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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  Cant Be Beat! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By CMC - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive never even used the warranty! Outstanding car!! Great performance, comfort and overall abilities. This car has never let me down. Ive got well over 100,000 miles and am yet to take it anywhere for any repair. I tell people that its 5 years old and they are amazed. It shines like new, and its been waxed only 2 times in 5 years. It gets great mileage and still performs like a champ. Just be sure to use premium fuel and the engine will run smooth (premium fuel is required for this car). A/C is still ice cold and everything works fine. This car wears down very lightly. It just doesnt show much age. This is probably the best Nissan has ever built.

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  Best in 35 years of driving - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Keene Owner - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Of all the vehicles I have driven in the past 35 years I like my Maxima GLE the best. Even though the exceptional comfort sold me the car I appreciate the more than adequate power, the feel of the car on the road, and the reliability. My Nissan dealer provides the best service I have ever experienced in 35 years of automobile ownership. I recommend this car without reservation.

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  Great car for the money - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Vinay - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the Maxima GXE. So far, its been great...handles very well for a car its size. Interior room is aplenty, and the dashboard layout is much better than the new Altima I was considering. It doesnt have the frills (spoiler, rims, sunroof) but has the same engine as the other trims, and the car moves its weight very well! Its too early for a reliability estimate, but by all indications it should be excellent. Overall, a the best car for this price range.

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  Quality and Fun - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric - November 6 - 8:10 am

  I have driven Nissans for 15 years....Pathfinders, 300ZX, Altima, and now a new Maxima..what a dream. Handles like a sportscar, but appointed and comfortable like a luxury sedan. While I miss a manual shift, the tip-tonic is fun, although it is easier just to use the drive selection in auto. Decent mileage, large tank and regular gas make it very affordable to run for this type of car.

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  amazing vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Fred Jackson - November 5 - 10:33 am

  I have driven the 5 speed manual maxima se for 7 years and its an incredible car. at 141k miles it still runs strong and has had only 1 significant repair. fuel economy for my highway route is 30 mpg on midgrade fuel. highly recommend this car as tremendously reliable. dont pay a premium for a toyota, just buy the 95- 99 maxima.

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  Fast and Fun - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith - November 4 - 10:36 pm

  I have been very happy with my Maxima SL since I bought it 20,000 miles ago. It has great acceleration, handling and a quiet smooth ride. The gas mileage is acceptable for the type and performance. I had a few minor quality issues initially, but the dealer has been very good about fixing them. I do a lot of driving and theyve done a good job of keeping the road and wind noise down. I looked at a lot of vehicles in my price range and this had the best combination of performance, ride, and interior room. I have been very satisfied with the selection.

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  Great so far & a nice change from Honda - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Lucas - November 1 - 11:53 pm

  Ive driven my new Maxima for about a week now. I previously drove an 03 Accord EX-V6. This car is every bit as comfortable as my Honda was, with much more pep! I wanted a sportier look and feel, and Nissan offers several things you can have in an Accord- HID headlights, keyless start, AUX in for my iPod, CVT, etc. I am a fan of the new styling for the front of the car, and the interior feels like a luxury car. Its still nicer inside than the Altima too. The engine is a dream and the CVT transmission is very smooth. I think the car is fast relative to my V6 Accord. So far, so good. This is my first Nissan and I am optimistic that I will very much enjoy it.

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  fun, reliable car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Two Nissan Man - October 28 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first Maxima and I would definitely buy another. The SE model is a really fun, sporty car with great road-hugging performance, especially with the Goodyear Eagle tires we have (our second set). I like the 98 design better than some of the newer models. The sound system is wonderful and reliability has been fantastic (current mileage 60,000). My daughter drives it mostly now and I feel confident the vehicle will operate flawlessly. She wont turn loose of it.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe - October 27 - 3:13 pm

  Got a great deal on this car and am glad I purchased. The only thing I didnt like is the small storage compartments are hard to get at. Everything else is great and very quick. It will get away from you if not careful. Overall I rate a 9.5

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  Great car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bemmoftn - October 24 - 9:26 pm

  I loved this car from day 1, and I still love this car on day 4,655. It has always been a reliable car, never let us down. Nissan may not have built the most beautifully designed Maxima in 1997, but it sure built a fun to drive, sturdy one. We finally decided to buy a new one, and let this one go to someone else. We couldnt buy any other car. We bought a 2010 Maxima.