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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3rd Maxima--this one is the best - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By yobrooks - October 20 - 10:00 am2002 GLE loaded---cant beat the value compared with the competition. Great engine, steering and brakes. Have fun!!!!
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Awesome..as I expected..!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By PRP - October 18 - 8:30 amThis car lives up to its expectations. Its fun to drive. The 3.5L engine is preppy, and very responsive. The ride is very comfortable. Plenty of interior room. The trunk is huge. Step aside, Accord and Camry..!!
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Flawless - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By jaycue - October 17 - 10:00 amI bought this car new and have had virtually nothing go wrong. Under warranty, they replaced the front rotors and solved a rattling window problem; big deal. I have been astounded nothing else has gone wrong (knock on wood.Great ride in the city with the Bose cranked up; outstanding highway performance, including mountain driving.A lot of zip when passing (I do that a lot); grips the road and owns it. Heated seats and heater work well in Colorado weather.
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Great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By liozzi - October 17 - 10:00 amNo problems. Gas milage seems to improve with age. That is probably an anomaly.
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Fun & Reliable - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Max Family - October 14 - 10:00 amMine is 3rd Maxima in my family. All have been great for us. No major problems in 5+ years. Fun to drive, plenty of room for people and cargo, extremely reliable. Great in snow, sun, rain, whatever.
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Just Love It - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By James - October 12 - 12:26 pmI tried out Avalons, Accords, Lincoln LS, Cadillac STS and numerous other vehicles. After trying out the Maxima it was the one that kept creeping back in my head. Like the styling because it is different and the engine is simply one of the very best. We love it and get great compliments on it everywhere we go. People get in and always say man this Nissans are really nice cars arent they? Paid 30,400 out the door with navigation and all of the gadgets. Simply couldnt be happier and for the money not sure you can beat this car...Thrilled...
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2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By catnipnails - October 12 - 6:20 amIve had my Maxima for 3weeks and love to drive it. I traded in two sports cars to have this luxurious sports vehicle. Id give it a 10 if it had a convertible top. I miss my 300zx and Mazda Miata.
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Cool - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By killingbee - October 11 - 10:00 amI love my car~ Its fast.. look cool...
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best maxima i ever owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By fadmed - October 11 - 10:00 amthis is my 3 generation maxima, from 1998 model, a 2000 model and now the 2004 SE elite package model, this one is the best of them all..
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My 1995 Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By ss_steve - October 7 - 2:00 amGreat Car, well over 100,000 miles so far!
