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:

• 

  Fits like a Glove - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By sallylyn - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The size is perfect for me at 52". There are no blind spots. I can take passsengers in the back seat without having to worry about their comfort. The best thing about this car, however, is its power. Its wonderful to pull on to the highway without worries - I used to drive a Cavalier. When my lease was up this month, I couldnt bring myself to turn it in - I bought it.

• 

  My Baby - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By harmony - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for anyone single or with a family. It is sporty enough for the single folks but yet roomy enough for a family. I would recommend this car to anyone wanting something powerful.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert N Maximas - February 26 - 7:15 pm

  I paid a high price for this fully appointed 04 Maxima with 100k miles in 2010 ($10,000) and, after driving it for 7 years, I can honestly say it was money well spent because it has been the best car Ive ever owned. Comfortable, powerful, dependable, attractive and low maintenance. Couldnt ask for a nicer car! Approaching 200,000 miles now and the engine and tranny are still rock solid but the suspension needs work so Ive purchased a 2010 Maxima.... Nice as the 2010 is, the 2004 still gets better gas mileage and has more spunk. Amazing car!

• 

  Ok Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tyler Vanderslice - February 26 - 10:44 am

  I bought my 04 maxima in 05 with around 40k on it and it now has 170k. I love the look and power of the engine. Its style still looks great on the road. I bought the car b/c of style and reliability. The tranny went out around 50k miles(fortunately I had and extended warranty). The CD player went out twice and I always had problems with the heat going out in winter and ac in summer. I was very optimistic about the car but around 150k it just started having continuous problems. The power steering line leaked, the radiator and thermostat went bad and every sensor in the world seems to go bad annually( and it is over 200+ to fix each, 5 different ones have went out). I love the car and have had it for over 10 years but unfortunately I will not buy another one and will stick to toyota or Honda. Nissan just has too many little problems and is not very reliable.

• 

  1996 Nissan Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By J. Myers - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great value for the money. It has been extremely problem free.

• 

  My great Maxi - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By JOSE LUIS A. - February 24 - 10:00 am

  As a proud owner of my max,I have chanched my old max(92 se) for this one and my suggestions are that it is and still a really confortable car that I have got .

• 

  2000 Nissaan Maxima GLE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ugadawg - February 24 - 12:03 am

  This is the 5th Maxima I have owned since 1989. As always, the Maxima has been a trouble-free car. It has required no special maintenance except routine oil and tires. The quality of the Maxima is almost too much to be expected and much more than other sedans avaliable today. This has been a wonderful car, as were the other four weve owned.

• 

  New Fan! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By TW - February 23 - 10:16 pm

  Bought used w/ 22K and got great deal. Had to replace a brake cylinder within couple months. Love its unassuming quickness. Fun pulling away from kids in loud 4-bangers. Way more features than what Im used to (had 4 basic VW Jettas). Nothing broke yet. turning radius is joke - my 99 Yukon turns much sharper. Like the sporty feel but is a little rough over bumps. lacks MP3 player access port. trunk is spacious enough for two. Next car might have to be the Z.

• 

  LOVIN it to the MAX - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By soccerman1313 - February 23 - 6:44 am

  Have about 2000k on my 2012 Maxima. Traded it for a 10 Altima. Boy what a quality difference. Max is much more solid and quiet, faster, comfy, bose is amazing, and just a great car. Looked at similar cars in the class Infinity, BMW, Mercedes but all wouldnt deal much on price. Rolled out with Tech Package and premium for 37k oto. We will see long term how things go but my last 3 rides have been nissans Titan, Altima, now max. Been reliable and great vehicles. Read almost 100 reviews before buying and so far most the complaints I havent noticed.

• 

  My Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Louisiana Girl - February 22 - 11:33 pm

  The design of the new Maxima caught my eye. Upon a closer inspection I fell in love with it. The interior is very roomy for my children. I am in my 20s and I do not feel as though I am driving a granny car, but rather a sophisticated and stylish one. The safety features such as the quick release latch in the truck are a bonus among others. The only complaint I have would be the touchy gas pedal.