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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  Disappointed to the MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By madpro - October 29 - 10:00 am

  steering and suspension too soft, would like to see suspension and steering similar to Infiniti G35 Sport. Tiptronic Transmission is a joke! Shifts are non-existant, automatic nonshifts feel like there is a Govenor. seating is not firm enough and 10 speaker stereo/CD system is ok when you can get a radio channel clear

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  fun, reliable car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Two Nissan Man - October 28 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first Maxima and I would definitely buy another. The SE model is a really fun, sporty car with great road-hugging performance, especially with the Goodyear Eagle tires we have (our second set). I like the 98 design better than some of the newer models. The sound system is wonderful and reliability has been fantastic (current mileage 60,000). My daughter drives it mostly now and I feel confident the vehicle will operate flawlessly. She wont turn loose of it.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe - October 27 - 3:13 pm

  Got a great deal on this car and am glad I purchased. The only thing I didnt like is the small storage compartments are hard to get at. Everything else is great and very quick. It will get away from you if not careful. Overall I rate a 9.5

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  Wheel shakes also! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Wheel shakes also!!! - October 25 - 6:40 pm

  Ive had the car for 3 years (since new) and love to drive it. The only problem is that the darn steering wheel has had a shimmy since I test drove it. I didnt think much of it and asked them to check the tire balance before I took delivery. Big mistake. 3 years and more than 15 attempts to get it fixed and it still shakes. Nissan mechanics dont have a clue why. Nissan has given up on trying to fix it and Ive given up trying to get it fixed. Luckily its a lease and itll be their problem next month. Its too bad, my family has been loyal to Nissan since 1985, not any more...

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  Great car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bemmoftn - October 24 - 9:26 pm

  I loved this car from day 1, and I still love this car on day 4,655. It has always been a reliable car, never let us down. Nissan may not have built the most beautifully designed Maxima in 1997, but it sure built a fun to drive, sturdy one. We finally decided to buy a new one, and let this one go to someone else. We couldnt buy any other car. We bought a 2010 Maxima.

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  Love my MAXIMA! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By jr73 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Got this car back in 1997 for my wife with about 45K miles on it. It is my daily drive car now and has 135K miles and drives like the day we got it. The motor and transmission are smooth. I have done routine maintenance on it and it has been bullet proof. When I want, I drive it hard and it responds like the well tuned sports sedan that it is. It is so much fun to drive and has so much spirit for any car, much less a large 4-door family sedan. There are many new cars that wont come close to the performance and value I get out of this car even today. Im sold for life! I will buy another Maxima!

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  Best bet for family car. - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By EaglyMax - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Nissan. I was able to obtain an 95 SE with a manual transmission, which took my several weeks to find (only about 8% of Maximas sold have a manual). This car is fun to drive. Though its not a true sports car, it makes a great family car!! With the manual this car is fun on two-lane roads. This car has more interior room than an Accord/Camry. Plus, if you get am Accord/Camry, youre going to spend a minimum of $1200 to have a sound anywhere close to what the Bose delivers. I considered a Camry and Accord when I was looking, but the Max fit the bill. It has more room and it a lot more fun to drive than a Accord and Camry (put together).

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  the best - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By RollingInI30 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  the best car available for performance /value /enjoyment. im waiting for 2004....or even better looking at M45 infiniti.

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  So reliable! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bemmoftn - October 19 - 1:40 pm

  Nissan built a fun to drive, ridiculously reliable vehicle in 1997. We are the original owners of this 13 yo car, and never had any major issues. It has always performed, never let us down, lots of power under the hood, and there are absolutely no complaints here. It was the most eye popping exterior design year for the Maxima, but it has to be one of their best in durability. I have loved it from day 1, and I still love it on day 4,655. We finally decided to get a new car. So what did we buy? Another Maxima! And it will be ours for the next 15 years.

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  My Reliable Baby!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Delighted Owner - October 18 - 1:40 pm

  Ive owned my baby for only a little over a month and the only thing I brought it to my mechanic for was to scan the engine for the check engine light problem. Thats it. Turns out to be an anti-knock sensor and an EGR sensor. (Emissions sensor). He told me not to worry about it and since it runs like a TOP, not to even bother spending the $800 for these 2 sensors installed. Drives like Im on a cloud! He said he could just pull the bulb out so the light is always out! Id rather do that for the $35!!! Will not affect the performance or ride if he did this. This car is so quiet, sometimes I forget its on! Ill never part with my baby! I strongly recommend this car to anyone!!