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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  Why a Maxima? Great Performance! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Markish - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had four Nissan cars so far including the 03 SE that I got last September. The performance is excellent in terms of acceleration, braking, and handling. The exterior and interior design is very good throughout. Pricing is unbeatable. Recommended improvements are: (1) quieter interior; (2) better mileage; (3) Zenon highbeams and fog lights;(3) wider opening angle of the moonroof; (4) better positioning of the mirror adjuster (hard to reach); and (5) Electronic compass on the rearview mirror.

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  Wonderful car... when it works - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Barticus - July 13 - 6:16 pm

  Bought the car 2 years old and have had a constant stream of problems. Over four years of ownership I have invested $3-4000 NOT including $3000 worth of tires and brakes, and I still have close to $2000 of repairs outstanding. Im never buying another Nissan. A list of things repaired include transmission, daytime running lights module, heater control electronics, air temp sensor, exhaust temp sensor .

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  Best Kept Secret - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Rangermutt - July 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned a 1999 GXE for 4 years now and it has had few problems - mostly limited to two oxygen sensors (which required the dealer to replace due to their location). I added alloy wheels and a spoiler and aftermarket radio/cd player. I rarely drive it but really enjoy it when I do. I think for the money it was a great buy and would buy another one after we drive this one another 4 years.

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  Fabulous Car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By lllarzzz - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought used @ 65K miles, has been perfect for 2.5 years. Most reliable car I have ever owned. Quite fast with 5-Speed, especially for a car of this size. Handles nicely. Would buy another one in a heartbeat... hard to imaging finding a more solid or reliable used car.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MARKKAL - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had an SE with the driver preffered package for 1 month. The car runs great and i have been getting 26.5 mpg.

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  Yeah baby, yeah! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By hanzar - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a week and half and I find myself making excuses to go out and drive it. Everytime I open up the garage door and see the rear of the car with it 4 chrome tipped exhaust pipes, I go "oh yeah!" and I get an automatic grin on my face. Excellent smooth ride, lots of power, nice comfortable interior, grippy handling, and great fun to drive. Love the color (spirited bronze) which seems to change in different light. I notice people looking but Canadians are a little too shy to say something.

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  WOW - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lem60 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I have the SE with the driver preferred package and love the power and handling. The inside comfort is terrific and I love the new body style, the Maxima hasnt looked this good since 89-94 version. Chose it over Acura TLS (no contest) and G35 (very sweet, but had ergonomic issues inside). There is a slight underbody buzz when upshifting from 1st to 2nd at slow acceleration. Probably a heat shield or underbody panel needs to be more tightly secured. I dont hear it when I punch it, so until I take it in for its first service, the solution is obvious. :-)

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  Wifes Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By galangley - July 9 - 6:43 am

  We have driven Chevrolets for 50 yrs. and went for a test drive in the Altima and my wife liked it, just as we were leaving we spotted the Maxima and drove it away. We have 11,000 miles on it now and are averaging 27mpg. Nissan has been great with their service.

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  MAXIMA stands for MAX POWER - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By MAX X DEX - July 5 - 10:00 am

  It is a pretty good car except the suspension is the only thing (rear end) I dont like. hard hydrolics are good, its like M3. fuel efficient. timing chain. so you font have to worry about that. AND whenever you have a car, dont try to save money on cheap parts. I only buy original, in a longer term it pays off, cause original parts are very efficient and last a lot longer.

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  Solid car, great performance - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By theargosy - July 4 - 4:53 pm

  Ive only had this car a matter of days, but my wife has one so I have a better idea of what it is and what it can do. Its a sporty family car with lots of power and conservative styling and functionality. Its got very good overall performance with acceleration a prominent feature. My wifes 2000 has been very reliable through 109,000 miles.