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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  Feel every bump in the road - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By eileen - February 16 - 2:40 pm

  I went from a Jeep to a VW to a Nissan and will never buy Japanese or Nissan again. I like the car overall but you feel every single little bump in the road. It feels like your rims are going to crack when you go over a bump.

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  2009 Max - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By NissanBoy - February 16 - 12:06 pm

  I currently have a 2008 max SL and wanted to see whats all the talk about the 2009. Well, people let me tell you that I took this car for a weekend road test and was extremely impressed. I tested the sv premium package w/o Navi. This car has loads of features that you will not find in any acura TL. The room of this car remains the same and the interior quality seem to have improved over my 2008. Only time will tell if I will be willing to spend 37k on a Nissan Maxima.

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  the long life of my Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Helen Bean - February 16 - 10:03 am

  I drive my Maxima no less than 500 miles a day to work and back. I have had to replace only the basics, tires, brakes and muffler. I now have 279,000 miles on my baby, it is the best car I have ever owned. Plan on buying another one if this one ever wares out!

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  Nice car -- shaky maintenance program - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By ncjoe - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Nissan New 8/2001. Overall Nice vehicle. peformance, comfort and reliability. Had one major problem during the first winter -- car wouldnt start in cold weather. Vehicle sat in dealership for 2 months as they couldnt trouble shoot problem. I had to escalate to Nissan HQ before problem got resolved -- faulty computer chip.

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  Great Car only 1 fault - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By OzgurK - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Great Car, lots of space, fun to drive. Premium stero with XM is a blast. Only negative is the turning radius. This took me by surprise. I have had larger cars that could turn around much better. THis needs to be improved. I looked at cars that were twice the price and they did not match up to the Maxima.

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  Im Sold! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By nissanhappy - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had nissan for a while now, all i can say is great car, great power if you need it. You just barley touch the gas peddle and your going the speed limit! ADVICE: dont take out your stock cassette deck for a cd player, the car shop has no clue on how to hook up the radio antenna. If you want a cd in your car buy a cd changer for your trunk. Otherwise great car!

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  Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kirsten_046 - February 11 - 11:41 pm

  I was so excited when I bought this car Ive always had a Nissan and they never let me down. I loved the double sun roof and the previous owner had "tricked" it out so it was all fancy. I bought it with 130,000 miles on it which was quite a bit but it was running well! But then after about 20,000 miles the key kept getting stuck in the ignition, the CD player skips everything and cuts out, takes a few times to actually start the car and now it has trouble switching gears AND I was driving a few days ago and it totally turned on in the middle of the road; steering wheel locked, gas didnt work, lights and everything went off (had to turn it off then back on again). Nissan has let me down.

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  HATE THIS CAR - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Kim - February 10 - 7:13 pm

  The seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever owned. The turning radius is like you are in an 18 wheeler. The gas mileage is a lie, the most we have ever gotten is like 20.9-21, very disappointed. I had a Highlander before and would trade this in a heart beat for another one. It is a good looking car on the outside but that is about all good I can say for it. Will NEVER own another one. Been to 2 dealerships they say nothing is wrong and gas mileage should get better... yeah right!

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  Most things to like; some to not - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By flyer10 - February 10 - 7:08 am

  I traded an 06 Maxima SE for the 11 S. I love the styling, inside and out. Very classy in black. Power is great, although there is some torque steer. Comfort is great, and the inside controls are much more user friendly than on the 06. Trunk space is less, which could be an issue. The radio is much better quality than the 06. Its fun to drive, and it handles well. Now for what I dont like. Under heavy acceleration the engine is very noisy, almost irritatingly so. Also, there is significant wind noise starting about 40 mph on up. The ride isnt as smooth as my 06 either. Maybe its the Goodyear Eagles---my other one had Bridgestones. On windy days, the car is buffeted.

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  A nice looking lemon - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Anthony - February 9 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car a year ago because I heard Nissan are good cars sense then I had to replace spark plugs and compact because of vibration, alternator, now radiator is not keeping any water in it, it stalls out when Im at a traffic light. I now have a bad taste in mouth concerning this car and on tire time at a $150.00 a piece