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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  Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ray001 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This car really has it all.

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  Fun car, but unreliable - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By vegas71 - January 28 - 8:38 am

  I loved and hated my maxima. Lots of power, roomy and comfortable, but tons of problems. Fuel gauge was off, ignition coils went bad, and it randomly died on me on the freeway- where people were doing 80 and I had no place to pull over. This was during the three day period I owned it. Car met its demise when I was taking a drive one night and there was a cow... in the middle of the road. Apparently somebody in Nevada thought it was a good idea to create "open range". The brakes on the car were bad and I didnt see it in time. Car was no longer drivable, but I walked away. Reliable? No. Safe in an accident? Very.

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  A Lemon in the Making - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave00 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car was the most disappointing purchase of my life. During its early months, it had brake, electrical system and ignition faliure. The car spent most of its ealry life in the shop (with only some of the repairs being covered under warranty). When I took the car in (at 4000 miles complaining that the power windows made lots of noise when trying to raise and lower them, I was told that I should deal with it as "all cars are unique"). Great service, eh?!? I just recently sold the car (which has almost NO resell value, by the way) and purchased an Acura TL. If you want power AND quality, Acura is the way to go.

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  I cant give up my maxima!!!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By maxlover - January 22 - 9:13 pm

  this is truly the best vehicle ever made. I bought mine in April 2000 with 39K miles now in Dec 2010 i have 237K miles and the car still drives like its new!!!! I have since finished college, finished medical school, gotten married and had two kids and the car is still running strong. The key to the cars success is regular maintenance. On average I have spent $2000/year since my extended warranty run out at 100K miles. In short, I would but the exact same car again if I could get it at 0miles. I hope my next nissan will be this good.

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  AWESOME - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bikeman - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Watch out this baby will get you into trouble with John Law. As in speeding tickets. I love the car it runs great and handles well. The fit finish is what I expect and so far after 8,500 miles I have had no problem.

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  best value - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By magicdialtone - January 18 - 8:09 pm

  Recently purchased a maxima after driving several other cars, TL, AUDI, BMW, Infiniti. To me it was the best value. I also saved much more off the list price due to dealer incentives and supplier discount I received from my work. This made it the best value for me. It does feel better to drive and much more quite than my TL. Roomier than the others I drove an I like the looks

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  Not a Honda in any way shape or form - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Dutch - January 17 - 5:23 am

  Bought a fully loaded GLE Meridian edition with every option that was available. Compared to my other car a 2001 Honda Accord EX V6, the Maxima is bigger and more powerful. The Accord on the other hand has been bullet-proof reliable only going back to the dealer for a malfunctioning clock. The Maxima however has had all 6 engine sensors replaced and now I am dealing with the infamous wheel bearing issues. Waiting to find out if the dealer will honor the warranty and cover them. Based on the lack of reliability I would have reservations recommending this car.

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  Excellent car, excellent value! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By bobafett14 - January 14 - 10:20 am

  Only negative is the turning radius. 3 point turns and squeezing around tight spots (i.e. parking lots) can be tricky at times. Othewise, this is a great car at a great price. Holds up well, repairs are minimal. I went with a Nissan Maxima after years ago vowing never to buy chevy after seeing a fleet of salesman (company) cars (1/2 the sales force picked Chevy Mailbu 1/2 picked the Altima, 6 Malibus and 6 Altimas go head to head over a 3 year run). Basically the Malibus ALL started shaking, rattling, needed "front end" work..ballbearings needed repaired, brakes/rotors...you name it...all went after about 24K to 26K..the Altimas didnt need any repairs until into thier 30Ks.

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  So far so good - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By robtroxel - January 13 - 9:50 am

  This car has every option and it really seems to be a great road car. I was apprehensive about the CVT but after you understand how it works you become a fan. Im getting 27-29 mpg on the road during break in and now averaging 25.2 overall with a mix of city and open road driving. If you drive aggressively, the mpgs go down considerably. Im using mid grade gas with no pinging and get plenty of power. The back seat room is lacking compared to the Accord. Nissan missed the mark and overpriced the MSRP on this car. Fortunately there are great deals that bring down the actual selling price down much lower. If in the market, give this car a look.

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  OMG Hard to Believe - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By BrittanyaOCampo - January 13 - 2:40 am

  I first feel in love with this car when I was shopping for a Cadillac Cts, so then I was walking and something beautiful caught my eyes.It was the all new nissan maxima, it had everything I wanted. Most things the cts didnt even have optional. I love Nissan for this.