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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  07 max review - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By b2stunt - July 11 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased my silver on black SE about two weeks ago. It only has 300 miles but i tested out all my features. The heated seats do not get as warm as my olds aurora, the glove box is kind of small besides that there are no other complaints. Its a great car for the price.

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  SE 2001 - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By sog - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This car looks good, handles well,good gas milage, plenty of power, all comfort features, excellent sound system. One of the better cars that I have owned.

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  Just got it - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By evetsv - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2003 because my old car was a 5 speed 91 Celica and I just got tired of the shifting in rush hour traffic and it was time for a new car! Since the 2004 model was out, Deland Nissan offered great incentives to move the 03 and everyone at the dealship has been outstanding! Got an excellent deal, including what I got for the trade in. Since Ive had the car less than a month, it has , of course, performed flawlessly. Great ride and handling.

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  24,000mi & not a single problem - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By G - July 4 - 10:00 am

  24,000 miles. No issues at all. Some aftermarket performance parts. Navigation System is amazing (prefer DVD though), Very roomy for 5. All of my friends/family love this car! I cant stop driving it. 2k-up Mustang GT autos are no match. JUST BRING IT

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  Nissan makes a great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By abstractor1 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I got my SE with Elite package 10 days ago. I really like the design from the sleek exterior to the rocket ship interior. My father-in-laws observation is how futuristic in design it looks. It is fun to drive, and the car tends to want to drive faster than legal speeds and I constantly find myslf having to slow down. I have owned 3 other Nissans and an Infiniti so Nissan continues to impress me. Highly recommended!

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  great car,great walue - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By GIS_ - June 29 - 2:30 am

  Had the car for about 4 months now, is all I thought it would be. I bought it used, so I knew that there will be some work needed done to it, but so far so good. Is strong, smooth and it delivers at any rpm.

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  Love It!! Very Nice Redesign - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By MsJ - June 28 - 10:27 am

  I purchased the Maxima SL 6/30/15 and I love it! It certainly is a head-turner as its a beautiful car. Running on the highway in sport mode is great although the cruise control "safety component" is something Ill have to get used to. I cant say anything bad about this car. Everything is great. Many complain about the CVT but I dont really notice a difference in this model. I think Nissan has improved it over the years. Test drive one and youll be in love with it too!

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  Maxima kicks butt!!! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Max-Girl - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. It truly kicks butt. This car is FAST and handles like an exotic sports car. You take off and barely touched the gas pedal. Its comfortable and the engine is sooo smooth. This car is like having a Lexus ES 300 w/out paying for an ES 300. Love the HID Xenons and the gated auto shifter.

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  love this car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By JIM CAVAGNARO - June 27 - 7:36 am

  I picked the se model for its stiffer suspension for better handling. The car is like a locomotive when you put your foot into it, especially above 4000 rpms. Mine is a 2002 model and has given exemplary service and reliability. With 45000 on the odo its as tight and quick as it was on day one. Top notch material quality. If the car has a shot coming its with the rear suspension which is not a real independant unit. I will probably buy another one after i pay this one off.For the money you cant go wrong with this model. Neck snapping speed, great brakes and all in a four door sedan package that looks great.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Liza - June 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought this car in 2000 with 14000 miles on it. The guys at the dealership put 3000 miles on it before I bought it. When I saw it had a 5 speed 6 cylinder engine, I bought it right away. Now with 130000+ miles on it it still runs good as new, with no major problems to report. The only problem I have ever had was a sensor that needed to be replaced & routine maintenance. I just bought an SUV and I didnt have the heart to trade the Maxima in. Hopefully Ill get another 100000 miles out of it!