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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  The Max - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By dslay74 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Well worth the money.

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  04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By D Berry - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Tested Volvo S80, VW Passat,and BMW 3&5 series. Liked the Maxima best. Most power, most gadgets, most interesting style, and the least expensive. Were thrilled so far.

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  Nice Move Up - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By usmj1 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my SL 4 sp automatic with Elite package (loaded with Navigation but no VDC)for a month and it is a great car. At first I did not like the new styling but I now realize that it stands out and is a quantum leap above everything else in its class. Gets looks wherever it goes. It is defintely the wave of the future. Performance and luxury.

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  2005 Maxima 6 speed manual - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By WHOA - September 25 - 10:33 pm

  Very Sporty car. Good Horse-power. Good torque. The rear window provides a restricted view but is otherwise fine. The unacceptable feature is that there is about a 1 second delay from accelerator release before engine starts to slow down. This requires rapid wear of clutch or shifting like a grandma. Nissan dealerships could not change this feature.

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  You get what you pay for and sometimes more - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By boxvendor.com - September 23 - 8:23 pm

  Ive owned prestigious German cars ever since I could drive. I am now 43 years old and tried something different when I got the Nissan Maxima.I love it, It has been a great car all around. For the money that I saved by not buying the German car it makes alot of sense. It has great performance and styling all of its own. I would refer anyone who wants a car.

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  Dollar store paint - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark - September 23 - 2:46 am

  My first Maxima... and last. Impressed with the ride, very confident and comfortable. Good upscale features like xenon headlights, electronic console display. However, comes up short in several respects. Bose stereo is a rip off - sounds boomy. Paint is extremely cheap and if I look close enough there are areas where the primer can be seen. The dealer, of course, says these are paint chips which they are not. I am confident Nissan used the best paint the dollar store had to offer. The metal is thin and when closing the doors the car sounds like a big tub. Drive by wire throttle system needs improvement - there is notable lag. Overall, not a value. European rivals are a better buy.

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  No Holes NISSSAN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DREw2004 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Maxima for approx 3 weeks and am awed by the comfort and power of this vehicle. Handles well on turns, good acceleration , gas mileage has been decent(booklet says 87 and above can be used). Told the dealer to add in the service manual for free.. which are 4 books in all worth 400 clams in total, and he would have a deal.Car was bought at 29K. Leather interior is great, Bose sound is outstanding,noise reduction is soothing.Safety features rival the benz and volvo s. Braking distance was a worry with the older model however the newer model does quite adequately with the abs system.

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  Wow! This car is sharp!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By lhsmule - September 19 - 10:43 am

  I have own 3 Maximas before this one and liked each one of them. The type of car that I was looking for had to have the following requirements. Manageable price and monthly payments, Very good power, room (Im well over 60" tall) quality, and have good gas mileage. I looked at Lexus, Infinitis M45 & M35. I tried to own another sedan besides the Max for a change of pace, but the Maxima meet those requirements the best. This is by far the best Max that Ive ever driven! My model is an SV and its very fun to drive. It looks sharp and aggressive. The acceleration is exhilarating, and whenever I turn off the VDC button, it gives it even a bigger boost. The cockpit design is excellent.

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  Wonderful Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jamalfisher - September 17 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Maxima with about 60K miles on it and has been a dream. The car drives amazing, has plenty of luxury features and proves to be a good sedan. A few reviews have noted issues but those seem relatively normal for a vehicle with 100K miles or more. I will say this, the vehicle is Nissans flagship so it will cost you more to operate. Premium sedans require premium maintenance. Chances are if you complain about the cost of repair, you probably cannot afford this vehicle. Whenever you have a performance vehicle, you will likely put it to the test thus be prepared to service it as you would any other sports car. We personally have had no repair issues other than normal items.

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  Not so happy - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By shooooz - September 16 - 8:23 am

  Bought it new and love the power. Sometimes its fun to drive--too bad its not on the road enough to have tons of fun driving it. Have had issues with the rotors/shaking in the back end, and issues with a creaking sound which has yet to be repaired after the 3rd attempt. Not to mention the two recalls......just hard to have fun owning a car with so many issues. Im disappointed to say the least with Nissans performance on this one!