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:
Showing 2981 through 2990 of 3,122.00-
dont buy if you havent - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By tquinquinn - June 11 - 7:50 pmI bought this car over the lexus and geniness because I liked the looks of it, well the car runs rough to say the least It started off making a flapping sound when I first started it at about 20 miles p/hr. then after a while it added the sound of something braking free to engage.I finally took it to the dealer and they didnt know what to make of it finally they told me they think its the alternator they will start by replacing that and work form there. For the money I paid and the problems Im having with it I would not recommend to anyone to buy it. my car only has 3000 miles on it. I wish I would have bought that Lexus. for peace.
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Nice ride - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By Mark - June 10 - 12:50 pmtraded the Altima SE for the Maxima and very happy with the new car.
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A Nissan Surprise - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By lafoca - June 9 - 7:43 pmMy wife and I got this car used with 18K miles. For three years we loved the car. Great acceleration, comfortable, decent mileage, and WAS fairly reliable. At 70K miles we started having problems with the vehicle starting. After 5 (!) trips to the dealer the extended warranty we purchased is proving to be a life saver. In the past month they have replaced the starter, battery, fuel pump, MAF sensor (3x), and it still has cold start problems as well as engine stalling problems on accelleration. The most frustrating part is that the DEALER cannot figure it out. I have been in a Mazda for a week (the warranty covers a rental) and Im about ready to dump the Maxima for a new Mazda6!!!
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Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By KJB21 - June 9 - 2:00 amThis is my 2nd Maxima. I also had a 93. Great cars!! Been driving a Maxima for the last 7 years. Wouldnt had it any other way.
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Waste of money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By murjose - June 7 - 10:00 amThis car looks great and runs great for the first couple thousand miles. However, I have always had a loud clunking noise from the front suspension. Nissan is unable to fix it and keeps replacing parts, but at my cost. The car is cheap and cost a lot. Buy Honda. I will next time. I am hoping that someone steals this car and I never get it back. Thats how much I hate it. I bought it brand new.
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Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Jamia - June 7 - 10:00 amI have had this car for almost 5 months and it is wonderful. Yesterday somone talking on a cell phone slammed in the back of my car. Much to my surprise there was no damage not even a scratch. This car should have five stars for back bumper impact.
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Best car I have owned - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Vito P - June 5 - 2:06 pmAfter being told by GM that my Firebird with 75000 miles had lived "its useful life" I finally gave up and bought a Nissan...best decision ever... I now have 140000 original owner miles with NEVER a major problem...just brakes, coils...little things...the car is EXCEPTIONALLY RELIABLE and starts every time with NO hesitation...they built this one to last...hoping to make it to 200K. Buy with confidence.
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Wonderful Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By AJP - June 3 - 8:36 pmI saw this car while driving past the dealer and stopped in to take a look. I loved the car from the 1st day and ended up buying the SE model. The car had many great features but it rode much too hard for my wife and me. After about 3 months and much discusion I was able to get a fair price from the dealer for a trade to the SL. WOW what a great car. It is very comfortable and handles like a dream. I have a problem keeping down to the speed limit on the highways, it just wants to sail along. There are many great features on this vehicle but the automatic entry and exit is one I truly appreciate. I have had all the routine service performed by Nissan, they have been excellent.
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2007 maxima SL - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By mack - June 3 - 5:20 pmThis is a very smooth riding car and is easy to drive.
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Love my new 07 maxima SE w/ NAV, loaded - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By lisa - June 1 - 6:16 amI had an 04 maxima SE, traded for a 2005 honda accord Hybrid (big mistake) now back into a new 2007 maxima SE loaded w/ leather, NAV etc. Much improved over the 2004 model. SO much more fun to drive than the honda! This car is very luxurious, feels like youre in a really expensive ($45k) import. Great buy for the price. I bought a demo w/ 2k miles on it. LOVE this Maxima!
