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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  Time Traveler - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By drb218 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Most fun I have had driving in several years. Beats many more expensive cars in performance and saves at the pump.

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  2004 Maxima 3.5SE 5 Seat - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Adeen - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great bargain for your money

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  Makes you feel young again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JNorth - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After 3000 miles I find my Nissan Maxima a joy to drive. It accelerates like no other car I have ever driven. Hardly a day goes by that someone doesnt comment "Nice Car". What are the negatives? Some small details I would like to see changed. l. I like my ignition key on the steering column rather than on the dash. I like the door handles flush, pull outs, rather than the extended handles. I would like some place in front for a trash receptical. And, I dont like having to use premium gas. But you cant have everything.

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  PERFORMANCE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RALPH - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I find that the wheels are made too big for this vehicle the high perfomance tires will not be good on roads when wet or snow exists. Tight wheel base when you go over a bump in the road the steering wheel moves you may lose control

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  Fun and Luxurious - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LAYNE - October 10 - 2:00 am

  My Maxima is fun to drive and accelerates quickly. The AC and heater are a major improvement over the Bonneville I formerly had. The leather interior is attractive and comfortable. I had a security problem starting the engine one morning. Im still not sure what caused it. Possibly a key transponder problem.

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  Maxima rocks. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By kams - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The best car in its price range and lots of power. Wish I could trade it in for the newer more sexy Maximas of 2001 and 2002 that have cool features that were missing in the 2000. Things like Navigation system, music contols on the steering wheel and more more small nics naks. And not to mention the new poser house under the hood.

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  Maxima SE 1997 100000mi - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Slavik - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car, but if something is wrong u have to PAY. I had a few problems with a couple of my sensors, each time I had to fix it, it was 300 bucks Other than that the car is very cool. Fast and comfortable (still). Next time, Ill buy new, so waranty pays for all these minor problems.

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  Good to Excellent - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Tnsports - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I think that it is a fun car to drive. It has too much road noise. The seats could be a more be comfortable. The leather is very durable and has upheld very well. I have not had to perform any unscheduled maintenance. The sound system is wonderful.

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  The best family sport sedan under $30K - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Nostoc - October 8 - 2:00 am

  After driving this car for a year, heres what a test drive wont tell you: 1. The suspension is not so stiff as it might first appear. Over time I have found the ride to be quite smooth. 2. Ergonomics of the console are a marvel. 3. Design of the cabin is very airy and inviting. 4. 200 watt Bose sound system is wonderful. 5. Steering feel a bit heavy. 6. Look forward every day to driving. Dont regret passing over the Passat.

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  Lo ve this car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By ajahearn - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 3 months. Performance is exceptional. Braking is good. Turning radius a little wide. Suspension could be firmer. Stock tires have bad wet traction. 6 speed is nice. The interior is very nice, easily seats 5. The trunk is big but opening a little small. Seats great but could use better side support. Interior lighting, sunroof, auto-dim rearview good. Dash display gets washed out at dusk but good at night. The Bose radio good but SCV is useless, bass is bit muddy. HID lights great. I like the styling. My 89 was very reliable. I have not had one problem with my 02 and I expect none for many years.