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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  Greatest Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sanjoseman - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 3.5 SE with auto trans and majestic blue exterior. Love the engine and trans combo (dual mode smoothness), performance that seems lethargic but is actually hot, terrific engine growl under hard acceleration, absolutely NO torque steer with auto trans (have not driven manual). I evaluated the GS400 (used), 2004 TL, G35 Coupe and sedan, ALTIMA V6 and the Maxima represents the best bang-for-buck overall. Recommend as a solid buy, although resale not its strength. I have received so many compliments and admiring glances from other motorists, including from wealthy drivers of euro high-end sedans and coupes.

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  Maxima 2004 Review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Fan - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The power is great, sound sstem is excellent. Internal design is good

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  Love my Max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By David Ballerini - April 8 - 1:36 am

  I bought the Max to replace my wifes 98 Gran Prix. She liked the sporty ride of the Pontiac, so the SE was a better choice than the SL. The Maxima has proven itself in comfort, performance and gas economy. I consistently get 22+ mph with mixed driving. My wife gets around 20-21 mph. I now have almost 8000 miles on the car and I absolutely love driving it. The power is awesome under hard acceleration. It is quiet on the highway an has every convenience a driver could ask for. Great car!

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  I Love my first car!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By J MAN - April 7 - 11:26 pm

  Got this 95 maxima with 150k miles on it for $2500!! What a steal! Mechanic says that it has strong engine and tranny. Needed brakes but thats to be expected. I love the design and how the car looks. its my first car and it is perfect and at a good price range. no problems only routine maintenance and tlc to keep it looking sharp. This car can take 300k+ miles or more! this car is incredible

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  Love the maxima! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Darin - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I am on my 2nd maxima, having had a 1998 model for 3 years, I moved to the 20th anniversary SE model. Ive never had a problem mechanically with the car. The car has been reliable through two winters. Dealer service has been top notch. The 2001 SE model is quick and agile. Its roomy (fits my 63, 240lbs) and comfortable. The trunk is spacious. The leather seats are very comfortable. The audio system sounds great. The car feels safe and powerful on the road, even at speed. If I were to pick one thing to complain about its that the moon roof was not optional in the SE trim line and that means a loss of an inch or two of head room - something that matters for me.

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  Maximum - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By skobeans - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I had been waiting many years to buy a Max., for various reasons I purchased other cars instead. Boy, am I glad I waited! The power, luxury, and performance you just cant beat for the money. Think about how many cars you can get for under 30K that can do 6 to 7 seconds 0 to 60. Just make sure that when you plant the gas padal you are holding on tight to the steering wheel, you get major torque steer. Great fit and finish, except the position of some of the controls and the richness of the sound from the Bose system. Other than that thrilled, simply thrilled! You want a sedan that will make your blood pump and get you past just about anyone quickly on the highway? Drive this car!

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  good car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By lt - April 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd maxima. i really enjoy driving this car. it is very fast, and rides smooth. i looked at the acura tl s-type and the infinity i35. both were very similar to the maxima. the maxima though was thousands cheaper. i never had a problem with my first maxima. that is why i chose this car again. reliability!!!!

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  Consumer Reports is accurate - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By esmith - April 7 - 5:46 am

  This is a great car with a couple of minor drawbacks. My one big hesitation was the wide turning circle, which I read about in Consumer Reports. I went from a much smaller car with a turning circle of 30 feet to this one, with 40. It makes U-turns a nerve-wracking experience, but fortunately, I dont have to make those turns often. I also think the climate controls would be better in analog (levers or dials) instead of digital, since there are so many buttons on the center console.

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  BEST Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By djd0t - April 7 - 1:03 am

  Fast and easy to manuever! I feel very safe- its solid and has the front and window airbags. The controls, especially the steering wheel radio and cruise controls are very convienient and easy to use. I use my seat warmer every morning after work & I live in FL - I swear it helps my back. I did get rear-ended: the car did fine but I had cracked paint on my rear bumper. They had to replace my whole bumper. The pearl white was a difficult color to match. A specialist had to come help the body shop match it. It took longer, but they did a good job.

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  A Great Ride - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Shadow - April 3 - 5:00 am

  So far the Maxima has far exceeded my expectations, and Ive been pleasantly surprised overall. Great features, great handling, good acceleration. Intelligent key system is fantastic, Bose system sounds nearly as good as a $2400 custom system I installed in my SUV.