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 CAR - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By TUFEEK - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought used (2 years old). Has been a pleasure to own and drive.

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  rating the maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kingkarl - September 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is awsome...it feel like a V- 8! i cannt ask for more!!!!....NISSAN is the best!!!

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  Ricks review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick Balzano - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome, the ride is smooth, a very fast car, picks up speed very quickly, I do alot of highway driving so this is good, comfortable ride also, very good choice to buy this car, 1 thing to change would be the display panel for the radio, it fogged up within the 1st month of my purchase and it is on the inside so no way to clean.

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  Want a fun ride, take it to the MAX - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikie/mkaplan - September 14 - 10:00 am

  No car is perfect! ItÂ’s neither the perfect luxury sedan nor sports sedan. Its a car that has the best of both worlds. What a car! A beautiful Fit & Finish; Leather; Heated Seats, Mirrors, Steering Wheel; 6CD Bose Sound; E/C Rearview Mirror; Electric Seats; Sunroof; Key fob that lowers windows; etcÂ… But most of all, those lovely Xenon HID Headlights; seeing is believing. Powerful engine & a tranny that shifts smoothly. The car handles wonderfully & holds the curves great. The Maxima is just a wonderful car.

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  ALMOST THERE!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Macbrew - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought my wife an 04 SL. What a beautiful car! She just loves it. But I must say that after driving my own G35, the Max feels like an American near luxury car. Therefore its perfect for her, but for me the G35 is more to my taste

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  I love it - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By impeach obama - September 8 - 10:50 am

  The car was bought brand new and I have not had many problems with it, the struts had to be replaced once but that was under warranty so there was no problem there. Other than that the car runs perfect except for a rattling type noise that I think might be the timing chain but thats only heard at really low speeds when the engine is straining to go up a hill, I had it looked at and replaced but it makes the same noise. The car has around 61k on it and runs like its brand new. It is very very fast and really quick, it handles exceptionally well and it drives like a sports car I absolutely love it and have fun every time I drive it. I would recommend this car to anyone. P. S get the nismo intake.

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  If only the Shaking would be FIXED - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Majestic Blue - September 8 - 7:26 am

  I LOVE MY CAR! if only the steering wheel would stop shaking when i hit the brakes at 50-80 MPH. I got a call from my dealership today saying that it is my tires, you know....the ones that are $300.00 each. It has been in the shop about 6-7 times since i bought it with no resolution to the problems. They diagnosed it as my rotors previously now its my tires....well see. Other then that the car is a dream to drive, you get where you want to go REAL quick!

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  I love my Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By butterflychick - September 3 - 1:13 pm

  I love my Maxima. I have had no problems with the breaks. The interior is great. The exterior is great. I have recently test driven some smaller cars and found that the Maxima has spoiled me. The Bose sound system is great and the Maxia hold its value. The tires are expensive and never in stock. That is the only complaint I have.

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  1999 Nissian Maxima GLE - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By mac3326 - September 3 - 7:36 am

  Excellent 4 dr Car, would buy again (now with 120 k -Extremly reliable (no break downs) -I replace battery every 3 years regardless ( no extra stress on vehicle and dont have to worry that battery will wear out prematurely or stress out alternator) -has timing chain, no worrys for water pump -Just changed out struts, they were good but I had to buy tires, evanly worn, (HydroEdge 90,000 mile tire again) -Changed pads at same time (cer. so the breaks wont squeak -changed speakers fininaly wore out -EXCELLENT CAR, EXCELLENT CAR!!!!

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  IMPRESSIVE! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard Serna - August 29 - 9:16 pm

  Very firm on the road, but quiet. Very powerful, enjoy driving this vehicle. The monitor is a great help for us when backing up. Easy access to all of the controls for this vehicle to operate. Just take this vehicle for a test ride, you wont be sorry.