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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  a little ratle nose from window - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kim sung - January 20 - 10:00 am

  maxima is a great car, but when it hit a pot hole the shock too stiff and side window make a little nose,the speed is great,when travel out state is great on high way, but in the city the shock too stiff,the side mirro too small,

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  Performance and some quality - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve - January 19 - 11:03 pm

  Bought it w/29,000 miles in excellent condition. At 70,000 miles had to replace the trans. (throw/out bearings grs. 1&2), as w/ a previous maxima. gone though 3 alternators, and entire cooling system. Bose/Clarion radio died. Body, interior and engine held up well. pwr seat does not adjust anymore, little bits of trim cracked and broke - not through abuse or neglect.

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  Best ever - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By stever - January 17 - 1:50 am

  Sold my Passat V6 to get this. Better looking, more powerful, better mileage, more reliable. Besides that, I guess I should have kept the VW. Nissan has yet another winner in this one.

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  Difference of Opinion - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By HXed - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Contrary to many of the reviews, my 2001 Nissan Maxima was not that good. I had it for about 4 months before I began to experience suspension problems. So, I contacted Corporate Nissan. Basically they slapped me in the face and denied any responsibility - so I filed for arbitration with a third party. In addition, Nissan does not thoroughly stand behind its products and craftsmanship from their mechanics. I will never own a Nissan and neither will anyone I know. I am going to go back to Acura/Honda were service and quality are of a higher priority than just selling a car to make money.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ralph Cramden - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is dressed smartly. The attention to detail and design factors make this vehicle a stand-out. One does not need to spend in excess of $30,000.00 + dollars to drive a great engineered vehicle. Nissans overall redesign plan first with Sentra, followed by the amazing Altima, etc. is reflective of the new Company leadership. The Pathfinder is scheduled for a redesign-{Larger}, Nissan will fill that gap with a Horizon type replacement, the Quest will be totally re-designed and manufactured by Nissan ( Previously manufactured via a joint relationship with Lincoln - Mercury Div. of Ford)..

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  sporty family car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tothemaxima - January 12 - 2:00 am

  For the money and ability to negotiate, nothing comes close. Great blend of performance with ride, comfortable for a sport-tuned car. It get a lot for the money.

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  Not a real maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By SC - January 9 - 7:33 am

  I traded my 03 Maxima SE in on the new 07 Maxima SE thinking that it was going to be a major improvement over my 03. Nissan did a wonder job in the styling of the car. About 2 months after I had the car I noticed a shake in the steering wheel. I have taken it back to the dealership 4 times and they still have not fixed the problem. Also the quality is not as good there is a lot of road noise, interior finish poor. I dont understand what Nissan is doing with the Maxima. I was a loyal Nissan person but they really have to step it up on the 2010 model to keep me with Nissan. My 03 would blow this new one away.

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  comsumer - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By ROY - January 9 - 3:56 am

  do a combination of city and highway driving, so far no problems, blue tooth feature is great. this is my 3rd maxima.

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  Replacement Killa - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By maximus331 - January 8 - 6:26 am

  In the past I have owned two Nissan Maximas. I was quite dissapointed in the previous models. The power of the Maxima reminds me of the 300m which I traded in for the Maxima. Quite pleased with handling style and performance

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  A car youll be very happy with! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By John, Columbia MO - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a year and a half ago with 22,000 miles on it. I have since put 15,000 miles on it and it has been fantastic. The car is solid, runs hard, especially when you take it above 3000 RPM and handles very well. Ive had to replace brakes and tires too which seems to be common. Other than those items the car has been very reliable. For the money, style and performance I agree with most others, this is a better car than a Camry or Accord.