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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  Tramission shot, engine mount broken - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tiffany Pham - November 7 - 4:56 pm

  I owned a 1995 maxima and love it. still runable. bought 2004 and clunk noise when put in reverse to drive gear, brought to nissan dealer and diagnose front engine mount is broken (i have no car accidents)replaced it for $600, clunk noise did not go away. Brought back to nissan dealer and suggest me to replace the transmission due to "internal failure" cost me another $4000 to replace a new transmission. Reported and complained to Nissan Cooperate and waiting to hear from them. I think I got a defect transmission part and it can be a wear and tear on front mount engine when my car is only 84K on millage... very disappointed on Nissan, my whole family and husband voted out on Nissan.

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  Sexy car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Ashlee - November 6 - 8:46 am

  I recently passed the 100K mark on the odometer and the problems have begun :( Randomly driving one night it felt like I was not going to stop while braking, it turns out Nissan diagnosed the ABS actuator pump as "bad". $ 2200 to fix, I had just put brand new front and rear brakes, new tires x 4, and a new battery. I have taken very good care maintenance wise, and Nissan will not work with me at all. Disappointed with the car? No- I am however very displeased with Nissan and not being willing to help me despite the technical service bulletins on NUMEROUS 2005 Maxima ABS actuator pumps :( Also have have both fog lights and head lights replaced at least 3-4 times each light!!!

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  Sporty Family Sedan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Anissa - November 6 - 8:16 am

  Bought 05 Maxima SL with GPS, Satellite, Elite Package...I tested and priced various vehicles including BMW and Lexus. The Maxima is a great vehicle for less money and exciting to drive for good old Dad. The kids love the heated rear seats and the DC connection for Laptop. The vehicle has plenty of power. I love the automatic to manual shift when I want to play.

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  Great Value for the Performance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Halwg - November 4 - 2:13 pm

  Just purchased the Maxima SL after driving Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred. This car is a great value for the performance and the accessories. I bought the red with tan leather...very sharp!!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mixed Feelings - November 3 - 7:30 pm

  Bought the car in 05 with 95km and now has 166km. Ill first start off with the good qualities: comfortable luxury interior with good sound system. Has good power and fun to drive. Now the problems. Non stop idle problems. I have had many parts changed and still no luck. It seems like the check engine light is always on for something. To this day I still have idle problems which the dealership wants $2400 to change the computer. There is also some rust starting on the body. Other than that, its been a decent car.

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  I own one an love it - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By 037 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I had several cars in mind when I was shopping for a car. Camry and Accord looked too plain for me. Passat in the long run would be more expensive to maintain. This car has one of the best engines in its class. The only problem I noticed with it is the pathetic down shifting on auto transmission. The answer to it is very simple, TURN THE OVER DRIVE OFF! Once that is done, the car leaves pretty much any V6 in the dust.

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  2003 Nissan Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jm37j - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I chose the six speed manual transmission with titanium edition package. The car is a lot of fun to drive and very well appointed. Before choosing this car I also test drove a BMW 540i and found them similar in comfort, performance and handling. The BMW, however, was not in the same price range or even close to it so I let the price determine my choice.

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  fast and fun - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By corylitvin - November 3 - 10:00 am

  it is awesome. speed is definately a big bonus on the car.

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  Joe - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe Brooks - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Luxury Car!!!!!!!! This car is awesome, I have owned a 1979 280ZX and a 300ZX and you are back! I love you car and I like the 2003 over the 2004, it looks like a Altima!!!!! The grill is the only thing that make it looks differnt on the outside other than the moon roof the the moon roof, that do not open, who need shades? Joe Brooks Southern Air Inc.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nissan man - November 3 - 10:00 am

  awsome to drive very fast. I outrun a 5.0 mustang of the line quarter mile