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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  Always wanted one - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By fammaxima - January 3 - 2:10 am

  I purchased this car with 33,000 miles on it. My wife and I love it. And to boot, all three car seats fit in the back. The car seat fiasco was tough but it worked. The car drives very smoothly and for those speed freaks, this car can move. if you are looking for a car with some horse as well as room and comfort, then this car is for you.

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  Fantastic - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By rooski - December 28 - 10:26 pm

  Well, I traded my 06 Mustang GT. Anything within our budget, other than Maxima would have been a terrible disappointment. Plenty of room for three average sized adults (not happening in the Mustang). Great performance, super QUIET, great features, great exterior lines. My husband was really wanting Infiniti, but he wouldnt have it any other way now. Gas mileage is good compared to what I was getting on the Stang. This car is the best of both worlds between sports car and sedan. Great vehicle!

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  STAY AWAY - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By LouR - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car, has all the bells and whistles but if you live where there are criminals THE HEADLIGHTS GET STOLEN LIKE CANDY. I HAVE MY CAR FOR6 MONTHS AND I AM SELLINGIT ASAP

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  Nissan needs to be shut down - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By deirdra - December 26 - 5:43 pm

  First please sign my petition we can complain all day online on blogs but unless something is done or someone dies nothing will be done. The car exterior design is great and fuel economy is great the rest of the car. Disappointing. I have everything from transmission engine and electrical issues. I have less than 60,000+ on it and started having issues after 30,000. I have taken the car to the dealer nothing was done contacted Nissan nothing was done. Nissan needs to pay for what their customers are going through. I recently had an accident do to the transmission jerking basically out of gear and I ran up on a curb that cost me $2000 in damages.

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  Very Nice ride - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By T. O - December 26 - 1:10 pm

  Had my Maxima for a year now. Owned a 2000 GLE prior to my 2009. The body style is one of the coolest cars on the road. I get compliments on a weekly basis. Got the sport package, 19 rims, enjoy the XM radio. I had to buy the SV in order to get the XM so with the sport package that put me me up in the $33k range which is a lot for this car. What happened to the wood paneling? Ive seen 97 Maximas with wood grain and my $33k 2009 doesnt have it???? It lacks the true luxury feel without it. Had to replace a fuel pump in first 6 months but other than that the car has been reliable. The trunk is extremely heavy, turning radius is poor but it handles great! Overall I like the car

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  I will never own anything but a Maxima! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By My Buttercup - December 25 - 5:36 am

  Her name is Buttercup and she can pass anyone. My Maxima was given to me by my son in 03. She had 93,000 miles on her when I got her. Since then she has reliably gotten me up and down the East coast and to jobs no less than 50 miles round trip. The only thing I have had to do for my Maxima is battery, tires, starter, and oil change, I hit a deer with this car but this cars reliability, handling, and of course my driving, prevented a catastrophe. Whenever she needs something, she tells me, and as long as I listen, were both OK. After 30 years of driving, I will never own another car! Theres nothing better!

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Vincent Giannotti - December 23 - 7:26 pm

  I own a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE with the Titanium Package which I purchased new in April 2003. It currently has 65,000 miles and is still solid as a rock. The VQ35 3.5L V6 is amazing - great power and torque. Ive added the following: custom grille, Viper remote start system and Injen cold air intake. I plan to add hi-flow exhaust and upgrade to 18" wheels. It has never been back to the dealership even once for any problems. I also own three American cars, including a Cadillac, but none of them can match the quality of the Maxima. I wouldnt part with it for anything!

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  Nissan Maxima SE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By white98se - December 23 - 11:00 am

  Very functional, roomy performance sedan. Good road manners on freeway or windy country roads. SE suspension gives road feel without the rough sports car ride. Dependable never fails to start. Easily "modable" for the enthusist that wishes to squeeze a few more horses from the very well built 3.0L V6 Fine for 4 adults. 3 small kids will fit in the back if they get along ... Ample trunk room. A joy to drive on the daily commute or sunday run through the country.

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  2nd Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010 Maxima SV-Sport - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  This is my second Maxima, previously I had a 2007. No mechanical problems with the previous one, but at least they have improved the turning radius. I love the look of the new one and the performance.

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  Shimmy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By madagaro - December 21 - 7:20 am

  On the day of the delivery I experienced steering wheel "shimmy" or vibration at two different speeds and despite 4 trips to the dealership, some improvement but not complete elimination of the problem. I understand steering wheel locks may be an issue (found that on the Edmunds site) and will try that....love the car, dislike the service I experienced.