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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 3,122.00-
Solid Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By kevin - October 8 - 2:00 amThe 02 Maxima SE rides very stiff. Much stiffer than I expected for a car this size. My 01 Maxima GXE is much more comforable with the softer suspension. However, the stiffness of the SE makes cornering much nicer without tire squeal. Ive also noticed the back end of the car tends to skip or hop over rough surfaces in a straight line. This is probably due to the lack of independant rear suspension. My gas mileage for city driving has been about 18mpg. Overall, I love the car. Its got excellent space, all the features I need (except good stereo speakers), and plenty of horsepower. This is a very solid car, and no where near as bland as the camry or accord.
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Travelin Man - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Tim - October 6 - 11:16 amOverall, pretty happy with the car. Bought it in 4-04 with 42,000 miles. Doubled the mileage in one year. Mileage is pretty good, although the car "feels" like its getting old. I have never owned a Nissan before, bought this one on reputation alone. Would POSSIBLY buy another one in the future when I learned how to drive slower. At 35, I got my first two speeding tickets driving this car. LOL!
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Ok until around 90k miles - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By maximus02 - October 5 - 12:16 pmGreat vehicle for the last few years. However, around 90k miles the transmission broke. Replacement rebuilt transmission $4200, beware of higher mileage vehicles.
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Love It! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By jeromerobles - October 4 - 2:00 amI bought my GLE Maxima for only 4700 dollars with 126000 miles on it, but I know it doesnt matter for Nissan since it has a good reputation of reliability and the mileage are mostly highway miles. It runs really fast and I am surprised I can easily accelerate without feeling it. Just have to be careful with speed limits. This is my first big car and I really was surprised how good she handles.
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Once you go Japanese you never go back - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By jjln - October 4 - 2:00 amThis one has get up and go. Interior and exterior styling excellent. Ride is good, front hood shakes a bit on hwy. I like the ride and the look of the vehicle. The v 6 is great however it does det 21 mpg, which relly isnt that bad considering the size and power of vehicle. I will buy again. Plus dealer service is great. Never will I buy an american car again.
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Teds Review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Ted Brinkman - October 4 - 2:00 amFabulous Car overall. Had trouble with fuel pump but was replaced immediately upon learning of problem. Outside a couple of items I would like see changed, we are extremely happy we purchased the car.
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Nissan Has A Winner - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By vinnie - October 3 - 1:56 amI have to tell you. Ive had my Max since 2003. Its a great car with both power and style. Still turns heads after 2 years! The engine is smooth and powerful without sacrificing MPG. I avg. 24.9 MPG. Not bad for such a strong motor! If I have anything negative to say, its nothing different that whats already been in reviews - fix the torque steer issue and work on the wide turning radius. Other than that - I love my Maxima!!
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Great Value, ALOT of car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By OD - October 2 - 10:00 amI walked into the Nissan dealer "kind of" interested in a car. When I drove it and compared it to simiilar vehicles with the same options, the Nissan was about 5-7K less. The car is a great value. I purchased the SE with BOSE, leather and the MSRP was about 30K, I got the car for 25K. At the time, I also got 3.9% financing over 60 months. The car got 28 MPG on a recent drive to the beach. In the 5 hour drive, I was comfortable and enjoyed the passing power. Interior looks great. I considered the Altima, but hated the interior.
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Good Car, Good Price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Nerf - October 2 - 10:00 amWhen i was shopping around, i was looking at the acura TL (maybe Type S), maybe a low end lexus, mercedes or BMW, but for the money, i found the maxima to be the best buy. the only issue i have is with the sunroof wind deflector wich keeps gettin small cracks, but nissan keeps fixing it for me. by the way to sergei91 you can program your car to NOT make the beep when you lock it with the remote. read your manual, thats what it is for.
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4 Door Sports Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By Djante Rodgers - September 30 - 10:00 amThis car is great. It is fast, nimble and comfortable. I have several friends who are 65" and they enjoy riding with me in the comfort. Perhaps yes it could be faster, but where and when do you get to "open it up" ? I put about thirty thousand miles on this car in a year, and except for oil changes, and two new tires it has been a great ride. Paint still looks good, interior doesnt look worn. The plastic appointments are still sturdy in the vehicle. Its roomy and it turns heads. I dont like the fact that you cant turn on your fog lights without turning on your headlights. .
