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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  My 3rd Maxima! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack Schoen - December 21 - 7:12 am

  None of my Maximas have had great acceleration; ride could be better given that these are Nissans flagship cars. Otherwise, dependable, comfortable, almost luxurious interiors; great for short or long drives; reasonable mileage; never a major repair - all routine (brakes, tires, wheel barings (after 150 K miles), struts, etc. Very happy with Nissan.

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  Best mid-size for 2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By marachi - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima handles so nicely for its size. The SE gives you the sporty look but a luxurious ride. It does have great pick up and I recommend it to all people who are looking for a mid-size car. It gets great gas mileage and you have plenty of room seating wise for you the pilot and your passengers.

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  Love My Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Pam - December 14 - 4:43 am

  This is my fourth Maxima. I love this car. It drives wonderfully. At first I didnt know whether or not I would like it as much as I liked my 2000, but it has proved to be an outstanding car. The ride is so smooth. I love the interior. It feels like you are in the cockpit of a plane. I would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Just Like The Commercial - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Pimpin - December 13 - 6:33 pm

  Just purchased a 2007 Maxima SE black on black leather interior. Gotta tell you this model is far better than the previous year. The new bumpers and front grille are nice, the interior redesigned feels a lot better in the driver seat. The CVT transmission feels good. Overall its a good car if youre looking for a blend of sport and luxury. Believe me, you wont feel any change in the horsepower and torque in the 07 Maxima. Gotta get a sensory pkg. or better, youll enjoy the car and its features a lot more. You can just sit in a chair and look at the car all day, it looks just that nice. You will definitely love the Intelligent Key!

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  Dont buy a Maxima! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By dontdoit - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Like many others, my 2005 Nissan Maxima jerks when I put it into drive or reverse! There is a 3 second delay then it jerks. It happens when I am sitting at a light or have my car running then I put the car in drive from 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. When I am driving its so bad I cannot sip my coffee. Feels as though the engine is going to fall out! Nissan refuses to recall this issue and fix the problem. After reading many complaints, I guess I should feel a little fortunate that this has happened to me at 120,000 miles instead of the average 80,000. I would not recommend this car at all to anyone!!!

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  RG 1 Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick - December 9 - 11:23 am

  During the 8 years I have owned since new, I have put new brakes once, new tires twice, one new radiator at 150000 miles and now the struts need replacing. If this were a ford focus or whatever it would now be around in this good a condition. Also my actual miles per gallon is city 21 highway 27

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  Fun, Reliable, and Economical - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By AZShawn - December 9 - 2:00 am

  At 170,000 miles, my Maxima SE 5-speed is still running strong. Average 27mpg is great and the car is still fast and fun to drive. The reliability of this car is outstanding; however the suspension and steering are less than adequate. I cant think of a better value.

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  Bad paint - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Plucinski - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle and do feel it is a good vehicle for the money. However, I am very upset about the paint job. I have had too many paint chips to count. I expected more out of Nissan.

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  What a great car. - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By steveo - December 7 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a new 4 door sedan look no further than the Nissan Maxima. This is my third one and they really do not have any problems. Time will be the only thing that slows one down. Mileage, power, comfort, etc. its all there. I never get in my maxima and wonder if it is going to start.

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  Ive had the same problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By amber13131313 - December 6 - 11:40 pm

  The performance of the car is right up there is definitely fun to drive for sure. All in all I like my car if it come with all the fixing Ive had to do to it.I never had problems with it until it was crashed except for a battery dieing on my first day of work. after the insurance company paid $15,000 to fix yes that amount is right. about 4 months later I started having problems with it they never should have fixed it they should have totaled it out. It broke down at a light i got it started a few times to make it to the gas station across the street before it died again. I had it towed to nissan. i will continue on please read next review to find out more.