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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Best Maxima Ever - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Bruce - September 5 - 11:06 pmAbsolutely the best Maxima Nissan has built! I have owned 10 Nissan/Datsuns, this being the 4th Max and I love it. Its got luxury, sport, speed, handling and style. I could afford the higher end nameplates (I looked at a Jag S- type & E-class Benz), but choose to stick with the Maxima. Not only did I save a little money, but in my opinion, got a better car. I will continue to buy Nissan (maybe Infiniti, too) for many years. I recommend Nissan to anyone who is in the market for a new or used vehicle.
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Front end noise - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By cjenk - September 3 - 11:00 amOverall, tne maxima is the best car since I traded in the 06 Altima SE. Quality of the car is a plus.
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BEST car i have ever owned!!! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Ryan - September 3 - 2:16 amI LOVE THIS CAR!!!! I baught it with 86000 miles on it now has 98k. mine is a manual and its a blast to drive. This is my second maxima. before this i had a 90 with 228k I have not had one major problem with this car. I only have replaced 2 tires and rear brakes. You can barely hear the car running...its that quiet and the car is really stable at 80mph. I am averaging 22 mpg with all city driving. I got my friend who never said he would like anything but a mercedes to buy one and he is loving this car!!! he likes it better than the 03 e320 his mom has...I cant say enough about these nissans. I will definately buy another....no more honda accords for me THE MAXIMA IS THE WAY TO GO!!!!!
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Buy a Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By the maxima lover - September 2 - 10:00 amMy maxima has 135,000 miles on it and i have never had a problem with it. If you change the oil every 3,000 miles it will last forever.The engine is quick, and powerful. Definetly go with the leather seats, as the fabric smell after 100K. I have upgraded the audio system very easily. No cutting or re- wiring, just pop the new speakers right in. The stock speakers suck if you did not get the Bose option. I just bought a new 2002 maxima and i luv it!!!
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Bad Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Carrie Johnson - September 2 - 10:00 amThis is my 3rd Maxima and this 2004 is just great. I have had both men/women stop and ask what year is the car and how do I like it. The only thing I can say is that the car is "Great". Nissan really did out do their selfs making this model and should they keep up they will have a great edge on the car market. This is my (7) new car and (3) have been Maximas, as long as Nissan makes a great car I will purchase one.
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Lovin every mile!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By MDC - September 2 - 10:00 amElite package with VDC.Great car, yet I havent fully broken her in just yet.Ive got about 400 miles left.I fell in love the moment I sat in it.Design, performace, and luxury! Definately no regrets!I just love the reaction I get when I drive by.
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Problem with frontend - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Val - September 1 - 3:13 pmFun car to drive and has a great pick up and go but keep having problems with the front end. I have replaced both wheel bears, brakes & tires with only have 58K. still making a noise like the brakes are low when I stop but when I replace the bearings it stopped the steering wheel from shaking.
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Best sedan under $55,000 - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By jcrichie - August 30 - 2:10 amI have owned my white Maxima with premium and technology packages for 3 months and 5000 miles. I absolutely love the car. My budget was anything less than around $55k when I was looking which included the Lexus GS350, ES 350, Acura TL and RL. I needed a larger car and wanted something fully loaded out so I didnt bother looking at BMW or Mercedes. The car is very, very comparable to my business partners Audi A6 4.2, right down to the rear window shade and rear view camera that shows intended travel path. The quality of the materials is very comparable and all for $30k less. This car gets many looks and looks great with the dual sunroof. Highly recommended.
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Quality Maxima! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By duke - August 27 - 12:23 pmIve had this 2000 model for almost 3 years now and except for an O2 sensor and ignition coils that needed to be replaced, this car has been trouble free and is obviously very well made. Quality and comfort throughout and absolutely tremendous driving long distances on the highway. Gas mileage goes up to about 27 mpg on the highway.
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Ridiculously Cool - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By Ken Cook - August 24 - 6:03 amThe acceleration and handling are aggressive yet smooth. Styling is ridiculously cool, both inside and out. This is a great car and a great buy.
