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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  The first fouor months.... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By ideszamarch - April 26 - 2:13 am

  The New Maxima is performing as well as any vehicle at this point. The biggest flaw at this time is the MPGs. After taking the car on a several hundred mile trip, the mpg only reached 21.6( highway) This was at an average speed of about 70 mph and very little use of the brake. The sticker touts a 26 mpg rating.(highway) 21.6 represents about 17% less then promised return. OK we are in a recession and everybody is lying about something but I leased this vehicle for the fuel aspect and commuting purposes. I guess even Nissan is involved in their own type of fraud, that being posting unobtainable gas mileage. It still beats the hell out of the 12 mpg I was getting with the Jeep Commander.

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  Serious CVT Problem - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Serious CVT Problem - April 25 - 6:23 pm

  As others report, there is a dangerous problem with the CVT. After driving hundreds of highway miles twice this summer in very hot weather, the transmission failed to downshift into a lower gear upon exiting the interstate, leading to a dangerous loss of power. The owners manual indicates that this may happen during certain conditions to protect the CVT. The first time this happened the dealership found no problem. The car is being serviced, now, following the second time, with intervention by Nissan corporate. Clearly, Nissan knows it has an engineering/design problem. This may be an issue for the National Transportation Safety Board. I recommend staying away from Nissan CVT products.

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  4 Door Sports Car? - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By 4 Door Sports Car? - April 22 - 4:43 pm

  The CVT should never have been put in the car. It is no longer a sports car.I have a fully loaded SE, and the build quality is excellent. Excellent interior space,The bose system is the best in the industry. I traded an 05 TL. I drive mostly in the city the gas mileage is around 16 mpg which is poor. If you dont run premium fuel in it. It will ping, and run poorly. Overall the car is still an excellent value, but the CVT has taken all the bite out of it.

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  An outstanding car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By ISD - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a gem! I have a Honda and earlier owned a Mazda and there is no comparison. At 222HP, this baby can leave others gaping at the signal lights in Chicago! We extensively test drove the Camry and the Accord before we settled in for this car. The interior leg room is the best for any car, even the bigger American cars have less leg room. There is no road or engine noise at all in the car. Its beautifully designed and has tons of space in the back seat too. This is one car which will last us for another 10 years (we havent needed a single repair in the last 3 years).

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  Everything I expected and more - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BBuracze - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Maxima. My first, a 1996 GLE went 171,000, miles without a repair. I bought this 2003 a couple of weeks ago and it hasnt disappointed. The engine is quick and quiet. The cabin is roomy and well appointed. Quiet at highway speeds. The stereo is incredible! Handles well in fast corners. Brakes are smooth and even. Seats offer a solid feel and good support. The ride could be a little smoother but the Max is after all a sports sedan.

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  a great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ROLA - April 17 - 10:00 am

  car is not so quiet as there is very significant road noise due to wider and low profile tires, on expressways.

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  What A Car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By 3rd Time Buyer - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Totally amazing! This car is unbelievable, especially at the price. This is my third Maxima and by far the best design, comfort and performance of the three.

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  Great Car ! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By EJML - April 15 - 1:33 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. No major problems just routine maintenance. Original owner and plan to keep this one a lot longer. Car seems to be an extention of the driver and the engine responds the same way it did seven years ago. Still no rattles and original rear brakes. Car is solid and fun to drive with everything in the right place. Was planing to pass it down to my teenager, but I think I will keep this one for myself. I have driven newer Maximas and they have become softer with more creature comforts. This car is truly a working class four door sports car.

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  Love My Maxima! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By WyomingRox - April 11 - 10:06 am

  I started out shopping for an Acura TSX. Hated it. Drove the Maxima and it was love. We recently had to take a LONG, LONG trip and the cars comfort and performance were out of this world. Even at my high altitude and up and down the mountainous road I am still getting up to 30 mpg on highway. I really dont have one bad thing to say about my car. I just love the looks, I love the handling and I love the power.

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  if I had known about the headlights... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jennee - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that I am pleased with the Maxima overall; although I would have waited for the 2004 model though. I have had the car for about 8 months and it has been vandalized three times!! If you live in the Northeast, dont buy this car! It is in your best interest to buy the 2004 model or buy something else. The research was not available when I bought this car and I am sorry I bought it. When you pay up to $3500 for a pair of headlights you get a little bitter. It is a beautiful car but the headache is not worth it.