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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GOOD LOOKING AUTO - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Robert Langer - January 27 - 10:00 amI HAVE 2000 Miles on the car and the only disappointment is the front end . Going over uneven roads about 20-30 miles an hour the front end is very noisy and does not take the bumps very well. Everything else is fine, but the gear shifting is not easy.I still havent gotten the feel of it and sometimes I have to look up to the dash board to see which gear I am in.
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Nissan Maxima 2004 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Warren Van Etten - January 21 - 2:00 amPurchased on 11/15/2003 Have had three Maximas starting with the 1997,2000 and 2004. Experience in all have been excellent. Problem occured with the 2004 while taking trip to NC. We had 817 miles on vehicle and traveling on RT 55 in NC and the sky view roof exploded and blew a hole in the top of the roof. We are in contact with Nissan and trying to get this resolved. Over all the Maxima 2004 SE is what we expected with the Maxima. This is a great design. The Sky View feature is what realy impress us and it has turned out to be a disaster Regards, Carol & Warren Van Etten
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I love my Nisson - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By jdbalso - January 21 - 2:00 amI purchased a demo vehicle with 4900 miles on it. I love the car. I previously owned only Chevrolet vans and minivans and have never purchased a foreign manufactured vehicle prior to this car. To date, my experience has been nothing short of excellent. I hope the service lives up to its reputation.
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Great Sports Sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Brian - January 19 - 9:06 pmI bought my 6 Speed Maxima two months ago, and i love it! When its working right that is. Ive had to have the VHT gears replaced, wheel bearing twice, hub once, both front struts once, and lower control arms. All work was done for free or under warranty. I dont blame these problems on the car but, the dealership who didnt fully check over it before they delivered it to me. The car is fast (pulled a 15.1 in the 1/4 mile at the track) but the limited slip diff is a must, other wise the torque steer is too much to control. Over all a Fast, fun, Sporty ride. But the Eagle RSAs need to go needs some Pirelli PZeros
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An Amazing Car for the Money - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By Speedyvonquick - January 19 - 10:00 amGot mine for a steal (right after the 2000 model came out). Better build quality than the 2000+ models. After 72,000 hard miles, this car is still as tight as a drum. Got my Boise stereo replaced under warranty at 25,000 miles but other than that, no problems ever. Funny thing is the more miles I drive it, the faster it gets and the more I like it! Gas mileage has improved too. Best v6 in the world. I expect to drive my SE to 250K miles before any problems.
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Dale Review - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Dale - January 19 - 7:36 amThis Maxima has been excellent. Fun to drive and comfortable. Very reliable. Preventative maintenance kept it in very good condition. Only mechanical problem was the brakes which had to be replaced within warranty.
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Already traded it in - 2008 Nissan Maxima
By Katprielle - January 19 - 3:10 amTraded in 99 Altima for 2008 Maxima, loaded w/everything but nav system. I missed my Altima. Battery went out within a year. Not prepared for how low it sat (my fault, its a sports sedan). I scraped the front bumper (visible damage) on the curb of a parking space within a month and had a hard time getting in and out of steep parking lots. The turning radius is horrible and the car is so long that I had a very hard time parking and backing out of tighter spaces. I live in a city where it floods; I kicked myself for two years because the car sits so low I could not really drive in the rain. I traded it in for an AWD Subaru Forrester that sits up high, has great clearance and turns on a dime.
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Love at first site.... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Nova - January 15 - 10:40 pmMy wife had asked me to go test drive a new 05 Altima for her that she was going to buy. When I was at the dealership I walked past the show room and for the first time I saw a 05 Maxima. I could not keep my eyes off her. After I test drove the Altima, I asked the salesperson if I could test drive the Max. As soon as I put the car into gear I was sold. I could not believe that the way it drove out performed its looks. The car is just AWESOME. It is so fun to drive. It is extremely quite and when needed it "Gets up and goes" better then most vehicles. My buddy discribes it the best, "Its like riding on Ice".... smooth.
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HEAD TURNER - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By brewtown414 - January 15 - 2:00 amNISSAN HAS OUT DONE ITS SELF WITH THE ALL NEW REDESIGNED MAX. THE POWER OF THIS VEHICLE IS UNMATCHED BY ANY OTHER IN ITS CLASS,ALSO ITS NEW DESIGN GIVES YOU THAT EXPENSIVE EURO LOOK WITH AT AN MODEST COST. WITH ITS NEW COLOR (RADIANT AMBER) TURNS HEADS EVERYWHERE WE GO AND I LOVE IT.
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2004 Nissan Maxiam - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By EsamD - January 15 - 2:00 amThis is a well built, comfortable and fun to drive. The features on this model are significantly improved over previous years models.
