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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  BEST SEDAN ON THE MARKET - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By MICHELE STEPHENSON - September 26 - 9:30 am

  This is the ultimate car, its the leader of the pack. The space in the back is very spacious. The 18 inch wheels makes the handling of the curves a breeze. The dual climate control actually works out great because my husband & I both enjoy different temperatures. The space in the trunk is unbelievable. Over-all this is a great car to own.

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  The best car Ive owned so far - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Braintek - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Got the car yesterday and let me tell you that everything is perfect so far. The interior really spacious the front seats are comfty, the 17" tires takes rough curve at 120 KM/H. I drove on the highway at 140 KN/H then Ive shifted in 3rd and got an incredible boost up to 190 KM/H and it was still asking for more but I finally reduced speed. The sound system is incredible with the sub- woofer giving heart beats right through your body. The only thing that Im missing is a GPS system that I will get later this month. Im telling you go to the dealer and try a new Maxima 2003 it is contagious. Thanks

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric - September 24 - 5:40 am

  This is the 3rd and last Maxima I will own. The car is/was beautiful and had all the perks, leather, heated seats, sunroof, heated steering wheel, Bose. I always got compliments on what a good looking car that is was. But that was it. During the 5 years of owner ship, replaced brakes 3 times, rotors twice, 3 wheel bearings, 1 steering knuckle, AC system had a leak at factory fitting, the rear end could not be aligned and ate tires every few months, and the transmission started to go (Google it). I hear many of the same complaints from this $30k+ car. Got to the point that I did not enjoy driving it because I was worried of what would go wrong next. Now I drive a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that I love!

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  Great Maxi!!! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By kevdog - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned all foreign cars and this is by far the best ofthem all. Im in sales and drive all the time. I never get tired of hearing the engine or the awesome stereo. I have never had a single problem, even with 200,000 miles. I plan on keeping it to 300,000+ and then buying another one. I love my Maxima!!!

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  not a good buy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jimmy davies - September 22 - 10:00 am

  this se 2003 (automatic) is not what i expected. during the winter, after the ignition, you will hear a ratle and the rpm will move up at the same time as the engine ratles. anothe deadly thing is when the car is parked uphill. To back up and put on reverse,I have to force a few times the stick in order to be able to put the car on reverse. i dont know why this is happening but i now firmly believe that toyota is much better in term of quality. My brothers se altima has the same problem with putting the car in reverse. time to trade. please consider carefully before you buy a nissan.

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  Not Bad! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mangtas - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned it for 3 weeks now so, I think its time to write a review. I was a bit disappointed on the the first 3 days after I picked up the car. I found a broken (split) rubber molding on the upper right corner of the rear right passenger door. I was surprised that Nissan didnt catch this problem while conducting their quality assurance on this at the factory. But the staff at Extreme Motors really did an excellent job of fixing the problem. They ordered the part for me right away and fixed the problem as soon as the part arrived. The quality of the repair was excellent.

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  Great Car so far - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By austin1982 - September 20 - 9:10 pm

  I have had this car for a little over a year and I am very impressed with it. It gets a little better gas mileage then the 2010 Lacrosse that I traded for it, but the power is sooo much better. I can actually merge into traffic now. Yes you have to use the Nissan Synthetic Oil (about $90 an oil change) and premium gas. So it is expensive to maintain, but it has never had an issues, is beautiful inside an dout and has plenty of power. Its is well worth the extra cost.

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  Competent sports sedan - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By tdisalvo - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima satisfied many of my automotive needs. I needed a sedan but didnt want it to be ugly. I needed japanese reliability without sacrificing performance. I needed a 6- cylinder engine AND a manual transmission. I also needed an affordable price. The Maxima fills all of my requirements and does it with style. Nissan builts character & personality into their cars, something Honda/Acura should look into. Go test drive a 5-speed Maxima, youll see what I mean.

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  New 03 Blue Max SE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Kthomp100 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  After getting rid of my 1999 Lexus GS 300 (liked it, was just time for something new), drove my 01 GMC truck for several months while I did research on the under 30K sports sedans. Maxima wins hands down. Bought a Majestic blue metallic with black leather SE with all the options. This is a solid, well built car and even though I have not "stepped on it" yet, I know the power is plentiful and just waiting to be pushed. This car for about 13,000 less that the Lexus has almost every feature the Lex did AND more comfortable back seats.

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  Good buy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mgs - September 20 - 10:00 am

  First Family car purchase ever. Considered the typical Camery, Accord, Passat and Legacy. The Max was larger in every sense of the word. Bigger wheels, engin, wheel base, F/R headroom, leg room, shoulder room - oh yea and a bigger thirst for fuel. It has a smooth wisper quiet powerful engin, its accelaration really fools you. I have already had to talk my way out of a ticket - and I was not even in a hurry. I do not like the rear headlights, and I am dissapointed in the paint. In all I would recommend the car - just pay close attention to the warrentee as it pertains to the paint - you will use it.