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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  The paint stinks, but a great car... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr. Blair Selig - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The thing is beautiful. Great design and engine is a joy to drive. I have a problem with the paint, and so do a lot of other owners I am sure- the paint on the 2000-2003 Maximas tends to chip very easily. Only 2700 miles in, the paint has chips and scratches in it. Other than this, I love the durn thing.

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  Major disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nissanguy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, but no way this car can justify sticker price of $28.000. Poor quality inside the car. Plastic moldings on the seat are pealing off. Ugly strip of carpet-like material runs on the dashboard. Poor rear window visibility. Even top of the line SL has cheap looking plastics (wood imitation). Outside - front grill is terrible. Made of cheap shiny pieces of plastic. The whole thing moves to the touch of hand. Nissan tried to separate Maxima from Altima and they only succeeded in placing a higher price sticker, since the only good thing that this car has (engine) is also available in Altima 3.5, which costs thousands $ less and looks better.

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  Not very happy with car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By samantha - February 21 - 10:06 pm

  This car has the turning radius of a semi. It also has a very rough ride.

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  Three Year Review - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dawg fan - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the 7th Nissan vehicle I have owned, and the second Maxima. I use it extensively on the interstates for business travel, and it has been a very dependable car. I have put nearly 80k miles on it, and it has only required tires (one set at 58k miles), brakes (pads at 59k miles and front rotors and all pads at 78k miles), and a serpantine belt change (along with regular oil changes, and oil and air filter changes). A very quick, agile GLE.

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  2010 Nissan Maxima SV Premium Package - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - February 18 - 10:43 am

  Just purchased this vehicle and I am extremely pleased with it. This car is very sophisticated in terms of technology and comfort. Performance is very noteworthy as well. There is plenty of power and the mid-range torque is excellent. The overall ride is smooth and seamless as well as quiet. The vehicle is able to accelerate effortlessly and still remains quiet even at higher speeds. This car handles very well too, as if it has a wide grip and hugs the road when driving. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a sedan that offers luxury and performance in one package at a reasonable price. The exterior styling is one of a kind!

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By chrispv - February 18 - 4:46 am

  Ive owned my Maxima since 2004 and it has been a great car. The car is loaded and also has a 6 speed, which is fun to drive and is fast for a family sedan. There is a lot of room in the car and trunk for my family. The car has had minimal repair work (tires, brakes, exhaust system). Ive got 89k miles and the car still looks great and runs well. Ive noticed a slight drop in the acceleration but that is to be expected with time. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking.

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  Dissapointed - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Disappointed - February 15 - 5:10 pm

  I have truly been disaapointed with this vehicle. I have found that my steering wheel shakes and shimmies when I reach 60 mph. The engine is loud and revs real high. I have taken it back to the dealership and they have advised that this is normal, and there is nothing they can do. Also, just recently noticed a rattle in the front dash. I have taken the car to the service department four times without any luck. This is the first Nissan I have purchased, and at this rate Im sure it may be the last. My previous vehicles have been Hondas, and I think I should have stucked with them,because this Maxima was truly a mistake.

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  Fully Loaded Mostly Worth It. - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - February 14 - 10:06 am

  Let me first start by saying that this is one of the most fun cars I have had the pleasure of driving. It sucks down the recommended 93 octane like it is a sports car with a big engine. Oh wait, it is a sports car (4-doors) with a good sized engine. The ride is a little stiff but it is supposed to be like that. There are more bells and whistles that I can shake a stick at. If you want luxury, you will get most of the high end items that you would get from the others. If you like to drive, this is a great car!

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  None can compare - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxMan04 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Nissan Maxima SE (5AT) is perhaps the finest sports/luxury sedan ever built. I have always been a huge fan of Maximas since the 1990s and this most recent design is inside and out, Nissans best effort. I find it funny that this site compares it to the Honda Accord and the VW Passat. As if comparing it to the sluggish and horrible-performing Toyota Avalon wasnt enough, the Acoord & the Passat, although priced in the same ballpark, are not even close to being in the same class of vehicle. The Maxima handles better than any vehicle in its class, including the Acura Type-S, and has a bold, new styling that cannot be beaten.

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  Best Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximumBrian - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had Toyotas, Acuras, BMWs, Fords, and finally this Nissan. It is hands down the best car Ive ever owned. It is rewarding to drive, roomy, comfortable, frugal, and VERY reliable. Ive had absolutely no problems, and there is hardly any preventative maintence (unlike Hondas and Toyotas). Ive owned Integras and Tercels and this Nissan is actually much cheaper to own and operate then both of those.