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:

• 

  Great value - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Above - April 27 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the G35, Passat, Acura, etc. we settled on the 2004 Maxima. Got what we wanted for 30K out the door. So far very happy with performance, ride, general quality. Our first Nissan, hope it lives up to past relibility.

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By idok - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a number of performance, performance/luxury, and luxury cars over the years, none of them could touch my 2004 Maxima SE. This car is really something special. I like it more and more with each trip.

• 

  awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bb000 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  great car with great performance!

• 

  Best car to drive - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Max25127 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car Ive ever owned. It still has original everything after 44,000 miles. Its only been to the body shop when someone smashed it in a parking lot. ITS NEVER BEEN TO A MECHANIC. All Ive done is regular oil changes. But I will get the 50,000 service done soon.

• 

  Cmon Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By East Coast Maxima - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had previous Nissans and have always had good experiences with Nissan, but am a bit disappointed in this Maxima. The service engine light has been on several times and car has barely 40K miles on it, also the springs in the drivers seat squeek and creak all the time while driving, and has been doing this since about 25K miles, its extremely annoying. Dealers dont seem to help. Have a 2000 Quest and have had several mechanical problems as well. One of the main reasons I went with Nissan was for reliability, Ive lost a lot of confidence.I do like the Nissan styling and engine performance, and want to love the Maxima, but cant.

• 

  Will always buy a Nissan - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By dc-cop - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I traded a my 2001 Toyota Tacoma for the 1999 Nissan Maxima. This vehicle impressed me the minute I started the engine. It handles great and has great power. I travel 54 miles one way to work in Washington DC and this Maxima makes me forget about the rush hour traffic. I will drive this car until it dies, then I will buy a newer model.

• 

  2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By crfrke - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The 04 Maxima by Nissan is a head- turning vehicle. People have stopped and asked what is it? Very roomy, great pick-up, sporty steering wheel, huge back seat with great leg room. Quiet, smooth, little to no wind noise, and all buttons and gauges are self- explanatory.

• 

  Trying to upgrade! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By John Meyer - April 24 - 8:38 am

  Glove box latch hard to reach (centered) old Maxima had latch on upper left of door much easier to reach. passenger seat is to low. redundant control on console should have been used for storage, who needs three controls that do the same thing? car does not corner as well as my 2009 Maxima, tends to drift.

• 

  Totalled yet still drives perfect - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima rules - April 21 - 11:26 am

  I bought this car from my dad 3 yrs ago and it only had about 70k miles. About a year later I was involved in a front end accident (not my fault) and the car was deemed totaled by the insurance company. They gave me a check for more than I bought the car, I turned around and bought the car back from the insurance company for $700, drove it off the lot and to this day I have not fixed it. All I do is oil change it every 4 mos or so, change tires and brakes, and drive drive drive. Its at over 115k miles now and still drives amazing!! Maximas are a beast!

• 

  Performance is fine, Lots of Little hiccups add up - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Gayle C. - April 19 - 1:50 am

  Decided on a lease for the first time ever. 2016 Platinum Maximum. Beautiful car. Really good power after the paltry Honda Fit that made me feel like I was going to get run over when entering a highway. Thought I would love it. The young woman who took us through the operation manual seemed to do a fine job and we were really happy with having chosen it over the Avalon. First thing we noticed was that the two USB ports that were a *huge* bonus to have so we could charge two phones at once DONT WORK. Apparently, Nissan only engineered them to charge Apple products, so were SOL with our Nexus 6 phones. They, apparently, didnt know this because they changed out the whole brain only to discover they still didnt work. Thats when they told us they are for iPhones. Who the aitch engineers a car so that only a small segment of buyers can charge their phones? There *is* the cigarette lighter dock inside the console for one phone. Back to charging only one phone. Except. My husband, an electrical engineer, figured out how to make one of the two USB ports work (the other appears to be dead), so we can use the cigarette lighter dock and one USB. And, no, we wont be telling them how he figured it out and, no, it did not involve any rewiring or any physical changes in the car. Furious about this. The Drivers seat settings only adjust periodically and never work if we change drivers using the same key. Push #2 after #1 was driving and nothing happens. Seat stays at #1 setting. Sonar seems to be off now and I cannot find a single mention of sonar, back up camera, or any number of other guesses I made when studying the Owners Manual or the Navigation manual. Additionally, I test drove the car, so did not ride in the passenger seat. Im 54" and it feels as if Im sitting in a hole. I had no idea that the passenger seat did not adjust up and down. Took it for granted that a car of that price would have both seats adjustable. Boy, was I wrong. There is no way in the world that I will ever buy another Nissan no matter how nice this one appears to be. But it was a learning experience, Ill say that.