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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  Great Second Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Adrian Pineda - September 7 - 2:10 am

  I bought this car last week. It is going to relieve me from driving my 2007 IS350 out of leased miles. It gives me amazing mpg (28+ mpg @70 mph). It is roomy and well-built. The engine has lots of power and a reasonable amount of torque. The quality of the leather is above average. Its nice to see that all the electric features still work @ 108,000 miles. It shows that prior owner took good care of it. I bought the SE trim so the ride is a little stiff thus noisy but not unlivable. The color is a pearl white and it has aged gracefully. The 02 Maxima is a great solution for people who need to commute but dont like to drive smaller cars and still get high 20s per gallon.

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  Good car Good value - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By imtheedge - September 7 - 2:00 am

  A very good car for the money. Only problem, could not find a manual SE anywhere!!

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  Expensive Repairs - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard B - September 6 - 6:46 pm

  Very expensive to repair. Complete brakes over $1000, Alternator $1000, Check engine light, coil, o2 & Knock sensors $1000 and counting. Clock to small and located in the wrong place, Small trunk, seats tear easily. Cant get sticker with check engine light always on.

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  Overall I like it, but have had issues - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Had a few problems - September 6 - 5:16 pm

  I bought this car used with about 36K miles on it. I previously had a 2002 Maxima GLE which I like but wanted the newer body style. I noticed fairly shortly after I purchased this one that the car shifted hard between 1st/2nd and 2nd/3rd gears and much harder during downshifting (automatic trans). I also thought that my older Maxima was better made. This one just looks cheaper inside.

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  Best Maxima Ever - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Bruce - September 5 - 11:06 pm

  Absolutely the best Maxima Nissan has built! I have owned 10 Nissan/Datsuns, this being the 4th Max and I love it. Its got luxury, sport, speed, handling and style. I could afford the higher end nameplates (I looked at a Jag S- type & E-class Benz), but choose to stick with the Maxima. Not only did I save a little money, but in my opinion, got a better car. I will continue to buy Nissan (maybe Infiniti, too) for many years. I recommend Nissan to anyone who is in the market for a new or used vehicle.

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  It has been through it all - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By dt22191 - September 5 - 2:26 am

  Okay so I purchased this car when I got a job as a client manager. This required me to drive the vehicle roughly 200-300 miles per day. That lasted for one year. I was expecting with a vehicle this old, to have to put some money back into it in the form of repairs...but with just over 200k miles (25,000 of which is mine) the only problem I have had to repair was a broken starter. It has an oil leak but nothing that is not impossible to live with. I love this car and it has been incredibly reliable.

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  Front end noise - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By cjenk - September 3 - 11:00 am

  Overall, tne maxima is the best car since I traded in the 06 Altima SE. Quality of the car is a plus.

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  BEST car i have ever owned!!! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan - September 3 - 2:16 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! I baught it with 86000 miles on it now has 98k. mine is a manual and its a blast to drive. This is my second maxima. before this i had a 90 with 228k I have not had one major problem with this car. I only have replaced 2 tires and rear brakes. You can barely hear the car running...its that quiet and the car is really stable at 80mph. I am averaging 22 mpg with all city driving. I got my friend who never said he would like anything but a mercedes to buy one and he is loving this car!!! he likes it better than the 03 e320 his mom has...I cant say enough about these nissans. I will definately buy another....no more honda accords for me THE MAXIMA IS THE WAY TO GO!!!!!

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  Not What I Expected..... - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By kcire10 - September 2 - 12:59 pm

  I purchased the 2007 Maxima SE new and Ive had nothing but trouble from the start. Had it for almost 5 years and Ive had to get the AC compressor replaced, the motor mounts, belts (because of the compressor), and hoses for the AC. I also have trouble every now and again with the keyless entry. Plus, you pay an arm and a leg for 30,000 mile services ($600+). This is my first and my last Nissan. I should have bought a Honda!

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  Buy a Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By the maxima lover - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My maxima has 135,000 miles on it and i have never had a problem with it. If you change the oil every 3,000 miles it will last forever.The engine is quick, and powerful. Definetly go with the leather seats, as the fabric smell after 100K. I have upgraded the audio system very easily. No cutting or re- wiring, just pop the new speakers right in. The stock speakers suck if you did not get the Bose option. I just bought a new 2002 maxima and i luv it!!!