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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  My Best Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan3 - April 22 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned approximately 20 cars in my lifetime including 7 new cars. The Maxima is the best car Ive ever owned. It is comfortable and very reliable. I average 25 MPG overall and get 27-31 MPG on the freeway. Replaced front brake pads @ 90,000 and the rear brake pads at 135,000. Regular oil, filter & air filter changes are completed. Also installed one new battery so far but no other problems. The car currently has 138,000+ miles and purrs like a kitten. Overall - its a great car. I plan on driving it until it drops.

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  Not bad... not bad at all. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By usmcbigguns - April 20 - 4:56 pm

  Second Maxima for me and I have to say I am glad I went with another one. I am an outside sales rep and this car fits the bill perfectly, spacious, sporty, the right luxury features and Nissan reliability. My last Nissan I had (99 SE Ltd) had 176k on it when I traded it in for this car. If this one gets that same mileage I will be very happy. Ride is better then the old Max I had, turning radius is a lot larger though. Plenty of pick-up with respectable MPG. Any issues that I might have had with car I think were addressed with in the 07 Max (cheap and at first confusing controls, no aux input, cass deck? standard stability control). Great car... just buy it, you wont go wrong.

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  2010 Maxima with Premium package - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By DJZ - April 16 - 3:10 pm

  Nissan put it all together with this car. It looks great and is a real head turner. The interior quality and styling is awesome to say the least. It has all the extras and they are user friendly. I love this car. It is fun to drive. Well worth the money.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Nick - April 16 - 2:46 am

  This car has been extremely reliable. I have never been stranded. Engine is fantastic even after 150k miles. I am glad I did some research on Edmunds. My only problems were a bad oxygen sensor, a bad knock sensor, and the fan switch only works on high. I still drive with these problems but hope to fix them soon even though they are minor. This car is the best bang for your buck!

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  Love my Maxima! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By lhowell62 - April 13 - 1:30 am

  I wanted a car with plenty of interior space - but still a sporty look. No granny car for me! I fell in love with the Maxima when I test drove it the first time in April, before the 07s came out. Decided to shop around and I ended up coming back. Was going to get an 07, but got a great deal on the 06. CVT and keyless start only diffs. I get up to 34 mpg on hwy - bonus! I love the handling and living in a remote state with lots of highway driving, I love the get up and go when I pass. This car is the most fun to drive, its sporty yet luxurious. Its exactly what I was looking for. Wish I would have got the navigation system, otherwise Id say its the perfect car for me.

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  3rd Time Buyer, 3rd Time Lover - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Russell K - April 5 - 11:26 am

  Wow, WOw, oh WOW!! I just bought my 3rd Nissan 4 days ago. This by far is the most amazing car I have ever purchased. As a lover of Nissan for years I have felt that love grow with the purchase of my new Maxima. I dont think I can ever be happy with any other car on the road. When my girlfriend came home with her new Mercedez-Benz last year I thought I found the car of my dreams, now I beg to differ!

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  Passenger airbag light malfunction - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By jlwood - April 5 - 2:23 am

  I purchased my 2011 Nissan Maxima in November 2011. I have had an issue with the passenger side airbag light on with an adult in the seat. I have taken the car to the dealership on numberous occasions and was told it was normal. I called Nissan and talked with some named Tim, he took my information over the phone and said he would get back with me in a few days. He called my husband and told him the seat was functioning properly, that the adults werent sitting in the seat properly. I called him back with no response. How can they say it is functioning properly no one at Nissan or the dealership will ride in the car with me so I can show them what the car is doing. Very disappointed..

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  Love it to the "Max"? - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jason - April 4 - 5:53 pm

  I have just purchased a used 02 Maxima SE with about 50k on it. I have been driving a 4x4 Tacoma, keeping it of course, so it is a real rush when I hit the gas in the Maxima. I was originally focused on a Camry or and Altima but after test driving the Maxima I fell in love. I paid a little more than I would have for an Altima but I feel a hell of a lot better in the Maxima, no regrets yet. I have owned a 1990 240 SX which I always thought was a little under powered, this is not the case with this Maxima...WOW! If you have owned a Maxima I would love to her what you have to say about it. Does the novilty wear off? Have you had any problems? I hope I dont have a case of "Maximitus".

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  2004 Nissan Maxima - Fun To Drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ssdepetris - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Maxima is an excellant compromise between fun-to-drive, performance, and usefulness. The Elite version has every possible feature I have ever wanted, from power folding side mirrors to an informative display screen that handles sound, climate and navigation issues. The 6-speed has excellent acceleration. And, finally, the 4-doors and large trunk means the car is still good for hauling people and things.

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  3rd Nissan Auto-Best yet! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BobbyP - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 97 Maxima for this Silver SE. This is my 3rd Nissan car...one Altima and 2nd Max. 200,000 miles combined, and never a single problem. My only trouble was deciding between the Max and the Murano, which my family wanted. Love the power and styling of the Max...been stopped by 3 people this week inquiring about the car. Looked at Acuras, Toyota, and Honda. No real comparison. Also, real $ value with Nissan. Didnt need or want a lot of options, so the price was very competitive.