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:

• 

  2000 - 2003 was the Best Generation - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tompatman - November 30 - 8:36 pm

  Overall, I love my Maxima. It has been a great car over the years. Excellent, sporty performance for the money. I would say for this class of vehicle you couldnt find a better value. Have 133k on mine now, only serious problems have been a failure in the clutch hydraulics and a leaking radiator I recently had to replace. The engine in the Maxima is rock solid, and if you change the oil when youre supposed to it will never fail. Also, get Yokohama tires on this and itll feel like youre driving a different car.

• 

  Perhaps a lemon? - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve Hart - November 30 - 12:33 pm

  Overall this Maxima has been one of my favorite cars, but it hasnt been without some quirky mechanical defects that are just dumbfounding, including a fuel problem where I am only able to fill it up a third of a gallon at a time before it overflows. Several other issues have made me think twice about a future purchase, even though Ive had a lot of fun with this car.

• 

  Luv My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TCross - November 29 - 4:53 pm

  ok after reading some of the other reviews i am trying to figure out what did they do wrong to make there maxima give them so much trouble. I have had my maxima since it was brand new back in 04 and i have not had the 1st problem. I will live by Nissan and say that they have a great car on there hands. I love my maxima and i am currently working with my dealer now to get in a 2010 maxima. word of advise if you take care of your car your car will take care of you. so to the people who gave this wonderful car a bad review take care of your car and you will not have problems out of it

• 

  Too many problems w/ $40,000 car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Frakes - November 29 - 11:33 am

  I purchased this 2004 maxima in dec/04 with 14k miles on it. Since ive owned it i have had it in the shop 6-7 times! As with other reviews, an anoying shimmy in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. Dealer has balanced tires several times, resurfaced the front brake rotors, still there, tired of messing with it!! Clunking in front end over slow speeds and sharp bumps, front struts were replaced after 3 attempts to fix. (I had to suggest it!) Rust around skyview roof after it was replaced 2x. Once for safety recall, second for leaking badly when rains. Rust developing under front of hood lip.( Under the paint!) Numerous trim items replaced because of poor quality!! Too many problems for 2004 car!!

• 

  Ugly yet beautiful - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Providence - November 28 - 10:00 am

  First this car is down right ugly, from the plastic grill to the huge tail lights. Yet all that matters is inner beauty. And when you pop that hood and take a look at the amazing VQ engine you will know what I mean. I bought my Max as a car to get me to and from college everyday. Four years later I have a degree and my Max. As a poor college student what I loved about this car is that it NEVER broke down. All I had to do is routine maintenance(tires, oil changes,brakes,filters,ect..) I also loved blowing away that kid in the civic at every red light. Now I am looking to upgrade to a new G35.

• 

  Dont buy a Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Moooo - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nissan is not willing to work with you. It has left me on the side of the road several times. Has intermitent problems and not worth the money.

• 

  Wow - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NickD - November 28 - 10:00 am

  No disappointment here! Powerful sedan that lives up to its billing "4 door sports car!" Great styling for 2004.....bigger, bolder and faster. 5th Maxima that I have owned and without a doubt, the best!

• 

  Volvo to Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By B Den - November 28 - 5:23 am

  Traded in a 2000 Volvo to a 2005 Maxima. I bought my car in Jan and have 7500 miles as of July. This car is great!! The SE has a solid ride, great horse power and a roomy interior. I am 62 and have plenty of room.

• 

  Excellent Car- Great Quality - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Excellent Car- Great - November 27 - 10:23 am

  My 1996 Nissan Maxima GXE has reached a milestone. Now at 250,000 and no signs of stopping. I drive 78 to 100 miles a day for work and couldnt think of a better car to drive. Every time I think I am asking to much of the car, it just keeps on going. I have had the car since Dec 2005 at 132K, Maintenance has averaged about $1,500/ year (spread out over the entire year- oil changes, tire replacement, alternator, hoses, air conditioning service) Also got new shocks and struts... I usually have 1 maybe 2 major repairs a year like the alternator, struts... nothing out of the ordinary

• 

  9 months later - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I still love this car as much as the day I bought it. Over 7,000 miles now and there is only one small issue I have noticed. I tend to always drive in sport mode because the engine seems to shift better and is more responsive. When driving in automatic, especially if you floor it, the engine will stay at a high rpm as if it will not shift into the next gear. It gets annoying although the car is more fuel efficient in automatic mode than sport mode. So, that being said the car is definitely more fun to drive in sport mode. I would rate the gas mileage at or a little above average. I like to drive fast and accelerate hard, plus I always use 93 octane. It can be expensive sometimes to fill up.