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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  Problems! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By PJM - June 28 - 3:40 am

  I have had problems with this vehicle since the day we drove it home from the dealer. After 4 months of trying to deal with Nissan, we have yet to have anyone actually take responsibility to fix or replace this car. We have waited weeks for phone calls. We have a brand new car that we are afraid to drive and nobody seems to know how to fix it. Nissan is also ignoring the service dept at the dealership attempting to repair this car. Guess the next step is to hire a lawyer.

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  Rock solid thus far! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By T Maynard - June 26 - 4:20 am

  Purchased used in August 07 with 98K miles. Firstly, the exterior of the car is simply beautiful, extremely classy looking yet with a sporty edge. The interior cabin feels overall roomy enough. The leather seats are quite adequate and all the controls are nicely laid out and easily accessible by either the driver or passenger unlike in some vehicles where you feel the dash is a mile away. The sound system is decent but not exceptional. The steering is crisp and precise and the power is exactly what you would expect 255 ponies to feel like from a big sedan, very exciting. Gas mileage is blah, but this car so far has been a very worthy investment. It leaves me wanting nothing.

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  04 maximus - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bigwayne - June 23 - 2:00 am

  owner of 3 maximas this one is the best performance is insanely fast love it.. best one yet..

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  Excellent car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nice car - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Test drove all of the competition and this was definitely the best choice for the $. Build quality is excellent a solid engine and room for four adults. Heated leather and steering wheel, memory seats.

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  Great design - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Art Brown - June 19 - 8:32 am

  Please with the SR purchase......Great car.......Great interior........

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  Favorite Ride ever. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By liquidh - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have fallen in love with this car. This is the first car i have owned that i can realistically see myself with 5-7 years down the road, and even longer. I am a tall guy, 65 and this car offers me TONS of leg room. Im not a big fan of the Bose, so i replaced that with a juicy 800 watt system, the paint is a little thin, but the engine, the beautiful SE gauge cluster and the Auto Up/down mirror makes this car awesome.

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  Stay Away Headlights a Liability - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By laureljoe - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car to drive but the Xenon Headlights have been stolen twice. $3000 dollar repair each time. Headlights come out in seconds. Restraint kit only causes more damage to car when they do steal the lights. Nissan has done almost nothing to address this problem. Looking to sell ASAP.

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  Great job Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tempest - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Spirited Bronze SE for over 6 months and i am totally satisfied. This is a company car, I had lots of options and drove the competition, but chose the Maxima. It seems that everone I know wants to drive it. I was so impressed that I went out the next day and bought my wife an 04 Quest. Great engine, and acceleration in both vehicles.

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  great car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Chandler1983 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  what an awesome car.. the automatic climate control is very nice and it maintains a constant temp. heated leather seats are supportive and adjust to a nice position, bose sound system is great.. acceleration is smooth and powerful.. all in all, this is a great car.. i love the way the interior is laid out.. awesome car..

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  My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Roy Conaway - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Maxima gives you the speed and power of a sports car. It is the most powerful in regards to speed as any car I have been in or have driven