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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Sweet Car! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By dom52 - May 31 - 10:18 amThe car i got my license in, well where to begin. Its been and still is a reliable, fun car to drive. Oil changes are super easy to do, all you have to do is turn the wheel all the way to the right and you have access to the plug and filter without lifting the car. The car is at about 275,000 miles and counting, and show no signs of failing anytime soon. The only thing that went bad on this car was the alternator(not a big deal). Other than that I highly recommend this car.
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Quality issues - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Driver - May 30 - 10:20 pmBought this car and it did fine for a while. Then problems started occurring. Read online about symptoms and found TSBs about all of the problems. Transmission had to be replaced and coils went out, thankfully during the warranty. Does fine today, except for a few things. The SES light is always lit for evap problems. It rattles so bad, that you cant even attempt to fix it. The Bose system is terrible.
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Luven My Tuscan My Maxi - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By swtnblk - May 30 - 5:50 pmIm so blown away by this car. The speed is amazing, the Bose system is awesome. Got my windows tinted and man it really brings the Tuscan Sun out. I love the change in the shape of the Maxima. The tail end looks like it has hips, like me. The car is very comfortable its the seats hug you.I love so much about this car. GOOO Maxi we make heads turn
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Great!...not near the issues others have had. - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By wtgkb8 - May 30 - 6:58 amBought the car with 5 mi in late 2007 for $6k off MSRP. Have only replaced RR wheel bearing at~68k miles(under my warranty). Other items have only been normal wear items such as battery. Have only done regular maint. at home, with the exception of the trans maint. at dealer at around 60k miles. I could have not asked for any better car regarding reliability. Run purely 91-93 oct. fuel, and get 18-20 city, 25-28 hwy mpg since day one! I was skeptical with the CVT at first, but I dont think I can go back to a regular auto ever again! Throttle response is immediate, and the car learns your driving style regarding to trans and throttle reactions. Ready for 2012-13 model to add to or replace.
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Maxima SE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By Nick - May 27 - 10:43 pmThis is my first car and was only $4000. The car runs like new and has 135,000 miles on it. A great value. I would recommend it to anyone that is in the market for an awesome used sedan,
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best car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By albert george - May 24 - 10:00 amit is the car for all family i sugseged to person want agood car buy it
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Im not a happy camper! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By GBINFL - May 22 - 10:40 amTook 3 tries to get SES (check engine light) to stay off (bad evaporative purge solenoid?). The drivers seat pops/clicks when turning left, the drivers door has an intermittent rattle, the steering wheel shimmys when stopping hard and fast (front rotors?), a fastener is missing from the plastic motor undertray, and the rear engine mount creaks when starting out (had it up on a lift when trailer hitch was installed - found the creak location with a stethoscope). Mileage markedly worse than 03 I traded in. CVT has not won me over yet. Back to the dealer again today. Lastly, incredibly cheesy and cheap feeling door handles. Yikes!
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best 6 cylinder engine-- Ha Ha! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By D. Griffin - May 20 - 3:46 pmRegular check engine light 1 "we had the gas cap on wrong". 2 "we overfilled the gas tank. 3 A bad ignition coil $115 4 fuel injection harness was routed wrong $0 5 "other 5 coils are bad" $358 3, 4, & 5 were a 3 week span. (42k on the car). I understand that the maxima has an ignition coil at each cylinder (in lieu of spark plugs), but shouldnt it be better? No one at the Nissan dealership even seemed Apologetic.
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Historic 1995 NissanMaximaQX performance - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By fnaaijkens - May 20 - 9:13 amI have purchased one for Hfl 32000, now EUR15000 in 1997. It had had one owner for a year after being in the showroom for a year. Bought it at 69,000 km (40k miles). I have owned it for 12 years, and the only thing to break down was the dashboard clocks. About after every 350,000 km (200,000 mi) So, I have driven it for 1,300,000 km (800,000 mi) at it still drives like a modern 1-year- old car. It is unbelievable. Because I wanted an automatic, I started out with a Primera for 5 months, then got this one when I was 27 year. Now Im 40 years and still driving it! Amazing.
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CRASH TEST ...FAULTS - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Ed - May 16 - 4:51 pm2016 Nissan Maxima rating .....a rear end collision will result in gas spillage from gas tank ..... Rubber o-ring is faulty. Rear fender wells are "indoor/outdoor carpet" lined and deteriorate with high pressure spry cleaning.
