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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None can compare - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By MaxMan04 - February 14 - 10:00 amThe 2004 Nissan Maxima SE (5AT) is perhaps the finest sports/luxury sedan ever built. I have always been a huge fan of Maximas since the 1990s and this most recent design is inside and out, Nissans best effort. I find it funny that this site compares it to the Honda Accord and the VW Passat. As if comparing it to the sluggish and horrible-performing Toyota Avalon wasnt enough, the Acoord & the Passat, although priced in the same ballpark, are not even close to being in the same class of vehicle. The Maxima handles better than any vehicle in its class, including the Acura Type-S, and has a bold, new styling that cannot be beaten.
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Best Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By MaximumBrian - February 13 - 10:00 amIve had Toyotas, Acuras, BMWs, Fords, and finally this Nissan. It is hands down the best car Ive ever owned. It is rewarding to drive, roomy, comfortable, frugal, and VERY reliable. Ive had absolutely no problems, and there is hardly any preventative maintence (unlike Hondas and Toyotas). Ive owned Integras and Tercels and this Nissan is actually much cheaper to own and operate then both of those.
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Nissan of Old - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By JasonIL - February 13 - 10:00 amCar is awesome, reminds me of the quality of nissan of old. Car rocks, its solid, FAST, and feels like it was built well. This is my 5th new Nissan, and its the best one Ive had. Im really hoping these first impression of quality is lasting..
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Fast Family Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By dkap - February 8 - 2:00 amThis is a great car value-wise and dependability-wise. Ive owned 4 new Maxes(88,90,96,02) but the 02 is a little less impressive than previous ones except for performance. It is stylish but rides hard. Seat adjuster knobs hard to reach with big hands, tilt wheel locking lever is poorly located, no lites on steering wheel controls, road & wind noise @ hi speed, Bose failed, had to be replaced. At 14,000 miles, Im replacing this with an 04!
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Excellent buy except.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By sailen - February 8 - 2:00 amExcellent in every aspect except I have an "starter" problem. At least a couple of times in a day, I need to start it several times before it starts. I purchased it new with 7 miles on the odometer. My dealer has confirmed the problem and we are waiting to hear back from Nissan.
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Love my new Maxima! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Karen Toellen - February 4 - 5:07 pm -
MaxiMax - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By cotilla - February 1 - 10:00 amMy second Maxima after my original 1981. This car gives me exactly what I need and expect, great performance, solid feel and superb reliability. I also own a popular German car and I would keep my Maxima if I had to make a choice. My wife would keep the Teuton, so everybodys happy. If I have it my way Ill be purchasing this car at the end of the lease; if not Ill be leaving a lot of money on the table.
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Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By ray001 - January 28 - 10:00 amThis car really has it all.
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I cant give up my maxima!!!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By maxlover - January 22 - 9:13 pmthis is truly the best vehicle ever made. I bought mine in April 2000 with 39K miles now in Dec 2010 i have 237K miles and the car still drives like its new!!!! I have since finished college, finished medical school, gotten married and had two kids and the car is still running strong. The key to the cars success is regular maintenance. On average I have spent $2000/year since my extended warranty run out at 100K miles. In short, I would but the exact same car again if I could get it at 0miles. I hope my next nissan will be this good.
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AWESOME - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By bikeman - January 19 - 2:00 amWatch out this baby will get you into trouble with John Law. As in speeding tickets. I love the car it runs great and handles well. The fit finish is what I expect and so far after 8,500 miles I have had no problem.
