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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  Almost perfect - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Bobby - August 22 - 11:53 am

  Been in a silver 6-speed maxima for almost 2 years. Talk about torque, great pull from low rpm-can start from 3rd gear. love the 6th gear-barely breathing on the highway. the car is really fast, sneaky fast. rides great, good performance/comfort ratio for a sedan with 255 hp. torque steer and understeer obvious problems with the front wheel drive setup. a little nose heavy going into corners. also the performance tires and abundant torque make the car tricky to drive in snow. opt for some snow tires if you live in a place where it snows. got a great deal and they added black leather (in place of the original frost cloth for free) which looks cool against the grey carpet and seatbelt.

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  Some good some bad - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Steves2k1 - August 22 - 6:03 am

  Purchased the car with 62k miles still have it at 118k today. Overall solid car, minus the constant idle problem which no one can find a solution for, coils, and squeaky front end. OH yeah and rear wind noise is wayyy too loud!..other than that fast fun car to drive. Must use premium for maximum performance. And never take the car to the dealership once you are out of warranty.

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  Fun to drive but not to the gas station - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By QwikKota - August 21 - 2:23 am

  Very fun car to drive and very comfortable for those who like a sporty ride. CVT is not one for enthusiasts but the engine and suspension make up for it. Excellent brakes and handles well enough to be fun yet not beat you up on bad roads. Base sound system is impressive. Navi adds lots of custom settings base needs dealer to change. Leather seats are very nice and soft. Lumbar is so so. Pretty quiet inside but its not a Mercedes. Getting about 20 mpg with 15 mile commute mostly city driving. 25 hwy but you must drive it lightly. Too fun to keep your foot out of it.

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  Poor man sport sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By GimmeTorq - August 19 - 4:50 pm

  The Nissan Maxima is a well built and solid family sedan. The "VQ" family of engines is considered one of the best V6 engines in the world.

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  Head Restraints are too far forward - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By John - August 19 - 12:00 pm

  I love the car. but, I find that the head restraints are too far forward. You cannot sit straight without the head restraints pushing your head forward. It is a completely uncomfortable position to drive in. This position seems to be unique to Nissan. But, I could be wrong.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Denny - August 17 - 1:03 am

  Purchased new in 2001. No mechanical problems ever. Body/finish still great. All scheduled maintenance completed. Vehicle washed and waxed on a regular basis. Only problem was the Toyo tires that lasted only 30K. Otherwise this has been an extremely dependable vehicle and a joy to own and drive. Would consider another Nissan for sure.

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  Beautiful and fun to drive gas suspect ! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By belal242 - August 14 - 7:56 am

  The Maxima is one of the best 4 doors sedans ever. This is my second (97 Max) old. I love the new 2005 got a great deal fully loaded for 28k, missing navi. The car is very fast, has a great snarl with a touch of the pedal. I expected at least 20 miles per gallon but so far only giving me 18.8 on the avg. I just got it so im expecting it to improve just working in the engine. other than that i have been very happy with the car, so slick with the blk on blk, the leather feels like pleather but its all good. BUY IT if you looking for under 30K too many options to list. Its a Flagship so they put everything they got into it so you know its fine tuned.

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  Maximize Your Ride - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By johnnyboy8 - August 14 - 2:59 am

  I was looking for a fun, sporty, pre-driven sedan. I looked at a number of cars including the Acura TL and Cadillac CTS. This was a gorgeous car, but after reading the reviews, it appeared that buying it would be like having a beautiful blonde with STDs. Every review spoke of how often the car was in the shop. I was done then with the GM flagship. So I took a trip to the my local Nissan dealer and found the color I wanted. After 10 minutes of test driving the Maxima, I was hooked. It was smooth, roomy, powerful, comfrotable, and cornered like it was on rails. The technology in the premium package was as good as any Lexus or Mercedes. Best value and best decision I ever made!

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  Excellent car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima - August 12 - 11:06 pm

  Dash isnt. too complicated for attn when driving. Doors have cheap interior material finish. Seat heaters do not turn off automatically,when ignition turned on, seat heaters go on if used previously. Dash instuments too complicated for safe operation when driving. Trunk space is the main feature missing as compared to Ford Grand Marquis.

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  2002 Maxima with Manual Shift=AWESOME - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jhkmsu - August 12 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great car. Mechanically, it is unbeatable by any other car. The only re-occurring issue with these cars is that one side of the Bose 6 CD in- dash CD Stereo stops working at some point. It is only does this when using the CD player; the other modes still produce great sound. Some cars have the heater/AC blower motor go out around 100,000 miles, but it is easy to fix. The car maneuvers great and has great power for its time. The gas mileage is good, but since I have a 6- speed manual, I drive a little faster and quicker (Ok maybe that was an understatement) my gas mileage is a little less that average. I get about 18-19 mpg in the city