Nissan Maxima Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.52/5 Average
3,122 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 3101 through 3110 of 3,122.00
  • Love My Maxima! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I have been privileged to drive some wonderful vehicles including the 5 series BMW. However, this is, by far, the BEST sedan Ive enjoyed. Its quiet, comfortable, safe and above all, reliable. The owners manual is most helpful in detailing what needs to be done regarding services. Following the manufacturers recommendations, this car will last forever. I highly recommend the Maxima if you want luxury and sensibility combined!

  • 99 nissan maxima GLE - 1999 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    After 6 yrs of tough desert driving this car still has it. Fun to drive, great acceleration, and not a single problem thus far. Drives like the day i drove it off the lot.

  • Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Awesome car, drives great, no problems so far. Gas mileage 23.5 city 28.0 hwy with regular fuel, premium fuel doesnt do anything that I notice the mileage and the power are the same, all you do is give the oil companies more money.

  • Most luxory in a sedan well under $30k - 2002 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Jam packed with tons of new features and options. Available safety features include side air bags, traction control, active head restraints (standard), ABS (standard). Would highly recomend purchaser consider traction control for vehicle, especially if to be used in any snow or ice conditions. Markedly improved performance over Maximas without it in specific circumstances.

  • IDWIN - 1996 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    great car fast and i mean fast. i beat cars i should not beat example 4.6 liter mustangs, i also beat a 240 sx with a sr20det front mount, boost controller, and full exhaust.the thing that makes this car a blast to drive is the amount of torque from this 3.0 is really well used with a 5 speed.

  • Lovin my max! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Great car! Superb handling, good looks. I am sold on Maximas! I tried Camry, Honda and BMW and went to the dealer Saturday and purchased the Max SL! Its an all-around good feel!

  • Thats my baby! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    i bought a 97 GLE in july of 2010 and it was definitely worth the money! It has almost 160k miles now and it still runs really smooth and handles well. A maxima will give you a "need to speed" feeling. Even though im 411" and this car is already big, i definitely have the same control of someone who is taller. The only problem i noticed was when i was driving the front passenger side was making a "squeaky" sound so i had that checked out and it was because the sway bar links were rusty so i just sprayed WD-40 on it and it was good! i love this car! Ill be buying another maxima no doubt.

  • mone pit - 2005 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    This has been the best and worst I have ever owned. The car handles great. Gets 30 mpg at 70mph. Wasnt expensive. Beautiful to look at. But it has been the most un reliable piece I have ever had the displease of owning. Bought the car with 100k. Two weeks after buying it transmision rebuild($4400). Then broke the cv joints because the transmission stressed them slamming into gear before the rebuild. Them a complete suspension rebuild. Now it need timing chain guides. Memory seats never worked. I have had over $8000 in repairs to this car and now..... The transmission is goin out again at 160k. Cant wait to get me an american car. FIrst and last Jap car I will own.

  • 2002 Black on Black SE 6M - 2002 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    From my other review. 2002 Black on Black SE 6M 3/17/08. OK! What I stated before still stand, but we need to slam Nissan or the horrible, just horrible OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. This car does consumes oil. It will run normal for the most part and if your not careful and check the the oil level you can and will do damage to the motor. I keep a 5qt bottle of castrol high milage. After 200 mi of driving or so I have to add a qt or two of oil. Thats right! Nissan wont admit to this problem. dont bother with synthetic if it consumes oil. The burn off is costly with that oil. I tried just about everything excepting changing the engine. Good luck....

  • They dont make them like the used to... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I must say I have been a bit disappointed with this generation Maxima. My 97 SE was amazing, but somewhere in the crossing over, Nissan focused too much on power and not enough on the driver. The Bose sound system is a joke, the electronic seats are great but stopped working right after I bought it, the interior feels cheap and allows lots of wind noise. Fan for heater makes horrible grinding noise, so loud in fact it can be heard outside the car; how embarrassing! The styling and everything about this car feels old and worn out...I just want to get rid of it but Im stuck with loads of negative equity!! Yikes!!

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