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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Great speed, but oh so not worth it!!!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By 1bzygirl - September 4 - 9:15 pmShopping for a new car and just for kicks thought I would check out the reviews on my 2006 Maxima, cant believe so many people have had similar problems...let me see if anyone can top these, at 2 years my catalytic converter went out, at 3 years my transmission went out (right b4 warranty expired), my motor mounts have broken twice, oh yeah at 4 years my throttle body went out, end of 4th year my timing chain and air conditioner went out...now for my 5th yr anniversary my struts and suspension are out!!! I have spent well over 8k in repairs and maintanence....i am broke and now cannot afford to keep putting $$ into it, so am forced to get a new car or even buy a used one =(
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What a engine wheres the rest of the car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By autow - September 4 - 10:00 amI bought an 03 program car. The engine is perfect i never thought nissan could make such a perfect engine with power and torque its great. But where is the thought on the rest of the car the interior needs help short people cannot use the arm rest up or down... The audio system is poor. The road noise is terrible and the se suspension is too rough i enjoy a great handling car and i like to feel the road but i dont like getting beat to death. Take a lesson from acura or bmw their sport pkgs are much much smoother yet handling is crisp. Plus rattles in the doors not sure i have ever had a rattle in japanese car until this one...
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The worst automobile on the market - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By Jimmy514 - September 4 - 10:00 amYou better believe this 2001 SE nissan Maxima is no Acura 3.2 TL. There absolutely no comparison. I purchased my wife a 2000 Acura 3.2 TL and purchased a 2001 Nissan SE maxima for myself. If she would, I would gladly trade the maxima for the Acura. The maxima has been nothing but a source of problems. Tire replacement ever 30,000 MI. at a cost of $1000.00. Brakes and rotors replaced at ever 15,000 MI at a cost of 400.00 per wheel set. Wheel bearing failed under 73,000 MI at a cost of approx $400.00 to replace. The company was contacted and didnt stand benind the automobile.This is a bad vehicle and Nissan will not stand behind it.
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what a beutiful car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By birkre - September 4 - 10:00 ambeautiful style, confortable ride
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Beware Competition - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Harold Hellekson - September 4 - 10:00 amI have worked for the dealership I purchased the car from and have always liked the Maxima better than some of our other lines but,when this came out I bought it after a 3 mile test drive without low interest or any rebates. I am careful with my money and it had to be one heck of a car for me to do this and I couldnt be happier. Now you have a 60 year old man that wont pass up a run from the light.
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Best Car I have Owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By PSH - September 2 - 10:00 amOnly one coil pack, an O2 sensor, muffler and a starter is all I have ever replaced in 10 years. Its been a great car. I have to get rid of it because I am driving 100+ per day and need ultimate reliability. I have the 5- speed and get 30.25 MPG doing 65 MPH highway driving. Small rust spot on right-side of truck and driver-side wheel well. Brakes lasted me 75K miles and Im still on the original rotors.
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Maxima is good - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By mas2003 - August 29 - 2:00 amI bought this new and have been VERY pleased with it. I had the Check Engine soon light go on early in its life and they replaced some warranty part, all else went well until recently. Air bag light went on, spent $34 and found that there was no problem. The check engine light went on again and I ignored it and has since turned off. No other issues. I just replaced the Michelins
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Not bad for what it is... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By richbaker - August 29 - 2:00 amThis is not a bad car for its price segment. I liked the Maxima for its size, decent comfort, good mileage considering it is a large V6, horsepower. It handles OK, but big understeer, and huge torque steer. Good features like stereo with 6 disc changer, xenon headlamps, steering wheel controls. The leather is cheap, hard and thin. If I bought the car I really wanted (Audi A4), I probably could have gotten a better car for about the same payments since the residual is so much higher (53%). So I have 40 months to go before I get what I really want.
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pauls evaluation - 2001 Nissan Maxima
By paul miller - August 29 - 2:00 amI like the car and have had no problems or significant repairs
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2004 Maxima 3.5SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By wrossing - August 29 - 2:00 amSmooth Strong Power, great interior and exterior design, surprisingly nimble. Quality fit & finish. Nice, easy to use controls.
