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:

• 

  Shouldve kept looking! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Charles Williams - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in July 2010 as I thought was an upgrade from my 1998 dodge stratus. The first mistake I made was when I test drove it; I loved the ride of it and the smoothness of the CVT transmission, but little did I know that that is pretty much the only good thing about this car. I thought I did my homework on it but apparently not. I shouldve read the reviews on this site from people because the people giving it bad reviews are spot on. I waited 8 years to get a new car and I ended up getting totally let down. I immediately regret my decision.

• 

  Nissan of Old - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By JasonIL - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Car is awesome, reminds me of the quality of nissan of old. Car rocks, its solid, FAST, and feels like it was built well. This is my 5th new Nissan, and its the best one Ive had. Im really hoping these first impression of quality is lasting..

• 

  Dependable, but... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By badgerone5 - February 13 - 2:19 am

  cant understand how the frame could deteriorate so badly that it is virtually undrivable now. For a car that is 17 years old, I expected more--even if we are in the north. Have had the vehicle for about 2.5 years, and it has been dependable for our daughter, driving to and from college (some 400 miles away), generally requiring just regular maintenance overall. But, the car is virtually junk now because of the frame--with only 126,500 miles on it. Very disappointed. Other issues: a check engine light comes on often (oxygen sensor?), and it has a lot of rust. But the frame is the main issue. If purchasing vehicle used, have a pre-purchase check--especially the frame.

• 

  Fast Family Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dkap - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car value-wise and dependability-wise. Ive owned 4 new Maxes(88,90,96,02) but the 02 is a little less impressive than previous ones except for performance. It is stylish but rides hard. Seat adjuster knobs hard to reach with big hands, tilt wheel locking lever is poorly located, no lites on steering wheel controls, road & wind noise @ hi speed, Bose failed, had to be replaced. At 14,000 miles, Im replacing this with an 04!

• 

  Excellent buy except.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sailen - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent in every aspect except I have an "starter" problem. At least a couple of times in a day, I need to start it several times before it starts. I purchased it new with 7 miles on the odometer. My dealer has confirmed the problem and we are waiting to hear back from Nissan.

• 

  Love my new Maxima! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Karen Toellen - February 4 - 5:07 pm

• 

  Great Power - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By PTNLGR - February 3 - 9:03 pm

  I drove BMWs, Mercedes Benzs and the new ES 300 and for the money, you can not beat the Maxima. None of the more expensive cars had as much power, and the Maxima had all of the options, and more, that the big bucks cars. You owe it to yourself to drive this car if your in the market for a $30K or more auto. Not as much snob appeal, but easier on the wallet.

• 

  2004 Maxima 3.5 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tjoerob - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 SE in April, 2003, and overall Im very pleased with it. I enjoy its unique features like the Skyview roof. Ive had no mechanical problems at all with the car. Its not to be confused with a luxury car, but it is very sporty and comfortable sedan to commute and travel in. I recommend the gorgeous maroon color if you like to be noticed.

• 

  MaxiMax - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By cotilla - February 1 - 10:00 am

  My second Maxima after my original 1981. This car gives me exactly what I need and expect, great performance, solid feel and superb reliability. I also own a popular German car and I would keep my Maxima if I had to make a choice. My wife would keep the Teuton, so everybodys happy. If I have it my way Ill be purchasing this car at the end of the lease; if not Ill be leaving a lot of money on the table.

• 

  CVT , CVT, CVT, NISSAN WRONG DECISSION! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By eric - January 31 - 3:28 am

  my first big issue of this car is the interior space, its so small, nissan squeezed this car unbelievably, cant understand why really, every position in this car is so small, driver position is definitely the worst position in this car, such a huge console why?, what was the purpose of this? if you are trying to put stuff like that u have to make more room in this car, unacceptable! second issue, this car should paired with regular automatic transmission like infiniti does, but not CVT, its a big mistake, its killing all the power of this beautiful engine, such a disaster with that CVT! the gas mileage actually stay way behind what nissan is saying, with 300hp engine should never be paired with CVT!