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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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WMW - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable to drive or ride in, smooth acceleration, lots of power. The exterior is sure to turn some heads with a front grill that is eyecatching and great shape. The standard sunroof that covers both the front and back seats is interesting. The interior combination of wood, metal and leather makes it look like cars costing much more. Ive had the car for about 4 weeks now and still find myself taking the long way so that I can drive it some more.

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  Its a Little Bumpier than I had Hoped - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BellmorePole - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The exterior of my 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE is an extremely sharp looking vehicle. All interior controls and dials are handy . The climate control fans are noisy until the internal cockpit reaches the set temperature. The front seating is roomy and the leather seats are very comfortable. The rear seats provide enough legroom for any passenger. Acceleration is excellent. It reaches 60 mph faster than promised. I did expect a ride that was smoother than I am experiencing to date from the GLE. The dealer felt that the tire pressure might be of fault but when checked for my 3 month checkup by Nissan it was determined to be the correct psi in all the tires.

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  Had to buy another GLE! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jetguy - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car from a dealer about 1 hour away. Traded our 2000 GLE with 34k miles. This 03 did not disappoint. The ride was just as smooth as the 00. The added features, memory seats and 6 cd changer, were welcomed as standards. The extra 33HP make the car seem to relax more when accelerating.

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  SPEED, LUXURY, and all the goodies! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By ATOice - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Youve got to be kidding me, LEXUS IS? Not even worth it. This bad boy would smoke all in its class. I looked at the Lexus IS 300, Maxima SE, and Acura 3.2 CL Type-S. Bang for the buck, Maxima is the way to go. I torched the tires in second gear going up an Hill at a 50 Degree angle and it ran as well as my Supercharged Integra. If it werent for love and kids, I would keep it, but instead, I am getting a sports car for me, and a family car for the family. Save yourself over 8 thousand dollars and get the Maxima, you will be doing yourself a favor. You will enjoy the interior (comfort), exterior (looks), and performance (Speed and handling).

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  2008 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5 - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By robin0107 - November 25 - 7:10 pm

  I have own 2 Maximas before and have returned to one after 4 years. I found a like new limited eddition for a good price. It drives well and is very quiet. I have found no problems or complaints so far. It gives me 26.1 miles per galons, good confort and nice ride.

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  Overall great car with one problem. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - November 25 - 8:26 am

  Overall, love the car. Fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles. The only problem with the car has been in the steering wheel. It has had a tremor since Day One. The first diagnosis was "elliptical" tires caused by being tied down too tightly during transport. After many phone calls, the tires were replaced. That, however, didnt really solve the problem. The wheel continues to vibrate and shimmy. It has been in the shop several times but nothing has stopped the shaking. This has been frustrating.

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  FIrst time Nissan owner - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jozeph1074 - November 24 - 1:56 pm

  Being my first time as with a Nissan, I have been brand loyal to Toyota for over 15 yrs. But comparing what the 04 Maxima had to offer over the Camry at what I consider equal build quality, it was no comparison. The six speed transmission mated with the smooth 265HP V6 is just a example of how Nissan is listening to the market. Horsepower wars are back with all brands and Nissan has shown they are not going to be left behind.

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  decent - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By atorreon - November 24 - 12:59 am

  decent car....got one with all the toys. the oem tires suck in the winter and the car never got better than 17mpg. options and car build were great though. lots of comfor and decent performance

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  Third Times the Charm - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By shk1123 - November 23 - 9:00 pm

  This is my third Maxima, and the 2007 model is by far the nicest, most exciting model ever produced. The CVT (whose effect does not change even when using the manual option of the automatic transmission) is a great option, and I think provides more consistent power. It looks quite a bit like the Lexus on the outside, but not close on the inside, and performance is not markedly different from what I could tell. Price is. A great car, as Maximas have long tended to be.

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  Loving it even more than I thought! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By FireFish - November 23 - 4:06 am

  In a nutshell - if youre even looking at this car, youre probably looking for the same thing I was. I loved the look of the 2007 Infinity G35 coupe and swore Id do anything to get it after test driving it. Aside from the compact factor, everything else I liked was tech related or cosmetic. I didnt get it b/c it was way over my budget at the time and once the new Maxima came out, it was literally love at first sight. My Maxine (you heard right) has Premium + Technology packages, ultimately containing everything that the G37 Coupe currently has in its interior aside from the 2-hand Infinity clock. Many reviews I read call the Maxima more of an Infinity than an Infinity itself. CAR IS FUN!