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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  sweet car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By thud 90 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i found this car to have great speed and excellent handeling. the inside is very comfortabel and is very classcy for its price

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  An Infinity in Nissan clothing - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DTLSMITH - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Our Maxima SE has thus far exceeded my expectations. This is one terrific ride; an Infinity in Nissan clothing. The performance, smoothness & overall build quality is superb in its price range. It is well equipped, even in base form, with 18" wheels, computer, 265 hp and choice of 6-speed or 5 speed auto transmissions. but add a few options, like navigation sytem, VDC, memory seat, 320w Bose sound, and you have a very upscale car at a very medium car price.

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  review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Bryan Garrison - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Nice lines, great ride. Performs very well. Lots of interior room for a "mid- sized" classed car.

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dayle - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Maxima in June....it has been great! Everything about it - looks, comfort and the sound system....it is a great car to own!

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By charles hamilton - July 9 - 4:03 pm

  As a Nissan owner for over 20 years, the vehicle is an excellent choice. It rides smooth, excellent handling. However, the seats are very hard and do not give in, making a person with a back problem, very uncomfortable.

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  Masterpiece.. Best in its class.. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By DoN RaB - July 6 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car with 55,000 miles in 2004. I now have 112,000 in 2008. Rock solid performance from this vehicle. No major mechanical problems to date. I will take this Maxima to its grave. This car will take better care of you than your own mama! Get the fully loaded model and drive it as far as you can. I do regret not getting the leather, sunroof, woodgrain, and digital ac. But those upgrades are all optional.

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  New Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By rmf - July 5 - 6:10 am

  My new Maxima SE is a great car. The new engine offers tons of power, the ride on the SE was a little harsher than I had expected. In all this is a great car, if you are looking for a comfortable ride try the GLE. If sporty handling with great acceleration is what you need try the SE.

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  Very,Very Good - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By goodmax - July 2 - 10:00 am

  All Nissans are the best, Mostly my whole family drives Nissans and I wouldnt want them to drive anything else.

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  Comments on Maxima GLE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mickeyandme - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Owning this car has been a generally satisfying experience. I am VERY impressed with my dealers response to warranty situations. Things to fix iclude: Fix SLIPPERY steering wheel on GLE model ... dangerous!!! Needs more comfortable drivers seat with more secure hip gripping ... tendency to slide around on turns with leather upholstery. Less jouncy suspension option.

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  Beautiful car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jdavis - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE this car! We got the SE with cloth interior and a sunroof. It is a fun car to drive and Im the idiot driving around smiling all the time! The powerful engine is magnificent and it handles really well. This is my first NEW car and first time Maxima owner. I dont think I will ever get another type of vehicle again!