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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  Great car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Derek - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Car is very fun to drive and my first 5spd.

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  MISS MY INFINITI - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert de la Cuetara - March 7 - 7:40 am

  I thought I was getting a fun and fast car, but when I actually purchased the Maxima I was disappointed! If I would have been able to return the car for my 3 year old Infiniti G35 Sedan I would have done it without thinking about it! That was a fun car to drive and it did much better on gas than the Maxima is doing! Dissapointed with the power, I feel like Im driving my grandmothers American GM car.

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  After three years of ownership - WOW! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jefferino - March 4 - 10:00 am

  A cars a car right? Not this time around. Ive always resected my cars and treated them well; typically getting 150k miles before trading them in. Ive had this car for three years and I LOVE it! It is the best car out there and I did not think that Id ever get hooked on a hunk of steel. Lots of power, great mileage (I got 30 mpgs the other day driving from Dallas to Austin), tons of interior space and a huge trunk. I had a freind who owns a Benz with me on the ride and he was blown away with how nice MY car was! And when we filled up for gas and I told him 30 mpg, he was shocked! Great car. Great, great car!

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  Sweet! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Justin Haugh - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for a week and am loving it more every day. I got a Liquid Silver SL with light grey interior. It has tons of power, the 4- speed automatic is very responsive and you really get pressed back in your seat when you floor it. Extremely fun to drive. Im 64" and love the spacious interior. Plenty of leg/head room in the back seat. Top-quality leather, comfortable seats. Sophisticated yet practical interior. Minor issues: torque-steer, turning radius. Tons of extras on the SL are sweet. My friends love it. I love it. A fantastic car at any price, but a steal for the $28.5K i paid for it. Highly recommended, especially for tall folks.

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  Prepare for the looks! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Sonnyfm - March 4 - 10:00 am

  1st off, kudos to Pomoco Nissan of Hampton VA. From start to finsh, they provided me with a GREAT buying experience! My SE has the Elite Package, with Burnt Orange Leather! Beautiful!! My buddy with a S430 borrowed it for a couple of hours, and said "I got, more looks in your Max then I do in my Benz"! Hes not happy.LOL! I live in a resort city, and while cruising the strip, nearly every other car had a comment! And its quick!

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  Very disappointed - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Girl - March 3 - 9:30 am

  I have owned 4 Maximas and this is by far the worse one I have owned. I have replaced 2 sensors, the exhaust, the air flow meter, the signal light flashes very fast when you turn it on to make a left hand turn, and the leather on the drivers seat is cracking. And I have only owned the car for 3 1/2 months!

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Robin - February 29 - 10:16 pm

  The sunroof leaks in the car wash. After 3 attempts to have the problem fixed, I received a copy of the Nissan work instruction stating If water leaks occur only when using an automatic car wash or high pressure water spray, no repair is necessary. All the positive aspects of the car are overshadowed by the leaking sunroof. Buyer Beware -- Nissan does not warranty the sunroof in a car wash and this information is not available to consumers prior to purchase. If you never use an automatic car wash, this is the car for you. Otherwise, buy a Toyota.

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  Fun, Fun, and more Fun!!! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kitkat - February 29 - 6:36 pm

  This car is very roomy for a family of four but yet sporty enough to satisfy the desires of most sports car enthusiast. I am very impressed with the power and agility of this car. I considered the Honda Accord, but overwhelmingly chose the Maxima due to its interior room, comfortable seats, and power. This car is fun to drive!!

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  LOVE THIS CAR !!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By geck - February 28 - 10:00 am

  just bought my wife a preowened 02 maxima SE with 12k miles on it. wow! is all I can say. we have had 3 other maximas before this one and it just keeps getting better. great car, great pickup, awesome reliability all we have done was maintenace and pay our insurance. I wouldnt waste you time looking at stripped down Hondas and Toyotas for the same money. Go out Buy a Maxima you wont regret it. As for those driving the BMW 3 series ill race your $40k car and guess what? you will lose! This car is awesome!

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  Stepping up from 5sp Lexus cp - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard A - February 28 - 10:00 am

  After almost 3 months and 8000 miles this car is a dream come true. Coast to coast without a single problem . The convience of every feature made for a very pleasant journey. At 82 years I am really enjoying the 265hp & auto transmssion