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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  2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By johnjill99 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Have only owned the car for one week, and so far I am impressed with the ride quality and the numerous amenities that this car offers. After the first fill- up the average MPG was 22. In addition, the fit and finish of the car is top notch. Appears to be built with careful attention to every detail from selecting high quality materials and workmanship. Each day I drive the car the more I love it, and relize that this is truely a car that offers exceptional value. I am sure that this new Maxima will live up to and exceed the reliability of previous Nissans.

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  Love my maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By tucker - February 6 - 2:06 am

  I own a 2008 maxima se. This is my second maxima, I had a 2001 and traded it. I love the comfort the style and I always get a nice comment on my maxima. I will have this maxima for a long time I finally got the loaded one.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By doc - February 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought our 95 Nissan Maxima GLE nine years ago and can not believe what a great car it has been. The interior leather is pristine as is the plastic. There are a few wear and tear dings to the exterior, but nothing too bad. Mechanically, the car has been absolutely PERFECT. Other than routine maintenance and losing the antennae in a car wash, it has never had a single problem and still drives as well as it did when it was new. Great acceleration - the 3.0L engine in a 3000 lb frame gives it more than enough acceleration.

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  2003 max - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bremner44 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Its powerful, stylish, has a lot of nice features, and is reliable. Best car for the money. The mistake people make is when they try to compare the Maxima with the Camary, Accord, Or Mitsubishi. It is in a higher class, a head above the previous mentioned. The only things I would change are: It needs a telescoping steering wheel,Im 65" and my seat is pushed all the way back. The steering wheel is to far away. Also, the exterior paint seems to chip easily.

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  2004 MAX SL is a Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ramcon - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After three weeks and 2400 miles I am very pleased with my new Max. Great power and exellent cruising on the highway. It really wants to go! Around town it seems a fair bit bigger than my 95 Maxima but I am getting used to it quickly.

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  Excellent Sporty Sedan - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By glemon - February 1 - 10:40 pm

  My first four door car after owning sports cars then a Nissan Sentra SE-R. Bought off E-bay with 40,000 miles and extended warranty, didnt need the warranty, now at nearly 80,000 and literally nothing has gone wrong with the car, not even a bulb out. Got it because I wanted more room, practicality than my Sentra SE-R drove a 5-speed Maxima and it felt like a SE- R with a little more room, power and torque. Plan on keeping it for a long long time, little to fault with this car

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  Better get the 100,000 mile warranty - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By All good - January 28 - 7:46 pm

  Sport model is fantastic to drive if you like hugging corners and quick acceleration. Feels like a German car but 20k less. Needs more sound dampening around the fender wells.Drove many other cars with similar power and handling. Best car in class for the money. And yes I do own a German car. Nissan stepped up to the German counterparts with the electronic controls.

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  nice ride - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By mayur - January 27 - 1:13 pm

  For my first car, I was looking for something reliable, powerful, safe, reasonably priced, and fun to drive. I decided to go with the Nissan Maxima and I have been very pleased with the car over the last couple of months. The car is built very well and is nicely appointed for a 12-17,000 used vehicle. Another thing I like about this car is the body style that sticks to the shape that is very attractive to the eye. Inside the controls are well laid out, and the BOSE system performs quite well. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a well-priced, reliable, and sporty choice for a long term vehicle. I have read many reviews and the car holds up to its rating.

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  This Car Kicks All Sorts of Butts - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By The SuperPianist - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I dont know about the guy who said that this Maxima has poor reliability. This is the best car Ive ever owned, no question. The v6 engine is super quick and the 4-speed auto tranny shifts smoothly. The interior is comfortable and luxurious, and well thought out. Its small enough to be very easily maneuverable, and yet powerful enough to get turn heads when you pull away from a stoplight really fast.

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  Journey to Excellence - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ecainokc - January 27 - 10:00 am

  A complete joy to drive, comfortable with plenty of head and leg room that easily accomodates my 65" body. Very little road noise and a powerful engine that allows me to easily enter into traffic flow. The body style is just something to look at, I have the Elite with the sunroof option. The Bose system is unmatched, an unparrelled automobile.