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:
Showing 721 through 730 of 3,122.00-
Love the car but hate paying at the pump - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By MME - September 16 - 11:50 amI have been driving this car for 2 yrs and absolutely love it. My only complaint is having to run premium fuel in it. I usually only get about 23 mpg. With gas prices these days, that hurts your pocket.
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Absolute Best Vehicle - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By WC - September 13 - 2:00 amThe wife said it was time to go and so I bought a new SUV. But!!! The Maxima that I just traded in was the best car that I have ever owned. I put 187,000 miles on it and all I ever did other than put gas in and routine maintenance was a fan belt and an alternator (both repairs occurred after 100K miles). Great ride, great performance, great style. They dont come any better!!!!!
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GOOD - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By maxima-nissan - September 13 - 2:00 amI like the vehicle. The drive is very smooth. The engine pickup is excellent. At 30,000 miles, I replaced the windwasher motor.(it was covered under warranty). I have to replace the front struts at 45,000. I have to replace the front brakes at 45,000 at Midas. This was a mistake to go to midas. This damaged my rotors in 1 year. I have to replace front rotors. I replaced break lines on the rear and also break pads. I replaced back struts. Other tahn these the vehicle is running smooth now. I hope it will last for sometime. The mileage now is 88,000.
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myCar - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By GG777 - September 13 - 2:00 amVery happy with the car. It got stolen. Looking for subaru.
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2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By dworkman - September 12 - 6:20 amGreat vehicle. No problems since purchasing. Excellent performance with unbeatable speed. Interior room is great, better than any other car in this price range with similar performance.
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the consistant exhilaration - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By Birky - September 11 - 10:00 amI bought it new before heading off to college. Special ordered the 5spd. Still blows the doors off so called "muscle cars" even with its conserative apperance. I hate the cupholders; they interfere with shifting. It has gotten me through blizzards and hurricanes with complete confidence. Reliable is an understaement. My mileage is exceptionally low and the paint has been professionally restored after a snow shovel oppsy. Im passing it on to my little brother who is starting at Villanova, as I move on to a CLK Cabriolet. If it wasnt going to my brother I wouldnt part with it. Beauty, power, handling, reliability, style and BALLS!
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Great all-around performance car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By dude_472 - September 11 - 10:00 amI love this car and never doubt that it will perform in extreme situations. I go through front tires every year so you can imagine how aggressively I drive it. I had this car at very high speeds, including turns, and never lost control; it slides beautifully through the turn. The suspension seems soft and suspect on turns, but the compression is set nicely so that it holds...just have to get the feel. No problems with the engine after 50000 hard miles. Ive gone through 3 sets of breaks and 14 tires already ($$$) but that was my fault, not the cars. There really isnt much you can be unsatisfied with for the money. Had it for 4 years and plan to keep it for 4 more or so (sell@100K).
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Could be better - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Andre Woon - September 11 - 10:00 amThe car is sexy and fun to drive.I had a Altima before for about 10yr. Needless to say i was a lot younger and crazier. I figured if after 180,000 mil the car was still kicking strong with all those doughnuts and corner to corner races, id stick with Nissan. Im a lot older and wiser now so no more doughnuts. I like the acceleration on the car , the second glances one gets from people when passing by or just standing still.The alloy wheels and tires holds well when corning. Over all i feel good about the car for the money i spent. However if when im ready for another car if certain things arent changed i think id go to toyota (lexus)
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My Maxima 2004 - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Furqan Mirza - September 11 - 10:00 amIm having very good experience with this 2004 Maxima so far. I just got it last month. The ride is so smooth and very sweet. Im 22 years old man, and i love having fun in it by driving.
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Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By ABHILASH - September 11 - 3:27 am
