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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  Great car to drive - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Ec Havranek - April 18 - 3:20 pm

  This car is very quiet in driving. The transmission has a smooth start, no jerking into 1st gear. The interior has a very comfortable seat. The dash board and accessories are a pleasure to see and use. The engine has a sufficient amt of HP. Engine design is very nice and clean. When driving at higher speeds, the ride is very smooth. The Nissan models have a reputation of having mileage of upto 300,000 mi.

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  please consider before purchasing - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LOOKING OUT - April 16 - 10:00 am

  TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE MAXIMA PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IT IS PRODUCED WITH ZENON HEADLIGHTS THAT HAVE BECOME EXTREMLY POPULAR TO THEIVES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR SIX MONTHS AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN STOLEN "6" TIMES, THEY COST $750.00 PER HEADLIGHT AND $350.00 FOR THE LABOR TO BE REINSTALLED. DUE THE MATH YOU CAN BE DRIVING A MERCEDES

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  Fantastic addition to the Maxima legacy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TylerJ5425 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Maxima (previosuly having owned a 2000 SE) and the new one is just a great, with more power to boot!

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  I bought a Headache - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By george_ok - April 16 - 3:51 am

  Recently I bought a 2005 Maxima without enough prior research (In fact I went to the dealership to buy a Honda and the Salesman convinced me to buying this one instead.) Now, after reading all these horrible reviews about 2004-06 Maxima, everyday I start the car fearing that the transmission is going to fail......it is a real pain to drive a car that we cannot trust....

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  Discouraging - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Kurt Glover - April 15 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my Maxima August of 2004. I just traded it in (November 2004). I thought I was buying my wife a dependable car but wasnt. After 100,000 miles it starts hard, plus there is a very loud noise coming from the front end that no one can figure out what it is. Keep in mind, you must use premium gas for this engine...This car did not live up to its expectations.

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  Love my Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Helen - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Nissan and Ive loved them all. I bought this car new and find it totally reliable and wonderful to drive. Ive had no problems with the performance or the quality of the vehicle. Ive replaced nothing and my interior still looks great. The only negative thing I have to say about it is the turning radius is too wide.

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  Uh Huh! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Sport Package - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Just traded-in my Infiniti G35 for the 2010 Maxima. One word: wow! I am 63", and the G35 simply doesnt accommodate a man my size, the Maxima does. The 2010 Maxima is an incredible car - I bought the sport package and love it. I actually look forward to driving.

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  My favorite Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Bianca R. - April 14 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car new in July, 2000, and plan to drive it til it drops. Great car and does everything I need - small enough for city use (easy to park), comfortable and roomy enough for highways and vacations. Coils were replaced around 75k miles; other than that this car has been super dependable. Excellent acceleration and a fun car to drive. The exterior styling stands out in a sea of look-alike sedans. I love the curvaceous back end and the round taillights. Very large trunk for this size car, makes it easy to pack for vacations. I bought the trunk liner, useful to keep things clean. Note JD Powers survey; the 2000 Max is more reliable than newer models. Im keeping mine.

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  2008 Nissan Maxima - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By BriGuy - April 13 - 11:50 am

  Wow! I just traded in my 2006 Honda Accord because I was bored out of my mind and sick of getting passed on the highway. Now I do the passing! I say this car is for guys or girls that like a whole lot of performance to go along with their luxury. I got a fully loaded one (minus nav) and it is by far the nicest car I have ever owned. You have to get the leather and the Bose sound system amazing. I know Zoom-Zoom belongs to Mazda but they might have stolen it from Nissan.

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  Greatest Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sanjoseman - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 3.5 SE with auto trans and majestic blue exterior. Love the engine and trans combo (dual mode smoothness), performance that seems lethargic but is actually hot, terrific engine growl under hard acceleration, absolutely NO torque steer with auto trans (have not driven manual). I evaluated the GS400 (used), 2004 TL, G35 Coupe and sedan, ALTIMA V6 and the Maxima represents the best bang-for-buck overall. Recommend as a solid buy, although resale not its strength. I have received so many compliments and admiring glances from other motorists, including from wealthy drivers of euro high-end sedans and coupes.