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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Nissan Maxima Ownership - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By betty sturgeon - June 24 - 5:36 pmComplete confidence is what I feel each time I crawl under the steering wheel of my Maxima. I have 92,000.+ miles on it, and it is still in superb running condition. The only repairs Ive needed to make have been routine, i.e., tires, brakes & battery - thats all. I would always recommend Nissan.
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Great Buy - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By bigboi - June 22 - 10:00 amI have a 2001 Nissan Maxima GLE. I bought it brand new and havent had any problems except for the driving belts which onl cost $110. Horsepower is great and the car is very respnsinve to the pedal. Overall i give this car two thumbs up.
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be careful - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By noa - June 22 - 10:00 amI love the car but the biggest problem with it is that it has the worst paint job. it gets scuffed from the littlet thing that touches it.
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An outstanding car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By 03passatguy - June 21 - 2:05 amWeve owned our 2002 Maxima GLE since it was new. Its been a bull: smooth, comfortable, reliable. Next to nothing to fix - except the CD player - outside of normal maintenance. We still own it. It still drives beautifully. Congratulations, Nissan.
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The Best!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By josh37 - June 20 - 11:00 amI love my 2005 Nissan Maxima SL. I had a 2003 Maxima SE and i loved it but instead of going for another maxima i got a explorer and hated it. but then I got a BMW hated it so gave it to my daughter and got another Maxima and LOVE IT!!!! I bought the car with 81000 Miles on it and now has about 83000 on it. No Squeaks or rattles ( that ive heard) ride is perfect, and is very fun to drive. Engine is quiet and QUICK!!! Very roomy and BOSE sound system is GREAT. LOVE the xenon lights and the heated steering wheel. The Traction control came in handy during a bad thunderstorm the other day.
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Best FWD family sedan - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By KaBar - June 17 - 10:00 amIve had the car since Febuary 2004. It doesnt handle too well in the winter like my 91 Maxima did. In the summer, Ive driven over 10,000 miles, with little to no maintenance. This is probably one of, if not the best FWD car on the road, with enough room to seat the family, and enough power to get up and go. Trunk space is great, and there is plenty of head room. Handling is great. Almost every Sunday, I take it up the canyon and open the throttle. Ive been getting 300-330 miles to the tank, and that averages out to 20-24mpg city driving. This is a great car for the family.
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I love my Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Liliwhite - June 17 - 10:00 amI love to drive my Maxima..it is fun and fast. Whenever I feel like whinning about my carpayment, I just jump in my "baby", crank up the stereo and drive around town and all my payment shock goes out the window!!! It is all worthwhile. My friends are tired about hearing how much I love it. :-)
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My Perfect Max!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
By krissyc30 - June 14 - 2:13 pmI recently purchased this vehicle about a month ago, and am absolutely delighted. NO disappointments. A beautiful, luxurious, smooth ride. I will keep this car until the wheels fall off! Only 139,000 miles and plenty of life left! Ive owned many foreign cars and plan to stay with the Maxima. No leaks anywhere on my driveway! This car doesnt leak a thing! Maximas are built to last and Id recommend anyone looking for a smooth-running, reliable, reasonably- priced sedan. They never die!!!!!
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Why get something more expensive - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By guymaxima - June 14 - 2:00 amI have driven a Nissan Altima and a Nissan Maxima which I still own. These 2 cars have proven to be very reliable while they offered a lot more options for the money (more value). I dont understand people who buy a Honda Accord instead of a Maxima. They probably dont do their homework before buying. For me and my family it is Nissan...nothing else. And to prove my point, my son just purchased his first car...a brand new Nissan Sentra EX R which he chose above such competitors such as Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Tiburon.
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Gimme traction - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By MG - June 14 - 2:00 amAfter 9 mos and 7000 miles on my 6spd SE I am pretty unhappy with the car. The shifter is extremely stiff and notchy. You have to work quickly to jam the shifter into gear or the revs drop too low and the car jerks into the next gear. The low and midrange torque is excellent. You never need to rev it up that high which is a good thing because the traction is hands down the worst Ive ever experienced. Dont even THINK about flooring this car in a turn because it will produce a lot of white smoke and very little forward motion. My overall impression is what good is all this power when the car just simply isnt fun to drive hard?
