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:

• 

  Terrific Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By codemeister16 - January 4 - 2:26 pm

  Bought this car last year with about 92000 mi. very dependable, crashed the front passenger side quarter and it still runs as good as the day i got it. havent had any trouble with it so far except an oil change and new brake pads.

• 

  Solid as Rock - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By SamX - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I like this car! I had a 1997 Honda Accord and totaled it in a accident, I had a deal on that car, and it was Manual, so its why I took it. It has 375 000km, its so much for a car... but its solid as rock. Only normal think to change, O2 sensors and brakes... A great Car!!

• 

  SE/TITANIUM EDITION - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By chr1921 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  SO FAR SO GOOD, NO PROBLEMS, I CAN FEEL THE BRAKES GRINDING DURING STOPPING, ROTORS SHOW RUST WHEN IT RAINS OR GETS WET, THEY SEEM TO BE OF LESSER QUALITY, LIKE MY PREVIUOS MAXIMA. LITTLE STRONG ON THE TORQUE STEER,OTHER THAN THAT THE PERFORMANCE IS OUTSTANDING

• 

  Could this be love? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Grafiker - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Its been exactly a week since my sweet new Spirited Bronze SE automatic with Frost leather and Skyview roof came home with me. Its an admittedly short review period, I know, but long enough for me to say with conviction that Im smitten. In fact, I think it may be the best car Ive ever owned, and that in the face of some pretty stiff competition: two Acura Legends, a Saab 900 SPG turbo, and a Supra. Drive it and youll be a believer.

• 

  hot sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joe marsella - January 4 - 2:00 am

  very fast and stable on the road , great in rain or snow with the front wheel drive . a five speed auto a must

• 

  MAXIMUM MAXIMA! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jaw431 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! I previously owned a 1997 Maxima and loved it. I just turned in a Lexus IS300 and loved that too. But this is everything I had in the Lexus in a more sizeable and comfortable performance sedan. Couldnt believe it could come with all the options I had in the Lexus. Exceptional comfort plus power.

• 

  Greenvikings Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Greenviking - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased this car a couple of weeks ago. We are very impressed with the styling and performance of this car. The new design stands out much more than the previous years design and still has the quality. The dealership I bought from was superb.

• 

  Nothing But Issues - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Sunshinej01 - January 3 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car with 47000 miles and have had nothing but issues since. I first replaced the MAS, and have since replaced both front ball joints and axles, air conditioner clutch pulley, water pump, brakes, and still have many issues including water leaking in from mysterious places, sputtering upon cold start, and my cd player is also very sketchy. This was my dream car, but I now wish that I had never purchased it. I would have never dreamed that Id have put over $2500 into repairs in two years while still being under 90000 miles.

• 

  Loves to run - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By RAM - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn by Nissans reputation for reliability and snared by Maximas sheer driving fun. This is my first Maxima having last owned a Mazda 626. I didnt think I could afford a car that offered enough room for my outsized old body and was fun to drive too. The BMWs, Jag X-types, Audis, Acura TLs and Lexus IS300s were nice and expensive. But this car got me with its combination of features, power, build quality and fun drive train at a bargain price. I love the way this cars eager to run. I get up the mountain to ski MUCH faster than before and I find the trip to be more comfy too.

• 

  Loves to run - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ram - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn by Nissans reputation for reliability and snared by Maximas sheer driving fun. This is my first Maxima having last owned a Mazda 626. I didnt think I could afford a car that offered enough room for my outsized old body and was fun to drive too. The BMWs, Jag X-types, Audis, Acura TLs and Lexus IS300s were nice and expensive. But this car got me with its combination of features, power, build quality and fun drive train at a bargain price. I love the way this cars eager to run. I get up the mountain to ski MUCH faster than before and I find the trip to be more comfy too.