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 3041 through 3050 of 3,122.00-
Awesome Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Maxima Fiend - March 23 - 5:36 amI have had my maxima for 2 years now and it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Fast, fun to drive, good handling good mechanics. Very reliable and with my silver color and wax it blinds the other drivers. Put tinted windows on it and it looks AMAZING. Seats are uncomfortable for my parents on long drives and the back seat head room is a little low. Wish Nissan put in bose standard but the sound system is good nonetheless.
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Love the maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Maximadriver - March 22 - 10:00 amAfter driving a Grand Am for 5 years I decided to break down and buy a new car. I can really say I love the Maxima, it has plenty of power for an automatic transmission driven sedan and despite a few minor problems with paint, it has been extremely reliable for me.
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I Love this car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Streetmax1 - March 22 - 10:00 amIm 17 years old, and im lucky enough to have this as my first car. This car is fast, sporty, while not sacrificing comfort, and luxury. I would buy a new one in a heartbeat. This car has never broken down on me, and i dont see it happening within the next 5 years. Nissan makes an awesome sport sedan, and the quality is unbelievable!
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Fast Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Chanel - March 18 - 10:00 amI love it. This car is very powerful. It is more fun to drive on the highway than in city traffic. If you want near luxury and speed this is the car.
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maxima woes - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By marklo - March 18 - 10:00 amproblems with 04 maxima include harsh shifting auto matic when cold .impossible to start when temp is below 15 degrees and a squeaky shifting seat when cornering tech service bulietens now out on above but dealer does nothing.
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Fun car to drive - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By jinx - March 17 - 8:40 pmPoor cup holder arrangement. Too much torque steer when accelerating, Visibility toward rear corners poor.
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Sporty 4Door - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By X370Z - March 17 - 8:13 amTraded my 09 370Z for the 10 Max SV. Z was a great sports car. The Max is a great 4 dr "sporty" car. Gobs of power instantly ready on command, holds tight in continuous radius corners (once one gets used to front wheel drive), and very comfortable and quiet on long commutes. 3.5 L engine NVH is superior to the 3.7 L, smooth all the way to red line. I enjoy the CVT, and the sport-shift function when I want to set my hair on fire. Discounts Nissan is offering (see Edmunds TMV) make the decision to purchase this car a no-brainer. You can pay more for a TL, TSX, A4, 329, or C- class. But, make sure you can handle the grins of the Max drivers as they dust your overly-expensive anemic ride at will.
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Maxima SE Fully Loaded - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By YuhDunno - March 15 - 9:36 pmThis is the best performance sedan to buy. The 5-speed auto is great and the 6-speed is awesome. The engine growl sounds sweet during its breath-taking accelerations. It has plenty of features not known to this class. For example, a heated steering wheel. This car is great!
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2005 Nissan Maxima SE - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By richard varner - March 13 - 10:00 amThis is my second maxima since 1996. The reliability, style, and performance make this vehicle a must have. There is just no comparison to the other cars in this class. When you rate all of the features as well as price this car is the definite choice.
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Great car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Jason - March 11 - 4:53 amI have owned about 20 cars in the past 15 years and the 2005 Nissan Maxima is by far the best car I have ever had the pleasure to drive
