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 3091 through 3100 of 3,122.00-
Good car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By CVanHorn - February 4 - 10:00 amI bought this car when the new model came out, because I opted for a manual transmission, the colors available was limited. I wanted a black one but got a gold one instead. I still like the color. No major problems so far in 4.5 years. Had to have the keys re- programmed recently in order to start the car. That was inexpensive ($45). No other problems at all.
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Highly recommended for durability - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Danny - February 2 - 2:00 pmI have always wanted this exact year. When I first purchased used. I had done all my homework and have not been disappointed since. It is the most reliable car so far that I have owned. For a v6 it is quite responsive. Like any car it has had some minor mechanical work but if you change your oil regularly and do its scheduled upkeep it will give you years of satisfaction. I currently have 145000 kms and bought it with 88000 kms. The engine on this car is solid. it corners on rails and is a treat on the highway. The seats are comfortable. Buy it!!
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2002 Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Keithkoz - February 2 - 10:00 amThis is a great car. Ive been a Toyota fan for years, but the Maxima advertising campaign coaxed me into trying something new. Engine performance is outstanding, going from 70mph to 90mph without hesitation nor strain, almost instantly. Solid construction is noticibly better than my 2000 Camry.
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Really Fast - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By KillerZero - February 1 - 6:13 pmThis car is the fastest car Ive driven so far and its great. Very fast acceleration and awesome brakes. Speeding with this car is a unforgettable experience.
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Low build quality that takes all the fun - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By Hondaguy - January 31 - 12:13 amNissan wanted to make the most profit possible, so they built this nice car with the lowest quality parts available. The car has nice transmission, powerful engine, comfortable seats. and low quality material. bad suspension, below average rims quality, precise steering that wont last long. noisy gas tank when its full.The car also has a very large turning radius makes you feel youre turning with a semi truck. Nissan also has a very bad customer service with the slowest response in the industry.
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Tried Nissan over Honda - Big Mistake - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Dean Hoffman - January 30 - 10:00 amThe looks of the Maxima attracted me, and most of the reviews were postive, so I made a leap of faith and purchased a Nissan for the 1st time. What a mistake. Except for its good looks, this car rides like a truck, the wheels vibrate at unacceptable levels between 50 and 60 mph and dealer wont fix (this is "normal" for this car), and has tremendous torque steering issues when accelerating from a stop. Also the gas mileage is less than expected 22 on the highway, and I average 72 mph, and you cant park this thing in a tight spot, bacause you need more turning space than a HUMMER. Anyone want to trade for an Accord? Sorry Honda, but I will be back!
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WOW - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Melissa Middlebrooks - January 28 - 7:26 pmOur Maxima is dark blue on the outside and heaven on the inside. never before have i seen a car like this! I cant beleive it was only $30K. The other day on my way home i was listening to music not realy paying attention. i started to notice the cars around me going realy slow; curiously i started looking around until i noticed that everybody was not going slow, I was going 115MPH. 115MPH in a full size sedan...hints the name of the reveiw. This car also has the best excelleration i have ever seen. My son drives a 1996 honda delsol turbo which he has fixed up for racing, he passed me on the way home one day and just for fun, i tried to catch up. Needless to say, I passed him like he was stil
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A Solid Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By first nissan - January 21 - 10:00 amI recently purchased the GLE a few days ago. I test drove the BMW 325xi, the Volvo S60 2.5T AWD, and the Audi A4. I was actually on my way to the BMW dealership to buy the 325 (true story!) and for some reason or another i stopped in at the nissan dealership to check out the 04 maxima. I drove the 2004 and the 2003. Once I drove the 2003 I was sold. I bought the car right there on the spot. It drives much more smoothly than the other cars, plus youll get much more bang for you buck with the fully loaded GLE. Consumer Reports rates it very high and so do I. A highly recommended car.
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Sweet - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Very Impressed - January 21 - 10:00 am500 miles ago I stepped into this awesome machine...the looks...the feel...the power...all great. Loaded with the driver preferred package, to me this car is better than the G-35 and CTS...and for thousands less $$$. Without fail, when Im drifting people ask me about the car. My only complaint is that I cannot keep my foot off the gas peddle, feeling the cars immediate response as I zoooooom down the road.
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2001 Nissan Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By 01maxima - January 21 - 2:00 amVery dependable, comfortable, and stylish. Has only needed gas, oil, and filter changes. One unscheduled repair for a faulty oxygen sensor replaced under warranty. A genuinely nice, sporty sedan for the money.
