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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  2002 Nissan Maxima GXE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SteveR - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. One of the best engines Ive seen, very powerful, yet quiet and refined. I like the ext. styling and the interior is comfortable. It was between this and the Toyota Camry V6-I felt the Camry was more comfy inside, yet I like the Maximas performance and ext. styling. I would also consider the 2003 Accord. The only complaints are wind noise at highway speeds (sounds like the rear passenger window is slightly rolled down), having to turn on the cruise control every time the car is started, and the beep of the horn when locking the vehicle. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  Over 50 - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Over 50 - March 13 - 5:56 pm

  Im over 50 and the second owner of a 1998 Nissan Max. With 116k miles shes beats most new cars on the road in what matters. Easy to drive, comfortable and can get out of its own way. Sold the Chrysler and glad I did. Went to lunch in a newer Maxima and nope - not the same as my 1998. Ive owned more makes than theyll allow me to type here and Im happy with my 98 Max. I do miss my 1976 Eldo Barritz a little. :)

• 

  Very Nice Second Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Edgy - March 13 - 10:16 am

  Had a 1990 Maxima SE for years, finally had to put her to rest. Went looking to replace on a $12-13K budget, didnt find much on dealer lots. Ended up going private party, found a very clean, luxurious 2002, paid a little over $14K. Its my commuter car, but a pretty nice one. Really like the black leather interior with the dark grey color and the fancy touches -- heated steering wheel, seats heated and also memory, Bose, auto-dim mirror. My other car is M3, so I wanted a different driving experience, although Id prefer a little less body roll and bounce. Hopefully will be as reliable as my 1990.

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  Great car but strange problems - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Derrick - March 13 - 10:15 am

  Ive owned the car for 6 months and the it has been in the shop for 4 months (and needs to go back). Filed a lemon law case with Nissan. Dont get me wrong I love the car - beautiful inside and out. But from day one the glass panoramic roof would pop and crack over bumps and turns... eventually the whole roof was replaced because they couldnt solve the problem. Now entire car rattles, pops and cracks. my roof isnt mounted correctly and is protruding in the back where the rear window meets it. When on the freeway the the car is extremely loud (like the window or sunroom are open) I believe it is due to the roof issues - because I dont recall this issue before the replacement of the roof. The rattling and popping is driving me insane - cant wait to get this replaced or my money back. this is my 4th Nissan in 20 years... huge fan of the brand - never had any issues with Armada, Altima and older Maxima. I have a feeling that I am in for a fight with the lemon law buy back!

• 

  Great car but strange problems - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Derrick - March 13 - 10:15 am

  Ive owned the car for 6 months and the it has been in the shop for 4 months (and needs to go back). Filed a lemon law case with Nissan. Dont get me wrong I love the car - beautiful inside and out. But from day one the glass panoramic roof would pop and crack over bumps and turns... eventually the whole roof was replaced because they couldnt solve the problem. Now entire car rattles, pops and cracks. my roof isnt mounted correctly and is protruding in the back where the rear window meets it. When on the freeway the the car is extremely loud (like the window or sunroom are open) I believe it is due to the roof issues - because I dont recall this issue before the replacement of the roof. The rattling and popping is driving me insane - cant wait to get this replaced or my money back. this is my 4th Nissan in 20 years... huge fan of the brand - never had any issues with Armada, Altima and older Maxima. I have a feeling that I am in for a fight with the lemon law buy back!

• 

  Great car but strange problems - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Derrick - March 13 - 10:15 am

  Ive owned the car for 6 months and the it has been in the shop for 4 months (and needs to go back). Filed a lemon law case with Nissan. Dont get me wrong I love the car - beautiful inside and out. But from day one the glass panoramic roof would pop and crack over bumps and turns... eventually the whole roof was replaced because they couldnt solve the problem. Now entire car rattles, pops and cracks. my roof isnt mounted correctly and is protruding in the back where the rear window meets it. When on the freeway the the car is extremely loud (like the window or sunroom are open) I believe it is due to the roof issues - because I dont recall this issue before the replacement of the roof. The rattling and popping is driving me insane - cant wait to get this replaced or my money back. this is my 4th Nissan in 20 years... huge fan of the brand - never had any issues with Armada, Altima and older Maxima. I have a feeling that I am in for a fight with the lemon law buy back!

• 

  Bang for Buck - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jreddington - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Hated 04 styling. Picked up used (13K) 03. All options incl. Nav. Potenzas hydroplane. Suspension and low profile tires are great for smooth roads. Potholes knock you silly. Squeaks and rattles down the road? Also disappointed with the BOSE stereo. Cranked up full volume, still not enought when windows and sunroof are open. My 92 SE had a better BOSE system. Im still debating whether the nav system is useful or a toy. It seems shoehorned in and having to do A/C controls on the screen seems an afterthought when they took the dash real estate away from the standard controls. I think the dash looks better without the nav system.

• 

  Had 5 Maximas, but probably no more - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Val - March 8 - 12:56 am

  I drove the SR several times. While it is the best Maxima yet in many respects with somewhat questionable styling, marketing decisions that Nissan made will drive some buyers away. Im currently driving 7th generation SV with Sports and Tech and I still like the car. I was very excited when the 8th generation came out. But Nissans decision to keep basic features from the SR, specifically the moon roof and memory seats/mirrors, something I had in my 2009 Maxima, is troubling. So, after driving the car and liking its road feel, I came to the conclusion that I dont have to loose the features that I like and there are other manufacturers out there that actually attempt to listen to what their customers desire. I guess it is time to consider Acura TLX or even Camaro SS or Mustang GT. Good bye Maxima :(

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  2007 Nissan Maxima SE - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By carsareus - March 6 - 12:00 am

  I have owned several Nissan Maximas in the past and this one has been my worst experience. Front wheels cause steering wheel to shimmy between 50 and 60 mph. Have had it in dealership many times and can not fix the problem. Torque steer is very noticable when you accelerate, almost to the point of making the car feel unstable. Appears to be disproportionate amount of torque pushing the car to left on accelleration and then back to center on deceleration.

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  Great machine 2016 SL - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Dick - March 3 - 1:05 pm

  This is my first maxima and I am very much impressed by its performance and fuel economy. After reading some of these negative reviews I am at a loss at how they came to say they got poor gas mileage or there was inadequate power, etc. Obviously these people either dont know how to drive their machines or are never satisfied with anything. If they were rating a Rolls Royce it would obviously have a multitude of faults!