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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  My 09 maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Fritz - January 12 - 4:06 am

  I have a white one, black interior, fully loaded SV Sport (corners like its on rails). The exhaust note. What you expect is NOT what you get. You get more. The 09 Maxima is a 4DSC. No doubt. The MaximaÂ’s transmission takes some getting used to. Once hooked you begin to wonder why all cars are not build this way.

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  Classy yet powerful design! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jason J - January 11 - 10:42 am

  My only complaint about this car is the mileage per gallon! But this may only be because before this car I was driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla (manual transmission) so this car is a lot different! But other than that I am enjoying it everyday!

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  Fun has Four Doors - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By DDW - January 9 - 4:40 am

  I sold my 1996 Lexus LS 400 and bought this Maxima. Sounds crazy, doesnt it? This car has most of the amenities of the Lexus like leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, etc but is infinitely more entertaining to drive. I have a 5-Speed SE model which has a quoted 0-60 time of just 6.6 seconds. The steering is light but the car responds willingly. The engine is incredibly refined and has torque at virtually any RPM. In mixed driving Im averaging nearly 33 mpg thanks to the manual transmission (I do a lot of coasting). It has more room inside than its compact exterior suggests and has better visibility than anything sold on the market today. This is a lot of driving enjoyment for just $2500

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  5TH MAX THE BEST - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By hiredhand1978 - January 7 - 12:46 am

  Worked out flaws from my 2004. Torque steering gone, turning radius much much better. Ride has been smoothed out without lose of handling. The 2nd week I had the car I drove from Ma.to N.C. Every day driving was awesome. Power is all you could want or need, gas mileage for the trip was 27 MPG which translates to 4 MPG more than my 04. Both my 04 & 07 are equipped with the Elite Pkg. the only option I dont have is the Sat. Radio. In my opinion Toyota Camry has nothing over my Maxima. I test drive the Camry before I test the Maxima & I all ways end up with the Max.

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  Maximize with Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Gene - January 4 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased a 2016 Maxima one month ago and have driven it 3000 miles. I previously owned 2000, 2006, and 2011 Maximas, so obviously I am partial to them, primarily because they have excellent styling, good value, and you dont see yourself every third car coming down the road. My previous experiences have been mostly positive, so that has kept me coming back. First what I like about this car: It has great styling, very cool wheels, a classy interior, and loads of power. I dont know how they did it, but this car has ten more hp than my 11 Max, but gets nearly five miles per gallon better gas mileage. The car drives nicely, corners great, sounds throaty, and has less wind noise than my 11. I love some of the color combinations, and the whole effect is very classy. In fact, I prefer the styling to several of the much more expensive luxury brands. Now what could be better: the seats are ok for comfort, but the ones in my 11 were much preferable. The trunk is way too small for a car of this price. While wind noise is reduced, I find that Nissan could work on a quieter cabin from road noise. The placement of the accelerator requires you to turn your foot to the side, and the room for your feet is smaller than I like. Interior storage is minimal and could be better. But, I give the car at least a four out of five overall.

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  Nissan Maxima GLE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By rd - December 31 - 2:50 pm

  I only had the car for 3 months. boght it brand new. It is a great car. You dont hear it on the street. It is just the radio, no engine noise. Very quiet for a V6.

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  The good the bad the ugly - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By jennifer - December 31 - 10:00 am

  THE GOOD- looks good, lots of power, love the heated seats and steering wheel. the back up sensors have me spoiled. THE BAD- shimmies all over the road on acceleration. anything above 50 my steering wheel shakes. when you shut the doors it sounds like they used sheet metal to build them. replaced the timing chain already. the speakers have a short in them. there is a squeaking in the front end but the dealers mechanics never hear it. car shudders after i start the engine like its not getting fuel, but only of the afternoon when i am leaving work not in the morning. UGLY- the chrome is faded. poor poor paint job. 2 mo after i bought the car pain started chipping. carpet coming up.

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  Not Up to Par - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Pat - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is not up to par for the cost. New was well over $30,000. I have had brake problems, the CD player skips, the a/c has stopped all together, and now it is making a knocking noise. I will be getting rid of it because I do not want to sink more money in it. It is a shame that Nissan did not pay as much attention to the Maxima as the Altima. If I had it to do over again I would have saved and bought the Altima. Now I will never buy another Nissan, i dont care what they are selling.

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  ALL THE CAR - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By GIS_ - December 30 - 12:03 pm

  Had a 1995 altima before this one, and I just loved it. As soon as I had a chance to buy the maxima I jumped on it and boy did I made a good deal. The car runs much better than I expected, pover and delivery is exceptional. Is an se. Model so the suspension is a little stiffer but you know that going into it.

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  Maxima 17 Platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By John Jimenez - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  Great car but expensive to maintain