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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  Supurb - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Raymond Thomas - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Then handleing and ride are very good.Road noise is minimal,sound system is one of the best,braking is good Inside and out features are very well done.turning radius could be shorter .comfort is very good.This car comes very well equiped.

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  Love My maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Ride is Great Power plant so far is awesume.handles rela good. Was looking for a Luxury car but always needed to sooth the kid in me with sportier model. Well I got it here. Service has bee exellent. To the Guy up futher if you hold the channel button on steering wheel it will change channels on radio without seeking. So far very Happy. Only draw back is it doesnt have retractable wings so you could really fly

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  Cool car - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom Lentz - September 21 - 10:48 am

  Very reliable sporty car with very little issues. Roomy inside and comfortable seats

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  Nissan Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Gunjan Amin - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I just love my new Nissan Maxima. Its awesome. I love that damn powerful engine. The exterior is not bad. But if you want the exterior look more appealing, then buy body or aerodynamic kits for Maxima. It will looks great!

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  WHAT A CAR!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By KRONNMANN - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive waited 3 years to get a Maxima. Well worth the wait! I went with a black SE 6 speed with black leather interior. The only thing that I did not get with this car was the Navigation System. All I have to say is WHAT A CAR!!! I have had the car only 2 weeks and I already have 1500 miles on it! Just drive one of these and you will want one too.

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  More then you expect - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By About2000 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up a Maxima SE with sunroof for $1,000 under invoice. Love the majestic blue color. Interior is great. It is hard to imagine any car that is drasticaly better. Feels like a $40,000 car. One of the best sport sedans out there.

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  Stay Away - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Mad Max - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car stinks, its a rattle trap. The resale of the car is terrible. The suspension feels like it came from a truck. Stay away from this car at all costs. I should have bought a Acura TL-S or Lexus IS 300 instead.

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  Junk Crap POS - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By acme1020 - September 18 - 3:51 pm

  Bought the Max new in Jan 07. First dissapointment gas mpg. Usually get 19.5 split city highway driving. Never been over 24mpg even on long highway trips going 65mph. Struts were replaced at 15000 miles by warranty. Tires were wore out at 30000. Whole new sunroof put in at 35000. Needed rear shocks at 50000. Rear ABS sensor for $800 at 55000. The car is currently in the shop for the other rear sensor, one front sensor, and actuator for a total of $2500. The dealer called Nissan and got them to pay half of the last bill cause there was another one in there for the same thing. They know this is a problem but will not recall. This is my first and last Nissan.

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  Solid Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Karl M - September 18 - 9:00 am

  Have driven the car about 2,500 miles both in the city and on the highway. Highway mileage about 28 mpg whether or not I use the recommended premium fuel. Best mileage was 33 mpg -- worst 22 mpg. Good power. Comfortable interior for 4 people. Sunroof is great. Trunk a bit small -- can fit 1 large suitcase and 3 small ones. Overall, am quite happy with the Maxima.

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  We love this car! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By trbojnky - September 17 - 3:33 pm

  We bought a 2010 Ocean Grey SV loaded with all the options. We love this car! We looked at many other cars and kept coming back to the Maxima. It is not a sports car, but its more than fast enough for a family sedan. This car is a blast to drive! The nav works great and the XM radio is awesome to have. This color is stunning on this car, its gray with a blue undertone. Our dealer (McCarthy Nissan) was an absolute pleasure to deal with! We look forward to many great years with this car.