Nissan Maxima Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.52/5 Average
3,122 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 381 through 390 of 3,122.00
  • My 2nd Opinion from review 5/29/03 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I got tired of the car so I sold it to a private buyer. The 04 Maxima is a very powerful car, it has smoked a lot of cars that have challenged it. This car is just has fast if not a bit faster than my 01 Mustang GT. The sound system is a great one for one coming right out of the factory. The leather seats are ok, but nothing compared to luxury models. The interior which I liked at first got old real fast. My biggest gripe is the FWD which causes a lot of torque steer when flooring it. If you never had a FWD be warned, its a totally different ride. I should have gotten the G35.

  • Maxin - 2009 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I purchased this just before taking a road trip roughly 1200 miles round trip. This car is perfect, every where I go someone was asking me what it was. I got the white SV Sport Package. The leather seats are to die for and the pick is just outstanding. Another thing that I love about this car is when taking off from a full stop and punching the gas peddle I dont have to grab onto the steering wheel to control it. I live in the suburbs of DC and have only seen one other 09 on the road. I love this car!! Oh by the way this is my 3rd Maxima and 4th Nissan.

  • 116000 miles and still going!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Fabulous car for the money and age. I bought my car new- its the black/green metallic with buff leather interior,moon roof, heated seats(nice) and ABS brakes & all other options which came with the car. Its been to Florida & back several times, Canada (opened her up to over 100mph on the Northway) and she cruised at 75-80 mph. You would never know how fast youre going until you look at the speedometer...I LOVE THIS CAR! Oxygen sensor after 110000 miles and brakes/tires only repairs made.NOT EVEN A TUNE UP. I changed filters and plugs..thats it! I dont want to give it up its just a fab car ...scale 1 - 10 its "10" !!!!

  • WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I looked and looked and Maxima was finally my choice. You cant beat the rebate and you cant beat what you get. Mine is a fully loaded SE. The ride is a little harsher than the GLE....but its a sports car! The closest in price ans features would have to be the Acura TL Type S which to me feels like a much bigger car. When you compare you see you cant go wrong with MAX!

  • Family Man Fun - 2000 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Purchased new SE as a demo with 7k miles. There werent many choices for a sporty 4 door with a manual tranny. The newly lengthened 00 was bigger than an A6 or 5xx BMW and cost much less. It has lots of legroom and the leather interior is still holding up even with two kids. After 8 years it is still fun to drive and comfy on road trips. With 100k miles I get 24/28 running 89 fuel. I drive more gently now. The exterior has held up pretty well even with occasional modifications in the parking lot. Because of the reliability, I wont consider a new Maxima to replace my 00 unless they include a FREE 100k bumper to bumper warranty.

  • Family Man Fun (not so much anymore) - 2000 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    This is a follow-up to a report from a year ago. Since then I have replaced the brake pads and rotors (again), the O2 sensors (again), and the clutch hydraulic line. And again the engine light is telling me to be prepared to spend lots of money come inspection time. Well, the die has been cast and the Maxima will have a new home by then. It will NOT be replaced by another Nissan product.

  • I Love My Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Ive owned and driven this car for 175,000 miles. The only repair that it needed was a starter. Ive put on two sets of brake pads (genuine Nissan) at 85k and 170k. I put new spark plugs in (genuine Nissan) at 170k also. Thats all Ive done to it besides oil changes! It still doesnt have a rattle or squeak. It sure has treated me well.

  • Electrical Problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    After a few months of owning the car, the coils went out (cost $800). Six months later same thing plus wiring harness (cost $2,800). A few weeks later same exact thing, only they replaced the computer in the car (under warranty). A few weeks later, the same thing, and now another computer and coil pack. The computer fried everything over and over again. My car has had the computer replaced 4 times. The last time I went back to the dealership, I had them look at the history, and the original owner had the same problem. The car has been repaired at the Nissan dealer every time. I have spent numerous hours on the phone with Nissan Corporate, with no help what so ever. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR

  • The anti-Camry - 2002 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Bought this car 6 mos. ago with 61k on the odo and in that time I have had no probs with it except i had to force the dealer to replace the trans b/c the car had been previously wrecked on the drivers side and they didnt tell me. Now it has 71k and though im a little weary of the interior rattles I couldnt be more thrilled with the way it gets around town and on the interstate. Everything is done smoothly and competently and the VQ35 is well deserving of its reputation, tho Nissan let it down by not installing a 5sp automatic. Build quality is spotty in some areas, particularly around the hood and headlights, but this is still a solid car that Im planning on keeping for a long time.

  • One of the BEST - 2002 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    This car is great, The oil everyones reporting being lost is due to a tiny rubber hose coming from the block to the oil filter, they used a cheap hose and EVERYONE has this issue. I replace it with a premium hose for about $2.99 at an auto parts store and viola, no more oil loss. My car had several performance modifications and was in the 400 hp range, 0-60 in under 4.3 sec. THE MOST SOLID CAR I EVER OWNED, I adore Japanese cars and American muscle as both are just full of potential. This maxima never went through tires, never overheated, never had ANY issues that were not product of my own doing. Most issues are due to lack of maintenance and car knowledge. Lost my Max in a car accident:(

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