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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  2nd Max probably last - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Max2 - July 26 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 2nd Maxima. I had an 02 SE for over four years. This one soundly beats that one in terms of features, comfort and performance. There are some areas where this one falls way short in comparison though. Mainly, the build quality of the interior stinks. Very cheap. You can really tell where Nissan was pinching pennies. Ive had issues with the exterior finish as well. Due to all the squeaks and rattles Im planning on trading for an 07 Acura TL after keeping this car for only one year.

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  Man I love these cars! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Daniel Richardson - July 22 - 7:26 pm

  I have always loved the Maxima. Ever since I was 16 and got my first 85. This car is great at handling, quick accleration, instant throttle response, great braking system, transmission shifts seamlessly. Plenty of leg in the back. Four doors makes it family but the rest of the car makes is sporty and a blast to drive. I love this thing and I jump out of bed so I can drive it to work and hate when I pull in at home cause I have to turn it off. I just love this thing and I dont know what more I can say.

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  That engine... the only reason I bought it. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By booth1986 - July 22 - 8:35 am

  The engine in this thing ... dayyum! It was a very fast car! It was also superbly comfortable on long drives, and did surprisingly well on gas. I bought this used for a really good price. I was disappointed however in the transmission failures and overall build quality. The car was in good shape but felt like it was 10 years older than it was.

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  Truly Dissappointed - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By bigmixx - July 22 - 1:36 am

  I bought an 05 SE in Jan and now 8 mon. later Im looking to get rid of it. The build quality of this car is horrible. Im getting a clucking noise in the front everytime I take off, stop or turn. Dealer says they cant duplicate it but I hear it all the time. Entire dash squeaks, rattles, & cracks everytime the weight of the car shifts. Dealer wants to charge me to fix this as "adjustments" arent covered under warranty after 12,000 mi. Theres a vibration in the tranny when I shift from reverse to drive that the dealer says is normal (yeah right). Rotors have warped 3 times within 16,000 mi. wheel shimmies at 60 mph. Im in the process now of trading it in on an 07 Camry.

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  the best - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By carguel - July 21 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Maxima is an awesome car and cant be beat for the price. My car came loaded with all the features you would expect from a luxury car except the price. The BOse sound system is second to none. I even prefer it to the Mark Levinson on the new Lexus. For a reliable car that is fun to drive the Maxima is the perfect choice.

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  pretty good, could be better - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By raw - July 18 - 9:30 pm

  I have had this for for 2 years now and still look forward to driving it. Acceleration: Off the line is decent but there is lots of torque steer to get used to. Highway acceleration is pure bliss. I mean wow. Its a great looking car as well. The interior is kind of cheap and the climate control isnt very good. It gets good highway mpg (30ish) but if you floor it around town, you will get about 220 miles to a 22 gal tank. The turning radius is horrendous and the headlights are not very good and I can barely tell the difference when I turn the brights on. I have a shimmy in the brakes when I am braking downhill that no mechanic seems to be able to reproduce. Would seriously consider rebuying.

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  Test Drive it First - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Shaky Wheel - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Be sure to test drive the car you purchase. I made the mistake of test driving one vehicle and during the paper signing process I decided to switch to a different color car. I did not test drive the new choice as I assumed the car would ride the same as the one I had already driven. I was wrong...the steering wheel shook and vibrated mainly between 45 and 65 mph. I took the car back 4 times and was given the run around. The dealership said they didnt know how to fix the problem so they kept balancing the tires. I went back and forth with Nissan consumer affairs and finally received a new set of tires that appear to have fixed the problem. Other than

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  First Japanese Car - Extremely good - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By David Headspeath - July 17 - 10:00 am

  No problems at all, great car to drive has the pull and the style coupled with luxury feel. Check it out, no more LexMercInfins this car is up there. Satisfied Driver

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  All show - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By charles schell - July 16 - 2:30 am

  Poor handling at high speed. Car shakes at high speed. Car seems to float at 80 mph. Very top heavy in curves. Car tight into curves, loose in the center and loose out of curves. Car performance seems to go away during after being driven through out day. Low gear is too high, poor performance at start. A/C fan blower very low. Door locks should lock when car is in gear.

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  first time nissan buyer - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By lavona truitt - July 14 - 4:06 pm

  this vehicle has been very reliable and fun to driver. i have not had any problems with this vehicle as i have always kept the oil changed etc on a timely basis. i would recommend this to any potential buyers.