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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  At 150k and still going strong... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By johnboy1015 - August 14 - 11:19 am

  Bought my 2005 new and have had very few problems. Check engine light recently came on but mechanic told me its a misfire and will likely be fixed with a tuneup...which the car has never had, ashamed to say. Have never owned a car this long...nor wanted to. But looking to hand it down to my son

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  Amazing Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By rapidmax - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I cant think of a better used car for the money. Great performance with room for 5 people. A lot of fun to drive. My only regret is not getting a manual tranmission.

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  09 SV- Premium Pkg - So far, a GREAT buy - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Dee - August 14 - 12:26 am

  Purchased black on black SV with premium package about a week ago. First Nissan ever owned. Have been putting through paces in urban and highway traffic. Thus far, a VERY solid buy for those wanting quick response in a 4 door sedan. The premium package has enough "toys" to satisfy most hi- to moderately "techie" drivers. Head turning quotient is very high, which is good or bad depending on how many speedtraps you have in your travels *lol* CVT is a dream so far.

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  You need this car! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeff - August 13 - 1:03 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 2008 SL Nissan Maxima after a long, hard look at all cars in this price range. After several test drives and months of searching we found the car to buy! This car is excellent in comfort, ride, power and value. We just fell in love with the styling of the Nissan Maxima. After a test drive we were sold! Great buy!!

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  97 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximaCalif - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Been a great car very reliable all I have had to do is replace the stereo (which I guess happened on many of these models) but otherwise no major issues so far.....great mileage for a V6, about 27-28 MPG....power is fine and interior has stayed together well.

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  Big Letdown - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By irisp - August 7 - 9:25 pm

  I had a 1994 Nissan Maxima for 10 years with minimum problems,then got the 2004 and it has been a headache ever since. Got it in 2004 and by 2009 the transmission went out!The front end has every problem in the book.Struts, rack and pinion,shocks,..you name it its bad.I get new tires every 2 years,no matter what I have done it still sucks.Corporate will not help.Has to be the worst car ever!The CD player wont play unless you are sitting still,the power windows get stuck,just a horrible car. I will NEVER buy another Nissan.

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  Love this car! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Love it! - August 6 - 7:33 am

  This is the second Maxima I have owned. Just bought the 1998 GLE with all the extras, side airbags, climate control, etc, tan leather and pearl white exterior, fantastic car with 118,000 miles! Took my car to Vegas (900 miles) and never got tired of driving it! Thanks, Nissan!

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Danv23 - August 6 - 2:50 am

  After driving a 1997 GLE (bought new in 96) for the last 101600 miles I decided it was time for a new Maxima. No other car can match the features coupled with the reliability of these cars. I originally wanted to stay with the luxury edition SL, but the 18" tires on the SE were too much of a draw to ignore. To compromise I upgraded the SE to SL form, including the navigation system.

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  Love the Car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Larry - August 4 - 10:23 pm

  Superior acceleration, ride. Real highway cruiser in the best sense of the term. Drivetrain is a pleasure (world class VQ + new CVT = even better). The breaking in process gives me an excuse to modify acceleration, but I think Ill be doing it just for fun for a long time (swoops up nicely from 50-80+ without effort). The CVT, in my humble opinion, gives this car a performance advantage, as well as a nice aesthetic. Speaking of aesthetics, this Nissan provides what is too lacking in most competitors: an actually good looking car that you can connect to on an emotional level, in addition to being a fine machine. The 07 interior much better than 06.

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  love it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pordy - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a mid-size 4-door, manual transmission vehicle with lots of options- there are no alternatives even close to the Maxima in this price range (~$16 - $18K in 2004). Car is comfortable, fast, large, loaded with options, and comes with Nissans rock solid reliablity. I drove a 4-dr G35 with a manual that felt confined and the interior looked/felt cheap.