred. This car is a great value for the performance and the accessories. I bought the red with tan leather...very sharp!!