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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  THIS SHOULD BE THE ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LHOU72662 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  STUNNING AUTOMOBILE THAT REALLY TURNS HEADS. PERFORMANCE IS OUTSTANDING. IMMEDIATE POWER UPON REQUEST. MAKES LANE CHANGES IN FAST MOVING TRAFFICE A BREEZE. 265 HP WILL SNAP YOUR HEAD BACK. WHAT A JOY.

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  So impressed, bought two of them!!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By jinsatx - February 27 - 11:40 pm

  Dont know where to start. Always liked the Max, bought my first one in 86 (yes, the one with the talking voice) and have liked them ever since. Bought the wife one on Saturday and drove it all weekend. Woke up Monday morning and had to drive my Sebring Convertible to work (different, but not a Max). Woke up on Tuesday morning and decided I had to have one of my own. Tuesday afternoon bought mine. Twins, DPP, sunroof, only mine has the VDC package. Hers, Coral Sand, mine Liquid Silver. In my mind best car for the money Ive ever seen. Traded a 2000 Accord EXL v6 on my wifes car. Dont care what they say, liked the Accord for 5 years, but this Max puts the new Accord to shame.

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  WOW - this is a car !!!!! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Larry B - February 27 - 1:36 am

  I read so many reviews leading up to my purchase. I have been leasing cars for my business for 25 years. I have leased Porsches, BMWs, Hondas, Volvo, and Audi. I am a young man stuck in a growing older body. and I thought I had experienced it all in cars. I have even test drove maximas before getting a better car. Man, was I shocked and surprised at what this new Maxima has to offer. speed, power, handling, ride, looks, creature features, it has it all. No complaints here. A very well done ride. I got a fantastic lease, and they delivered it to me 180 miles away. I got the technology, and sport packages, which really loads this ride up. I Love this car - so fun to drive.

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  Great dependable car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack - February 23 - 5:13 am

  We purchased our Maxima in March 2006. I commute 100 miles each day, so we have put a lot of miles on this car; currently just over 100,000. The only thing I have had done is replace the tires two times, oil change, and replaced both headlight bulbs. Unfortunately, most people will need to have the dealer replace the headlight bulb. My wife and I both love driving this car!

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  Hands Down Best Nissan Has built to Date - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximus million - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Max and it is hands down the best one Ive owned. I also own 1996 Gle. Nissan has out done themselves with this model. Me and wife fight over who is going to drive it next.

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  Phelps - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Lanny Phelps - February 21 - 7:00 pm

  I have owned four Maximas and have never been let down. They combine performance with luxury features that no other car in this price range can deliver.

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  Old but strong - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By radiohead - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased from my sister at 245k and it sat around for 6 months prior to that. In my mind I didnt expect to much out of it because of it was a foreign car (Chevy born and raised) but this car truly did surprise me. The handling was a little shifty but the power of the V6 held its own against a Mustang I must say. This is a solid, well built car with a great ride and excellent power. Even though it sad around for 6 months, once the cob webs were blown off, she shined like a diamond performance wise. The only problems Ive faced is repair cost and what others have done to it.

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  Worse vehicle I have ever purchased... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 1traviesa - February 19 - 6:48 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems since I purchased. Mainly the transmission. Shoddy build from the start. Defective valve body used in this year model causes the transmission to falter and high cost to repair. Manufacturer will not repair or recall. Trusted the name Nissan but now will never again buy a car from this manufacturer

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  Super sedan! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Johnny - February 18 - 6:23 am

  Sold an 03 Vette to getthis Nissan cause of my growing family size. Fit and finish of Nissan blows chevy away. I got a loaded se 6 speed and it has more bells and whistles than the vette I had. Its not as fast and doesn handle like a vette but for a 4door it sure does feel sporty. The gearing takes a lil gettin used to as its a close ratio 6 speed but its fun to drive as long as traffic isnt an issue. I love this car and it is far better than the 88,89, and 94 maximas Ive owned.

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  Never Considered Nissan... Until Now - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeff - February 17 - 3:45 pm

  Week 2 of owning my 2016 Maxima Platinum and Im very satisfied with my purchase. Im 30 years old, no children, young(ish) professional with a long commute (30 miles one way). I originally started shopping the 16 Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, and Lincoln MKZ. I happened to see a Maxima on the road and it really stood out, so I read some online reviews and made my way to the dealership "just to look". Well, after driving the cars priced thousands more, I was seriously impressed with this car. Ill go through whats meaningful to me. Safety - what are grouped into "packages" on other vehicles with already high base prices are all standard on the Maxima Platinum and commuting in Chicago through dense traffic on busy expressways I find the extra set of watchful eyes on the road very reassuring. The blind spot monitor, front and rear sonar, forward emergency braking, smart cruise control, driver attention alert, around view monitor - these have all come in handy already in just these two short weeks and Ill probably not buy another car without this helpful tech. Interior - this is MILES beyond anything in the mainstream segment and rivals cars in classes above. The diamond quilted seats, hand stitched dashboard, diamond patterned wood trim, panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats, flat bottom sport steering wheel; all these features combine to make each driving experience feel special. The nav and infotainment system is awesome - the redundant controls with the i-drive like rotary wheel is convenient if you dont want to poke at a touchscreen and the navigation information can be swiped into the driver control cluster so you can keep your eyes on the road. Driving Experience - anyone who says CVT and sport sedan cant go together (and I was one of those individuals) havent actually driven this car. The power is IMMEDIATE and instant on-demand. The system can keep the RPMs low in everyday driving to maximize fuel economy but push the sport mode button and things get moving fast. The ability of the CVT to give you that power instantaneously and then hold you in the power band is incredible and for merging onto highways at speed, it makes things a breeze. I never feel wanting for power even after driving the twin-turbo CTS which has 400+hp. Will this car cannibalize sales from the Infiniti Q50? Probably. Will it steal sales from cars in classes above? It just did for me. Its large and spacious, sporty without being pretentious and immature, elegantly appointed on the inside, and cheaper to insure. If youre looking for a full featured near-luxury (or luxury in my opinion) car with sporting aspirations thats not too fussy to be a good reliable daily driver, head down to your Nissan dealership. I drove one home that night and have been thrilled every time I drive it.