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:
Showing 501 through 510 of 3,122.00-
The top of Nissan and feels like it. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Steven Trachtenberg - July 14 - 2:00 amIts the best car for the money. And I drove them all.
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6 Speed - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By art327 - July 14 - 2:00 amGreat value for the money. Looked at a 325 BMW but it was 10K more than the Max. Glad that I stayed with the cloth interior but wish that I got the Boise package. Lots of power, received my first speeding ticket in over 30 years.
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Maxima! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By tkesde1 - July 14 - 2:00 amThe car is very impressive thus far - feels solid - you can really feel the horsepower while also being incredibly comfortable in ALL the seats. Tons of leg room and it seems as if they thought of everything. Definitely the best car Ive ever driven.
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Great Car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By mars123 - July 12 - 10:00 amExellent Perfomance, Climate control, ergonomics, Ownership Cost
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nukenight - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By nukenight - July 12 - 10:00 amHot car, has pizzazz and great options. 350Z from the drivers seat forward, with rear seat and trunk to boot. Considered an Avalon, but it was just a car. This is the most exciting new car I have ever experienced.
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midlife crisis prayer answered - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By PaulJ - July 12 - 10:00 amas a single father with a child i was looking for a car that would perform enough to satisfy me, yet still have room for a 5 year old and big dog! The 05 maxima answered my prayer. I opted for the SL rather than an SE based onm the simple fact i fell in love with the red color of the one on the lot. It drives as well as my 7 year old supra,is surprising fast when pushed. and still manages to bring a smile to my face when showing it off or pullin gup to a gas pump. the car corners rather well for a large front wheel drive. and has a silky smooth highway ride. only thing, I wish niossan would have put better tires on it.
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07 max review - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By b2stunt - July 11 - 1:13 pmI purchased my silver on black SE about two weeks ago. It only has 300 miles but i tested out all my features. The heated seats do not get as warm as my olds aurora, the glove box is kind of small besides that there are no other complaints. Its a great car for the price.
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04 maxima SL not worth it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By avalonlady - July 10 - 6:44 pmI bought this car new in white diamond pearl with heated seats, Bose 6cd changer, sunroof, etc. This car made a rattling noise since about 30,000mi. Dealer claimed they couldnt hear it as always. Rear struts gone< 30,000 mi, tires worn @ 18,000mi despite rotating every 4,000 mi w/oil change. Gas mileage sucked until I got 100,000mi.then 25mpg. The Bose speakers went out and radio/ 6cd changer failed around 24,000 mi n was replaced with a so- called new 1. At $32,000, I expected better quality.warranty out 110,000mi had 2 replace another radio aftermkt now,tune up @$750, front and rear hub n barrens over $1200. New front struts @ $500.New tires every year at $700 set.no throttle now... Saddd
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SE 2001 - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By sog - July 9 - 2:00 amThis car looks good, handles well,good gas milage, plenty of power, all comfort features, excellent sound system. One of the better cars that I have owned.
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Just got it - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By evetsv - July 4 - 10:00 amBought the 2003 because my old car was a 5 speed 91 Celica and I just got tired of the shifting in rush hour traffic and it was time for a new car! Since the 2004 model was out, Deland Nissan offered great incentives to move the 03 and everyone at the dealship has been outstanding! Got an excellent deal, including what I got for the trade in. Since Ive had the car less than a month, it has , of course, performed flawlessly. Great ride and handling.