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 nissan opinions - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CARL BURT - July 10 - 10:00 am

  It is entirely to rough for me. performance is there but I would like a car with a much better ride. It just dont smooth out the small imperfections in the road. The low profile tire is most of the problem.

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  PERFECT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MARCK - July 10 - 10:00 am

  LOOKS AND ITS FEEL NICE, REALLY FUN TO DRIVE

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  maxima review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By oneslowhemi - July 10 - 10:00 am

  great car ,quality is great,engine and trans work very well together,I would reccommend to all, great car for the price.

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  2004 Maxima is a great car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken B. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a Honda Accord, Lexus ES300, Saab, BMW, and Land Rover. Nothing compares to the beefy and sophisticated styling of Nissans new Maxima.

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  Maxima is a must own - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By keith dantonio - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i have had 3 maximas in a row, and 6 total nissans. Ive never had a problem with any of them, not even a sqeak.

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  so coollll - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By playbt - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i love my maxima. the drive to totally fun and i get so many compliments on it.

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  Cool car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Balam - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I just love it, very smooth, and powerful

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  I love my maxima! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By pamela white - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 in Novemer of 2002. When I saw the new 2004 I had to drive it. 2 Months later I traded my 2003 for the 2004.. I love it. I love the way it feels, I love the way it looks, I love the way it handles. As you can see I love the 2004 Maxima. Keep up the good work. Oh by the way it is my 4th Maxima.

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  More fun than you think - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Max - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Fast, slick, with a large slice of luxury. I was looking at quite a few cars, and the Maxima easily won. I had owned sports cars and needed a 4-door. Thought I would be giving up a lot of performance. I was wrong. The elite package has brought a LOT of nice comments. I upgraded to full tint windows, crome wheels, but thats it. Get it loaded you wont be disappointed.

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  the best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bob iguchi - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i have owned 5 maximas. the 2004 maxima is the best !! it is the fastest, smoothest ride, and luxury car i have ever owned. i get people stopping me at the car wash, in parking lots, and on the street saying how beautiful the car is. the performance is incredible.. stevens creek nissan is the best also. i bought my car from the fleet manager. i have since bought 2 more cars( my son and daughter in law ) from them. their service and attention to detail is incredible. bob