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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  PROBLEM WITH 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By PAL/CDL - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Depending on road surface and speed, car makes an annoying noise and has done so from the day it was purchased. Dealer states 3% of Maximas have this problem. Engineers cannot figure out what is causing noise and have stopped responding. Four trips to dealer in first 3 months of ownership in attempt to cure problem have failed. After that they stopped contacting me.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Brittany - July 29 - 5:10 am

  Never broken down! Not once in coming up on 8 years! That is impressive. Such a stylish car for being a 98, I still get compliments on its appearance. It still looks cutting- edge in design. This car has such superb stability and it has even more manuevering ability. I can turn around in the tiniest of places! We have gotten excellent customer service from various Nissan dealerships for maintanenece. Cannot even speak a bad word about anything about this car....not one thing comes to mind at all!

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  Nice vehicle overall with the technology package. - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By jmn5467 - July 29 - 12:32 am

  Bought mine new in early 2012 - its an SV Premium with Tech Package (basically the most expensive sedan the Nissan dealer had on the lot). Overall Id say Im happy with no major problems, although this thing was expensive for a Nissan (paid somewhere around $35k). I am so happy I sprung for the tech package as I would have regretted not getting it.

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  Horrible Never again - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Gregnice23 - July 26 - 5:36 pm

  I will never ever get another Nissan again. From the headlights to the cd player breakin within the first 3 months to the speakers not working correctly. Nissan makes a good engine but I do not like the lil trinkets that are faulty. I will go with toyota or honda or mazda or hyundai next time.

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  My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Peacock - July 26 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned my max for the past 2-1/2 yrs and I love it. If I had to complain about anything it would be the turning radius of the car is maneuverable but a little hard. I am not crazy about the orange dash board illumination because it seems harder to see in the daylight. Otherwise, i LOVE my Max!

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  2004 Nissan Maxima SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By brandymac - July 21 - 3:11 pm

  Bought car at 89K miles & replaced timing chains & transmission 2 weeks after(cost=$5k)& then replaced oil cooler gasket.Burns over 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles.Car now has 145k miles and Im replacing the left Control Arm & brakes & rotors due to the damage. Dealer said it was normal for this car to burn this much oil.It is not leaking oil.Nissan was great about honoring the 2 recalls & fixed them no problem.The steering column vibrates roughly when driving even when alignment is done & balanced tires.Bought new Michelin Primacy tires which helped some.The turning radius is horrible. Car is super comfy& roomy for long trips.Love the style & sporty but 2 expensive 2 keep buying oil.

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  excellent car all a round - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By cynthia - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, I firt had a 1996 maxima, loved it now Ive purchased a 2002. Great car, excellent!

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  for the money - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By guiseppie - July 19 - 10:00 am

  great acceleration, sweet 6cyl comfortable roomy enough great milage styling looks like a roach but not bad second maxima had 2002 had 2 recals on it.but thrilling to drive.265 hp engine I think better built that a honda, with a 6, acura is more , and i think hondas quality has gone down in recent years.

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  superb - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By keyur dashing - July 19 - 6:43 am

  It excellent for its luxury

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  I love my baby!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jonesnayshini - July 18 - 2:04 pm

  When I purchased my 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum Edition in June 2015 I FEEL IN LOVE. I have always owned Maximas. There are two things that I am disappointed in with the cost of this car. The passenger front seat should be able to move all ways just as the drivers seat (it only goes back & forth not up and down. so its sits very low) & the back seat is not spacious at all. The look of the car is very sporty. Because I wanted the panoramic roof and the LED headlights I had to get the Platinum since the other styles only offer one or the other. Overall a great car..