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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  Worst automobile I have ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith S - November 22 - 5:40 am

  Based on the other reviews, we must have gotten a lemon. All within 50,000 miles: lost starter, engine shift assembly, front seat motor shorted out, transmission problems, catalytic converter failure and others. Have owned Hondas and Toyota and have NEVER had the idiotic problems I have with this car. Overall, a money pit, almost $3500 worth. PLus, Nissan does not stand behind product. When starter went out at 37,000 miles, Nissan claimed "that is just normal wear and tear." My 11 year old Honda still has original starter. Will never buy Nissan again.

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  Love the 20th anniversary edition - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By wyatt808 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, but i bought it from a bad previous owner who put a tremendous amount of miles on it in the year before i bought it. It needed new rotors, brake pads, belts, & MAF. Eventually it needed 2 o2 sensors, but they were due anyway and are cheap. If you get drilled & slotted rotors, you should have no problems with warping.

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  New Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nddst - November 12 - 5:13 pm

  After driving every import in the 20-30k price range (BMW, Volvo, Passat), I decided on a Nissan Maxima SE. Since I wanted a manual transmission, I was limited somewhat (No Accord, Acura or Camary). I fell in love with the Maximas looks and it drove like a dream. I am moving from an Acura Integra and what a difference! The Acura is a fun car to drive, but the Maxima blows it away. It has much less road noise and a lot more power. No other cars I drove gave me the value I got with the Maxima.

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  sooo very happy - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By charlie - November 12 - 2:16 pm

  my first maxima and it was a good move...had the car lil over a year and still enjoy driving it on a daily basis...very special automobile...may sound silly, but love the drive...even the engine compartment is outstanding...

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  Maxine - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Ericba13 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima. The rear is slightly ugly but after 6 years, Im used to it. The car handles well, brakes are solid, and the car has solid power. I picked mine up for around 20K, and there was nothing out there at the time that couldve given me the size, reliability, power, and pure fun of a Maxima for that price.

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  Nissan knows how to build a great car! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Zingano - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I think Nissan has earned a lifetime customer in me. This car is a dream. Performs like a sports car, yet still can haul my family. Just as reliable as any Honda I have ever owned. It has all the conveniences of a premium luxury car. The climate control works perfectly to keep a comfortable interior. Just one great car!

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  Best in class - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By fchild - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is just best in its class. For under-30K price middle-to-full size sedan it makes perfect choice for mid-age family man.

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  buy of the year - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By florida fred - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very fast and you will have to spend 20k more to beat it.

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  Fantastic Ride! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MacGeek - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Maxima a year ago, and its amazing! Great performance, very responsive acceleration and breaking. Beautiful car inside and out. It has never broken down, never failed to start, no problems. Just routine maintenance.

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  Our best Maxima ever! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By franc - November 9 - 4:47 pm

  Just this week bought our 4th Maxima (2011). This 2011 Maxima is by far the best auto that we have owned. The car drives great and the ride is very comfortable.