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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  Epic car - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Sharat ganta - October 29 - 7:00 am

  First in Dallas Fort Worth to buy and loving it. Fast acceleration 300 hp and still gives great mpg. Cool styling and great comfort with a lot of leg room. So many features you wont know till you buy and theres a sports mode too! Cool led daytime running lights and spacious inside with huge panoramic roof! Awesome car period.

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  Excellent value - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By milehidweller - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I am driving this car for 10 month now and have 14kmi on it. Here are my minor complaints. Lousy tires. You buy a car like this for performance and the stock tires are a real spoiler. $500+ wasted. Ride and handling on SE are sporty, but not excellent, ride is a bit harsh, and cornering a bit sloppy. Some of the ergonomics could be better. Heater controls are hard to fine tune without looking. Two more rotary dials: for zone selection and for temp setting would be better. Power mirror control is too touchy and hidden under the steering wheel. Gas pedal is too far to the right and too close to the brake pedal. Seats are just okay, not really great.

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  The Perfect Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave M - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  I have had this car for 5 years. It has 15k miles on it. I have been through 2 sets of tires, Set of 02 sensors at the regularly scheduled 80kmiles, 1 set of spark plugs and one bad Ignition coil. Minus the tires that is about $1,000 in repairs over 5 years. Id say that I am well ahead of the game with this car. The engine is strong and it is very comfortable. It delivers between 26 and 27 MPH in spirited driving at about 100miles a day. I cannot find any good reason to get rid of this car. This is a great winter alternative to my restored 81 280ZX turbo!!!

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  A JAPANESE M-5 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By CarGuy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  EVEN THE LOCAL STATE POLICE LOVE THIS CAR. I ACTUALLY SAW ONE BEING PUT TO USE TO CATCH SPEEDERS. ITS A CAR THAT GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR MONEY AND THATS ALWAYS A WINNING FORMAULA. THANKS NISSAN FOR BUILDING THE CAR I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT.

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  The best MAX ever - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By dk1navy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have to tell everyone Im totally enjoying the ride of the Maxima. When i drive it i feel like Im in the Bat mobile. the car has great pickup and shift smoothly from one gear to the next. I just traded in my 2001 MAX for this 2009 and I feel like I jump into a time warp the features and style of driving is light years difference.

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  Great Motor Wrapped in Crappy Exterior - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By vq35de1 - October 24 - 7:04 pm

  I didnt buy this car out of love for Nissan or the Maxma, I just wanted a big sedan with creature comforts for not much money. This fulfilled that need. Granted, the car IS ten years old now but in the two years that Ive owned it Ive gone through 4 rear calipers, a new radiator, an O2 sensor, trailing arm bushings, and much, much more - I would say Ive spent over $4,000 in repairs thus far. The other thing is this fantastic motor (not sarcasm)0 uses oil and gets piss poor MPG in any kind of mixed driving.

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  Best car ever owned! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Jess - October 22 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned my Maxima GXE for 7 years. This is by far the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have never had to have anything major done just normal replacements muffler, tires and brakes. I highly recommend this car to everyone. Its great to drive, comfortable and good on gas. I could go on and on about this car. I will drive it until it falls apart. It drives as if it were brand new and it has 140k miles on it.

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  i love my maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By evm912 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE almost 1 year ago and I am so happy with my decision. I had a 4 cylinder honda and the maxima is a 6, i will never go back to a 4 after this maxima. I purchased tme max with 38,000 miles, the car was like new. It runs amazing, drives very well, great acceleration and handling.I love everything about the car, the mechanics and also the interior... the leather, heated seats, moonroof, BOSE stereo (great quality sound system).

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kenny - October 20 - 6:16 pm

  Before I bought it, I shopped hard and the negative things I read about gas mileage scared me but still bought one. Well, the mileage is very good for the size of the car and it comes down to how you drive. If you use cruise control and drive the speed limit, I get 25-28 hwy. miles.I dont do much city driving so I dont know what I would get but I am happy with this car overall. Lots of go if you want it. I have just over 12,000 miles on it since May 2008.

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  eeee doggie - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By diamond dawg - October 20 - 10:00 am

  what a car for the money. love the bose system, interior and exterior style. leather looks brand new.