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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  2004 Maxima Quality Problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By paulfromfl - July 19 - 6:50 am

  I am writing this to confirm other Quality Issues. 1. My transmission failed after 86,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer at a cost of $3,400. Coroporate Nissan would do nothing for me or the dealer although this was my second Maxima. I am shocked at how bad they treat loyal owners of their brand. 2. The chrome accent strips along the roof are peeling and Corporate Nissan will do nothing. 3. The dealer now wants me to replace the valve cover gasket at 95,000 miles due to it leaking at a cost of $690. The gasket cost is around $40 on line. 4. The leather steering wheel is coming apart and this is the second one, as the original was replaced for the same problem.

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  Beautiful Max Very Safe - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By saxguyck - July 19 - 6:36 am

  I purchased my beautiful 05 maxima sl in early January and unfortunately got in an accident in the snow a month later and totaled it. The back end fishtailed going around a curve, I did a 360 and I hit the gaurdrail twice, once in the front and once in the back. Unfortunately, the car was totaled, but I was perfectly fine. The airbags didnt go off, I was able to drive the car for another week after the accident, but it would cost too much to fix. Car was amazing, roomy, had all features including a heated steering wheel! Fast too! I will purchase one again when I get my check from ins. Buy this car, just be careful in the snow. Very safe and tough. High quality.

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  My 2001 Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - July 17 - 10:00 pm

  Since I bought the car off lease have had a series of problems. Catalytic converter went bad, Abs sensor went bad, exhaust pipe went bad, CV joints had to be replaced. Had to invest too much money fixing the car. Will never buy a Nissan product again. Their cars have a nice look but are not reliable.

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  Sweet Ride..... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Import Driver - July 17 - 1:33 pm

  Just got the vehicle needed somethin 2 drive to give the Spec V a rest. Max is a beautiful car rides and handles nicely. Stock stereo in my Spec V is better than stock stereo in Max (huge dissapointment opt for Bose). Ride & Handling like Spec V but a bit softer. Seats are comfortable and look of high quality. Dash materials are nice and display quality but could be softer like the Toyota Avalons. Headlamps are beautiful and makes the Max look expensive. Love the Interior/Exterior design b/c it doesnt look like somethin u would see everywhere u go. This is our second max and hopefully will be just as reliable as the 1st and the other Nissans that we have owned. The engine is a Top Notch...

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  Most car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mclarenM5 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars you can buy for under 30K. The GLE comes with everything you would ever need. Add cold weather package and traction control and you have the ultimate car. There is nothing more you could want. Traction control works great on ice. Torque steer is noticeable when you step hard on the gas. The brakes stop on a dime. Much smoother than an Acura TL Type S(which costs more) Nissan has re inveneted itself. You cant get into a comparable BMW,Audi,Acura,Lexus for this amount of luxury and performance. Infiniti G35 is great...but RWD in the NE isnt the best.

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  My Maxie - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DonnaT - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Nissan Ive owned and let me tell you...I love it!!! The 2004 Maxima is beautiful and fun to drive. Im especially enjoying the Navagational system. I highly recommend this wonderful car with its sleek curves and luxuious interior, to anyone desiring a classy vehicle that is fun to drive.

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  Inherent transmission problem with 06 Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jaware - July 11 - 5:32 pm

  As others have stated - there is an inherent transmission problem with the 06 Maxima and other years as well. At 62k miles my transmission started to slip and the car jerked when shifting. I brought my car to a local transmission shop and they told me this is a common problem with Nissan vehicles. On their suggestion, I opened a case with Nissan customer affairs. They instructed me to bring it to the dealership for inspection and guess what? My car needs a new valve body and transmission for an estimated cost of $6,000 - a gross over estimate! Nissan contacted me to say they would offer no assistance. Everyone with a similar problem must join the class action suit underway!

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  98 Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By dan - July 11 - 6:53 am

  Ive had 2 BMWs, 2 Buicks, 2 VWs, 4 Olds, 3 Nissans and a Cad. This is overall the most dependable and driver friendly car Ive owned.

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  First One - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Grunt - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the first one I have owned and am completely happy with it. It is fun to drive, fast and comfortable. A good looking automobile.

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  way to go, nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By doe53 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  this is our second maxima, we traded in a 97, which we also loved. this 2004 is a fabulous upgrade for anyone, but having been a nissan family for years, this tops them all. it is sporty, fun to drive, very luxurious and from experience, we know will be dependable.