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:

• 

  I love my Maxima!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Linda - August 11 - 11:30 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan Maxima. We had a 92, 97, and now 2005. Weve loved all of them, but this one is by far the best. I especially love the sky-view roof. I have been given compliments on this car wherever I go - at stop lights, car washes, drive-thru restaurants - there are compliments. We put the Nissan chrome wheels on the car this month, and it really spruces it up. A great car - Id recommend it highly.

• 

  Great Car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mgentry - August 11 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I just bought the 2002 GLE model, used. It has 46,000 miles on it. So far we love just about everything about the car. We had looked at other sports sedans (Acura, BMW, VW Passat, etc.) Overall, the Maxima just impressed us more. It feels like you are driving a luxury car and sports car at the same time. We live in the NE, so we will see how it handles in the winter.

• 

  Loved it - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By SHARAKIN54 - August 9 - 7:40 am

  Loved it till the CVT messed up during a Memorial Day trip.. This is a great car to drive and really love everything about it. Wanted one for ever since the body was re designed. Could use more interior storage,

• 

  Second Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hunterct - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Anyone looking for a great sports car with a reasonable price should look at the Maxima. This is my second one and I love it. I paid well under 30K for a loaded SE, I cant believe all you get for that price. You would pay almost 40K for a similar equiped BMW or Lexus. My only compliant is the ride is a little harsh, but I can overlook that as the rest of the car more than makes up for it.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Caramel_Goodie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great. Loaded with standard equipment, and just all around solid. Once I test drove this car i decided to go ahead and let the lease on my 1999 Volvo S80 T6 come to an end. This car has a very smooth ride, unlike the T6, which also cost a heck of a lot more. Nissan has really done a good job on this car, keep up the good work Nissan.

• 

  Poor Choice - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Amazing to read all of the posts with similar issues. The tires wear out quickly, AC is out, headlight replacement costs over $100 and now the transmission goes! 120K on this car and replacing the tranny, hope to get another year or two out of it. Great looking car and I love the zip but I cant imagine going with another Maxima again.

• 

  Reliable Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By RoadWarrior1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car used with 22,000 miles and am still driving it with 150,000 miles. Everyday reliability with minor maintenance (leaking power steering fluid, brakes). Still fun to drive.

• 

  Nissan sucks - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By av_guy - August 3 - 11:59 pm

  Spoke to Nissan and they wont give me the time of day to help replace my transmission. Its been replaced once already and they wont listen. Besides the transmission, the lumbar system which was recalled is broken again, the fog lights have been replaced at least 6 times. Nissan has the worst customer service at their HQ. I wouldnt buy another Nissan. They dont care about their customers, so why should I patronize them by purchasing another vehicle from them. They really suck.

• 

  I love this car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By scott121671 - August 2 - 4:43 am

  I must admit. I was a little compulsive when buying this car but I do not regret it. After reading all the reviews and having owned it for a few days now I can say that this car is fantastic. It handles with such precision and the ride is fantastic. I can not see anyone disappointed. The rear seats have a lot of room. This is a great car and I highly recommend it to anyone that wants serious sport in a classy looking mid size sedan.

• 

  Lets keep it a secret - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck - July 31 - 6:23 pm

  After 2 weeks the 2016 is miles ahead of the previous version. Styling, comfort, tech...it has it all. Would not really call it a sports car as there is body lean and it is a big car..But it can really go and if your really buying a sports car are you buying a 4 door...maybe the Porsche for 90K. As far as the CVT, unless your a total car enthusiast you will never know the difference...until you check your gas mileage. My first highway trip of 240 miles I got 33.7MPG. For a car this size...wow. Seats are very comfortable....my only complaint about the car...the passenger seat should have 8 way adjustments...for a car that cost 42k? The controls are easy to read and easy to navigate, the stereo is miles better than the old Maxima, safety additions...blind spot monitor, predictive braking and parking sonar are all a big plus. The fit and finish are really nice, way better than previous version. The ride (while not a Mercedes S550) is extremely quiet and comfortable. The quilted seats, hand stitched dashboard, diamond patterned wood trim, panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats, flat bottom Heated steering wheel; this all comes together in a car that is 1000s less than you could spend somewhere else. Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder...but this car looks great and drives even better. It is not the perfect car, but Nissan deals and you wont find more bang for your buck anywhere. Unless you need to pull up with a nameplate to impress people, this car does it all without the big price....Do yourself a favor and if your looking for a FUN SEDAN...at least test drive the new Maxima, you will not be sorry!!!