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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  Better than the Altima - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Yankeeriz - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I was driving an Altima coupe 3.5, for two years before someone hit it. I enjoyed that car a great deal. I always believed the drive btween the Altima 3.5 and the Maxima 3.5 was similar.. Wow far from the truth. The Maxima feels stronger, drives stronger and the engine sound is wonderful.. The tech features in the Maxima looks and feels leaps and bounds beyond the Altima fully loaded. The Altima is a great car but its no Maxima. Neither is the Accord, Camary, Avalon, 2.0 Sonata, which I test drove before driving the Maxima.. What a car... Maxima SV with Sports Package.. you cant go wrong.

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  New 2k2 GLE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pasquale/pscarponi - February 21 - 11:30 pm

  As a previous Nissan owner, 95 Maxima, and 88 Pulsar, I was impressed by the reliability of my Nissans. Having been an owner of Fords, Chevys and Plymouths I was easy to impress. My new 2k2 GLE appears to be as good as or better than my 95 GLX. I have not had any problems, defects, or quality defects (but I only have 1700 mi on it).

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  Good Vehicle to Date - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Corrpro - February 21 - 8:43 pm

  I bought the car new in Feb. 2005. I only drive it between 6000 and 7000 miles per year, so to date it only has about 15,000 miles. But it has been a very good car so far. Compared to my last 2 Dodge Intrepids (94 & 99) it is a much faster, smoother riding car. I love the features such as the heated seats and heated steering wheel. I do think that some interior improvements are needed, especially with the dashboard and controls. I havent checked out the newer models yet, so maybe they have addressed this. As stated before, there have been 2 recalls, but I had no problem with either issue, and had them both taken care of during one visit to the dealership.

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  Fun money pit - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By howy67 - February 20 - 4:10 am

  Bought the car in 10/2003 with 28000 miles on it, coming off a fleet lease. Now has 73000 miles. Wifes car - she enjoys the car, good visibility for short petite person. Grown kids refer to it as the green goblin. Its a nice solid, if overpowered car. Expensive repairs over the long haul (e.g. MAF, coils, muffler, gas vent canister, ball joint,drive shaft boots). No go in snow-overpowered, skidish.

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  Loaded 3.5 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RAY IN VA - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Equipped to Journeyman Package Level plus VDC control and stability option. Other equipment included: GPS Nav System,LCD computerized instrument display, moon roof,350 watt "tuned to car" Bose stereo system, heated leather seats/steering wheel, Serius Satelite Radio. First car since my new 1969 BMW that Blew me away with cars impressive balance of solid performance, handling, braking and interior luxury/comfort. Impressed with exceptionally good gas mileage. Interesting note on back of gas lid door says "For maximum performance use premium fuel."

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  Great Great Great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GMS - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car a week ago and I get more impressed every day. I traded in a 2001 Infiniti I30 and theres no comparison............

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  Like a top - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bob - February 17 - 4:33 pm

  This is my 5th Maxima, each held for three years and an average 25,000 miles per year. No maintenance problems other than brakes and tires have been experienced. Just routine oil changes at 3-5k miles. The ONLY car found that does NOT give me a back ache after 2 plus hours of driving. Runs like a top.

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  The Best I ever had - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn OMac - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive always admired the Maxima being a car that have some looks to it and come with a stick(Camry, Accord). Someone once told me that it is better to getting a stick in a I4 and automatic in a V6. They are wrong. This car has a lotta bang for buck. It is fun to drive and it takes corners like a dream. This car one of the best FWD V6s for the money!!

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  2002 Maxima vs. 2002 Altima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Vincent Lursen Jr - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Owned a 2002 Nissan Altima, there not as close as critics say they are !

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  What a Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rodney H. - February 14 - 10:43 pm

  I purchased my 04 Maxima brand new and had high expectations. The first 3 years were relatively fine .... only minor inconveniences with recalls (sky view roof, heated seats) and minor mechanical issues. During the fourth and fifth years I had nothing but trouble ... motor mounts, transmission, computer errors, sensor trouble. It finally got to the point that the vehicle was unsafe for me to drive my children in ... I was afraid that it would sputter and stall with them in the vehicle as it ahd done to me alone on 2 prior occasions. Finally dumped it at the MBZ dealer and purchased an 08 C350