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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  number 1 for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nivers - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and I just keep on buying them because I feel they are the best car on the road in there class.

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  great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ludacris - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car, acceleration from a stop is more than adequate, from a roll is excellent. The engines refinement is amazing, you cant hear or feel the engine at idle at all. Even when flooring it there is no vibration. I now have an intake on it so I can definetly hear a growl! Spacious, comfortable, powerful, refined, reliable, fun to drive, good looking. What else is there to like?

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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By toniomdny - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Top 10 engine for so many years in a row is enough to say. With the engine size that the car has, it has more power than cars with bigger engine. The car has great power and accelerates so fast.

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  nissan customer service bites - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By patscircus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Maxima SE new. So far I had one coil replaced in warranty. Then the trans went (auto).Then problems with the coils out of warranty. Nissan would do nothing for me. They said I had to replace all the coils this time ! Over $600.00 !!!! Nissan would do nothing for me.I will never buy another Nissan again for this headache. But I still love my car.

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  Satisfied Max Guy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By eshlegs2 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  A nice improveent over my previous one, a 95. Seats are more comfortable, instruments easier to read, lots of bells and whistles for reasonable price.

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  Excellent used car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken - March 28 - 6:53 pm

  Purchased at 73,000 miles and driven 4,000 in 4 months during one of the harshest winter in Chicago. The car started every time and everything worked great. The engine is very quite and the ride is very comfortable. Fuel economy is worse than expected as it has been consistently getting about 18 MPG in the city but it jumps to 22 MPG on highways. Still very stylish after all these years.

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  Incredible! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By HSEinPhila - March 27 - 2:03 pm

  Wow, what a great car. Just got an 09 with sports package, truly lust at first drive. Incredible power, throaty exhaust note, handles/corners well. Eye catching styling. Comfy seats hug and support. Well designed cockpit, easy to see gauges and controls. Having a lot of fun with this one.

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  Sport Sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mombear - March 27 - 10:00 am

  After 40,000 miles, this car remains fun to drive. Except for a O2 sensor, Ive had no problems. Highway mileage is 30 MPG. The RE92 tires will go 50K. My major complaint is the fact that the engine holds on to its revs between shifts.

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  2 years not a problem - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By texdave - March 26 - 3:38 pm

  I leased the car new with a fantastic lease deal. It is fast and fun to drive. 21 mpg average city and highway driving and I drive fast. 45,000 miles and have had no problems with the car at all. I would highly recommend this car. Try to find a good deal on a used one.

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  The Max - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Doug - March 22 - 3:43 am

  Ive had my Max for 4 years and have enjoyed nearly every minute. Few options exist for those needing midsize room but enjoy rowing through the gears in the twisties. With the 5-speed the Max is an economical solution for those craving a 5-Series. The engine is strong and reliable, even 8 years after it was born. The handling was sloppy and ride height unnaturally tall. Replacing the stock suspension with Koni shocks and Eibach springs, and later a short throw shifter, made the Max an exciting car to drive. Comfortable on long commutes and thrilling through the turns, I love this car. She has it all, performance, fit & finish, reliability, and enduring good looks.