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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  Maxima96 - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Twee - February 12 - 2:20 pm

  I bought my max 06 until now still running great and no problems. I love to drive this car more than my new car. Now 203,500 Miles. Still run like new, And I hope this car with run up tp 500,000.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima SE 4DR - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By fabolous - February 8 - 10:00 am

  A simply wonderful vehicle to own. I have owned one for 9 years and 222,900 miles. I have had absolutly NO problems with this vehicle. Owning this vehicle has been a pleasure for me. If there is anyone out there looking to purchase one I strongly suggest you do because this vehicle is the total package it has Luxury, Performance and reliability. Out of the many vehicles I have had this vehicle has been my favorite it gives a quality ride as well as very fast when needed!!

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By e_marston - February 8 - 10:00 am

  So far I absolutely love this car. It handles like a charm and has plenty of power and room.

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  greatest of maximas - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MPNJAN - February 8 - 10:00 am

  have had each maxima from 1989 to date- this by far the best.i had test drive of acura tl and infiniti g35 and i35- the maxima seems better re engine and performance and is more fun and more comfortable to drive

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  Greatest Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By SLY - February 8 - 10:00 am

  this car is an improvement over the last models...and thats saying something.

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  Major Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By andreas - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Cheap Interiors; Extremely poor quality both inside and out. Im trading it in tomorrow.

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  FLAW LESS CAR!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By PATEL - February 8 - 10:00 am

  i dont see anything major wrong with the car. a little stuff here and there but no big deal. way better than the ACURA. great handling and power.

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  Love it, BUT....... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By josh37 - February 7 - 8:42 pm

  I bought my 2005 Nissan Maxima SL with about 71000 miles on it, i now have 123000 on it. I LOVE the car and how it drives and looks. It has plenty of power. But, my transmission is slowly dieing on me. This is a common problem with these cars. I read the other day that, with these cars you have to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles for it to last. I havent decieded if i am going to get ride of it yet, or just replace the transmission. If i decide just to replace the transmission, i will make sure to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles, if not earlier. I truely love everthing about this car.

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  Great car, but one issue - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan lover - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Before buying an 03 Maxima, i had an 89 maxima- and i didnt have to think twice about which car to buy next. The maximas are definetely reliable, and that was the #1 thing i was looking for since i commute everyday! There have been many Maximas in my family, and i didnt think twice!

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  Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Atomic - February 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Nissan Maxima SE is by far, the best vehicle Ive ever driven. This "Maxi" is my 6th Maxima. The NEW Maxima rides and drives like a dream. Its power is nothing short of stealth- like! The exterior styling draws rave reviews. The driving, seating and comfort levels are absolutely PERFECT!!! It even plows right through the late winter snow here in upstate NY. Im especially impressed with, among the above: the soft perforated leather seats and trim; the EASY to use computer screen and ALL logically placed controls. The car screams: "drive me hard". This is clearly the BEST car on the market for the price.