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 971 through 980 of 3,122.00-
Maxima is the Perfect car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By DanielM. - January 31 - 2:00 amGreat Car. 255 HP and only $27,000, Amazing. The car gets looks, cause of its great 17 inch rims, and its wonderful headlights. The interior is professional and the Sound system is amazing. I Played the Lion Kings Circle of life in there and Whoa, I felt so moved. Got Great pep. And The TCF system, Perfect for stupid drivers, it honestly fixes every stupid move you make.
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Review of 2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By LS - January 29 - 2:20 amI have had to replace the catalytic converter (cost approx $2000). I keep up standard maintenance. The performance and handling are great. I really am pleased with this car.
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SWEET RIDE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By drock31 - January 29 - 1:49 amI purchased my Maxima about 1/2 a year ago with 89,000 miles on it and so far so good. I may do the struts soon, front a rear, but other than that manual trans is sweet, clutch is working fine, and engine wants to go go go! Glad I went with the manual after reading some reviews of the automatic trans. jerking, plus it is extra fun to drive. My only complaint is the road noise and that it burns a quart of oil every 5,000 miles. I would only by a manual Maxima, and so far happy with my purchase!
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Problems, but it never left me stranded. Car changes its own oil. . - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By driftisfun - January 27 - 7:35 pmOk its been 5 years since we purchased our gunmetal grey 2002 Maxima w/6 speed manual. The car had roughly 78k on it at the time certified pre-owned vehicle from West Covina Nissan. Now has well over 160k fast, hard miles. Maintenance has been: Front brakes three times, goes thru tires a lot. Front right wheel assembly and hub became loose. Replaced clutch as well. Sound system broke. Power steering leak. Uses 2.5 quarts of oil every month or so, which is a lot. This is very common as are the individual coil packs failing (theres 6), and O2 sensors (4 I believe),Catalytic converter failed. These days my Maxima is firing on only two cylinders and we have thrown in the towel. Car still runs!
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Poor Long-TermReliability, Nice Interior - 1996 Nissan Maxima
By procontrol - January 26 - 10:00 amInterior is very nice - roomy and comfortable. Mechanical reliability, however, is poor, relative to other imports Ive owned (Honda, Acura). As you approach and exceed 100k miles, lots of things start to fail on this car and dealer service and parts costs tend to be very high with mediocre service.
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Best Maxima to date - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Frank G Villescas - January 26 - 10:00 ami am so satisfied with everthing that this car came with and offers that you can only wish that there was no other person out there on the roads because it runs and flows like a fast russhing river whith total silence
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falling apart at 80K mi - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By John - January 23 - 10:40 pmThe car was more or less fine till it got close to 80K mi. The car never came close to the sticker mi/gl - 23 mi/gl at best. After warranty ended (at 36K) - I replaced MAF, rear brake caliper, alternator, battery, all ignition coils, 1 O2 sensor, 2 sets of tires. Ive been battling with check engine light for two months now... $800 later its still on. Dealership replaces one part after another with no end in sight. Now dealership wants $2,000 more to replace both catalytic converters, refuses to do it under emission warranty. I called Nissan Corp.- they dont want to help either. So much for customer service and loyalty. Oh well, last Nissan that my family will ever buy!
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Best value entry level luxury sportsedan - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Jay - January 23 - 6:13 amComing off FX35 lease I was thought I was going to G37X. Problem was it was too small for me. Not to mention it looks like everything else on the road. This is best bang for the buck ! Roomy nice interior. Basically what you are getting is a FWD Maxima w/ Infinity interior ( even nicer IMO) Great V6 Hard to beat !
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Mistake-imus Maximas - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By David - January 22 - 12:50 amI was a happy owner of this vehicle for just under a year. Then I took it in for its 80,000 mile check up. First they found some oil leaks. Then a few days later my radiator had a leak. Then a week later I found that my head gasket was leaking. Over $3000 in repairs later, Im selling this money pit and going for something that with better quality parts that will last me longer. All in all, a very disappointing Nissan. BEFORE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE...open up the hood and check out the design of the radiator: a plastic frame crimped together with the metal. You can expect to drop over $300 replacing that part in the very near future. Its a wonder the part hasnt been recalled.
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1st non-US car owned - 1998 Nissan Maxima
By maximum Maxima - January 21 - 8:30 pm47 yrs old and gave up on US cars. This car is really quite incredible. 3.0L V6 and it moves! Quiet and sporty, especially with my 215/55/16 tires. 98,000 miles on it but drives like 30K Exterior design may be a little dull but i just bought new front turn signal lights & rear tail lights to sport it up.
