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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Sleek Look - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Saylor - November 3 - 10:00 amI have had my Maxima for about 3 months. I have two sons and we all love the roomy interior. The only fault I found is the turning radius and the front wheel drive is not my favorite, but I am getting use to it. I love it!
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My Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Tamie - November 3 - 10:00 amWhen it was time to buy a new car. I knew that Nissan was going to be the car of choice. We had owned a Maxima before and after 10 years and 140,000 miles, sold it to my nephew, as a first car. He still is driving it...and that has been 3 years ago! We purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima. I liked the sleek, sporty design, and it still had enough interior room for the kids in my carpool! I was glad to see the return of smaller rear lights. The only thing I have noticed is the ride of the car. Because the standard tires are Eagle Goodyear low profile, you can feel every bump,groove. It sometimes feels like you are riding in a truck!
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2004 Maxima SE, Automatic - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By paltod - November 3 - 10:00 amWe have had our Maxima for 21/2 months and are absolutely enthralled with it. We choose the 2004 over the year end 2003 for various reasons. first we wanted the most modern version. Second we love the changes in appearence and the larger, roomier interior. and of course all of the whistles and bells abailavle too us.
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A Taste Of Excellence - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By kimmee1029 - November 3 - 10:00 amThis being my third Maxima and fifth Nissan should say something as to how I feel about this car and maker. Im extremely happy with this vehicle I guess the only thing I can really say that would need any improvement would be the comfort. Im not saying its not comfortable but to be honest I cant think of anything wrong with this vehicle.
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A great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Dave Voss - November 3 - 10:00 amThe car is solid. The transmission is superb and I like the styling. I have 8200 miles on the car and had a few rattles in the interior, but the power train is the best I have ever driven. I didnt know that Renault is the primary owner of Nissan when I bought this car!! After 4 months, I have only seen 2 or 3 more of these on the road!
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What a Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By rebskipper - November 3 - 10:00 amSuper Car; 1000% better than the 97 we traded; quiet ride; great pickup; tremendous looks; comfortable; super nav and sound systems; great air bag protection; rear bucket heated seats are roomy; big trunk.....and a really great price in comparison to the competition...
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Maxima continues to rule - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By John - November 1 - 11:33 amThe 18 inch low profile tires look nice, but are very expensive to replace after hitting potholes. The vehicle has a lot of top end speed but take a little time to accelerate from 60 - 100+. The interior is stylish and controls are easily accessible. The large display screen makes setting radio, clock, maintenace, etc. easy. Would buy it again....
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Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By swatson - October 30 - 6:16 pmI bought my nissan in 04, having owned a nissan before knew it would be a great buy with 68000 miles on it. Have had to replace starter front cvc joints and front brake pads twice. I am on second battery. This car is wonderful - looks good runs great. But I do not put premium gas in it, just regular and have had no problems and get 27 miles city 30 on highway.
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ReliableEngine/Trans,thats where it ends - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By dave - October 30 - 1:33 pmBought this car w/118000 on the clock w/out concern about reliability. In the past 3 1/2yrs, the engine and trans. have lived up to expectations (161500). However, Ive had to replace the alternator, 2 oxygen sensors, knock sensor, starter,tie rod, oil pressure switch, belt tensioner, two axles. I know w/this kind of mileage there is an expectation to replace parts, but this seems excessive. Now Im looking at having to replace the front struts and rear bushings. What prevents me from putting this car out to pasture is the engine/trans, quality/look and user friendly interior as well as the leather seats, moon roof and the Bose sound system.
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WHAT A NISSAN - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By joylene101 - October 29 - 2:29 pmi am really disappointed with this car,first off the tires cost 400 a set and thats not it some coins fell down into the meter amp where the radio sits and shut my car down, had to get it towed and that cost me 560, now my ac will not blow cold the low ac side has gone out thats another 500 dollars. i hate this car
