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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  30th anniversary CAR - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By cestob - November 5 - 10:00 am

  What I like best about this car is that all models (GXE, GLE and SE) were treated equally, at least engine wise, which is where it matters. It has a very powerful 235hp V6 engine for all models, and its wonderful to feel that red line to the top. It handles wonderful too, it has a sporty look on the front, so if someone ahead of you sees you from their rearview mirror they see the muscle car front of your car. But once you pass them all they see is a more classy kind of look of your car. I purchased this car cause being a 30th anniversary car I knew the workers at nissan would do a better job, and they certainly did, not a single problem since I bought it.

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  Still like it after 3 years - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By danmcgov - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I leased this new in 9/2001. Its now 9/2004 and I still enjoy driving this car. Ive owned many new cars and after 3 years, Im normally anxious to get something new; not this time. Ill purchase this when the lease is up (a couple of months). Having only 20K miles on it helps. The ride is much quieter than I expected with the low profile 17" tires. I never feel cramped and there is plenty of room in the back seat for two kids (when I decide to leave the Odyssey in the garage).

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  Perfect, great car, totally reliable - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By suecag - November 4 - 4:40 am

  I have owned my 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE for 5 years (purchased from a private owner). I have never had any issues whatsoever. I have never had to get any repairs besides the regular oil changes, tires, etc. And it is perfect inside and out. It is wonderful to never have to worry about your car.

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  Great Performance-Lousy Interior Quality - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By dandee - November 3 - 5:03 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year so I feel qualified for an evaluation of this vehicle. The overall performance i.e., steering, breaking, acceleration is remarkable however, the overall quality of the interior plastics is cheap. I have had the rear deck repaired to stop the vibration noise of the some components of the stereo system (it took 6 months for the dealer to repair) and the columns between the front and rear doors as well to the rear deck have been repaired or replaced. The gage that sensors the amount of mileage the cars has until empty is useless because it stops working when the tanks has less than 2 gallons.

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  Never left me stranded - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kriley50 - October 30 - 5:23 am

  I love this car. I bought it used in 2006 with 77k on it. I drove it for 5 years and just sold it with 160k on it. The car is fast, gets good gas mileage, looks good, and is super reliable. Over the course of 5 years I replaced 2 sensors in the car and that was it. I liked the car so much that I went out and bought another one. The new one is a 2003 as well with only 60k on it. I cant wait to drive this car another 100k.

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  45K+ miles and loving it... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By ricor25 - October 25 - 11:43 am

  2009 Maxima SV, (45,211 Miles) and by far the best car I have owned. I have had it for 16 months now. Handling is great and amazing great looks, love the body lines and hood. I have driven this car twice from the San Francisco to Washington D.C. and have enjoyed every minute driving it across the country without any problems. I have the technology package and love all the features that are available on it. stereo & interior comforts are excellent.

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  The Answer to this Gals Mid Life Crisis - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By C Reilly - October 23 - 12:53 pm

  Beautiful, powerful car. The inside of my SL is roomy. I live in a northern climate and have really enjoyed the heated steering wheel and heated leather seats. I am a music enthusiast and the 320 watt 8 speaker Bose system delivers awesome surround sound with no distortion. When you need to pass a slow driver on the highway, this thing responds PRONTO! (Its soooo easy to speed in this car; have to be careful.) So many cool luxurious touches; interior lights that fade on and off. A smooth, quiet, classy yet sporty sexy ride that performs and will impress your passengers. I encourage anyone looking at Honda Accord or Toyota Camry to at the very least test drive the Nissan Maxima.

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  buy this over any Acura - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny - October 17 - 6:30 pm

  have owned several hondas and acuras. Have also owned Toyota. If you are looking at an 07 Acura TL? Save your money and buy this Maxima. It is head and shoulders more car than the TL or the Top of the line honda or toyotas. Handles like a dream and is exciting to drive, look forward to going places it handles so nice in every way. Very luxurious, very sporty, and the engine is a real monster for power

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  Greates car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By FIL - October 16 - 10:00 am

  GREATEST CAR EVER. It is the best mix of performance, luxury, comfort, and affordability. GREATEST

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  Best in its Class! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By aliti19 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  First and foremost, the engine is an absolute gem! The clutch is smooth, making gear shifts a breeze. Order the limited slip differential with the six- speed because of excessive torque steer. The suspension is perfect for aggressive back road, or for calm highway driving. The interior is beautiful and user friendly. Although some have criticized the styling, it is truly gorgeous. The HID lights are wonderful. For someone looking for a wolf in sheeps clothing in the family sedan segment, look no farther.