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 771 through 780 of 3,122.00-
Maxima WOW!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By lockja - August 4 - 10:00 amMy wife wanted to look at the maxima, but I was leaning towards honda. I got in to test drive and was impressed. After I stomped on it a little bit... I fell in love!!! What an engine!!! You sneeze on the gas pedal and it jumps!!! My parents just bought a new 04 Lexus and they are even jealous. I promise... you cant go wrong with this years Maxima!
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2003 Maxima - THE GREATEST EVER !!! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By sillysal - August 1 - 2:00 amHave owned 4 previous Nissan/Datsun products. This is the Best Ever!!! Fun, comfortable, spacious, and lots of power. Carried three grand children (one in a car seat) in the back with no problem. Good trunk size. Fair highway miles of about 25.5 on a 600 mile trip. Conveneint controls while driving. Have had great luck with previous products, Datsun 210 (15yrs 235,000mi), a 300ZX (Used-drove 5 yrs 160,000mi), King Cab Long Bed Pickup (18yrs 175,000mi), and currently own a Pathfinder (3yrs 70,000mi). All great. Expect great future performance with my new Maxima too.
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Good but not great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Bryan - July 30 - 12:20 pmThis vehicle is probably a great car for a young adult, but for a middle aged person it is not smooth enough over rough roads. I cant wait to return to the luxury class I got used to. I am willing to give up the performance for the smooth ride.
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Still not sure - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By bonton - July 28 - 4:33 pmI am still trying to decide if I like this car. I do know that I liked my 97 Maxima (234k miles) so much better. I dont like the "automatic" rear view mirror. It does not make the lights from behind seem any less bright. There does not seem to be as much head room in this Maxima compared to the 97. Either that, or the seat does not adjust low enough. I feel like my head is touching on the roof. The center console has way more buttons than anyone needs, 43 to be exact! Every time I turn the heat on the a/c comes on. Why is that? I do like the sportiness and look of the car. It drives nice and is quick to respond. They just have some design flaws. I would take the 97 anyday!
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1999 nissan rocks - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By vinnnn - July 28 - 4:10 amOriginal owner. The only 2 complaints are rear caliper froze with 18,000 miles??? IGNITION COILS will go . Mine went after 4 years 3 months. 3 months after warranty. After calling around found it to be a major problem on all 1999 maximas. Beware if you buy used .
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2000 Max - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Daddio - July 27 - 2:00 amGreat car! It may not be for everyone, however. I enjoy a vehicle that handles and performs when pushed a little harder than usual. This Maxima does exactly that! It may not be for everyone because the elements that make it a "drivers car" (upgraded suspension components) make fo a firm ride. Personally, Ill sacrifice ride quality for performance any day. Not that this car is uncomfortable. Im 6 feet tall and, unlike many Japanese- badged cars, the seats are supportive for short or long trips. On the other hand, if you prefer the ride/handling of a Grand Marquis, this may not be the car for you.
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Love It! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By neal - July 27 - 2:00 amThis is my third Maxima and they only seem to get better every time. I cant wait to see what the next body-style has to offer.
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4 door Sports Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By miles316 - July 25 - 6:40 pmThe 4 door spots car indeed; My Nissan Maxima SV sport package, loaded. Your evaluation of this car will depend on your definition of driving. If you like hard cornering and accelerating adrenaline junky of a car, this is for you. If you want to drive in acute boredom, void of road feel with high speed cornering avoidance, look to Lexus and Cadillac DTS. You need to take this car by the scruffs; tame it like a bull, and you’d be laughing. I got my wife an Acura TL SH-AWD 2010; great car. The Acura tells you when you are going too fast. My Maxima says “is that all you’ve got” seducing you into losing your license. What a machine.
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Looking to Trade - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Ward - July 20 - 8:36 pmThis car has given me very satisfactory service. Im hoping to upgrade to another Nissan car
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Nice car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By fordson - July 20 - 8:10 pmStrong acceleration. Decent cornering. Great mileage. Smooth and quiet car. Ride is a bit rugged over broken pavement. Brakes are strong.
