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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  2004 Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John Pearce - November 24 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned 3 Maximas in my life. I have always been elated with my purchases, and I expect to get reliable performance from my 2004.

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  Amazing - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By IgS - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. if you need a car with a lot of room and a lot of speed and oomph, the maxima takes the cake for the money. i have a 6 speed and its o so fast. got a 0-60 in 5.97 seconds. and it has lots of room and comfort, you dont see many cars with those two things together.

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  MAXIMA FAN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jchanl25 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE FOURTH MAXIMA I HAVED OWNED SINCE 2000 AND THE 04 IS BY FAR THE BEST EVER.THE SL IS SUCH A SMOOTH RIDE AND VERY ROOMY, YET POWER THAT RESPONDS LIKE A SPORTS CAR.FOR THE PRICE YOU CANT GO WRONG.

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  Nissan Maxium Best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dearl Adamson - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I shoppes all competative cars in this price range of sedans 2004. I first saw at the Denver auto show and it caught my eye as the best looking style wise. I was very suprised when I found the price as it looked far more expensive. When I did a test drive at John Elway I was completely sold and purchased. It has looks, inside room, comfort and in city get 23 miles.

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  Great Auto - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dasab123 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration and handling. Great looks. Great braking system.

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  Nissan Maxima Review - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Covington_Louisiana - November 20 - 11:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. Its styling and speed is outstanding. I test drove many other models, but nothing compared to the Maxima. I would recommend this and all other Nissan vehicles to anyone.

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  I Love Nissan Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By cjli - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I have a 97 Maxima and I love it. I used to drive a 84 maxima with 112K on it. For both Maximas, I never wonder if my Max is going to start when I get in to it, no matter in winter or hot summer. I love everything the Maximas offer, mileage, power, comfort, overall performance, reliability etc. Driving my maximas, I enjoy the interaction between my hands and the road furface. They seem never break down or say, never upset you. My next new car will still be Maxima. I have a 99 Toyota Corolla, but the performance is just so bad. Forget Toyota!

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  2002 Maxima SE 6-Speed - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By EddiexAhn - November 20 - 10:00 am

  this car is great. my first car, and i love everything about it. great performance, and luxury.

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  Maxima : A blend of family car and fun - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By kflan1215 - November 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE (loaded w/out nav.) is an excellent choice if your want a family/sports car. At invoice (27,054) w/ 0.9 % financing this was the most car for the money. Performance,build quality,value,and reliability are great.Turning radius is large for a car in this class.The paint does chip relatively easy. The carpeting is cheap! Leather quality while not bad could be a lot better. Most controls are arranged well (especially on the steering wheel) The power mirror controls,heated steering wheel control and fuel release could be more convenient.The ride of the Maxima is noticably stiffer than the Toyotas but this is a small tradeoff for the increased performance.

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  Great First Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i got the car as of June 1st 2010 to replace my 05 ford focus. I was looking for a car that was larger, safer, and actually had some power,im use to power and i would like something that will move with you put your foot down. Anyhow, for the most part i love the car. I received the car at 109,200 miles, it is now december 2010 and i have already put 8500 on in 6 months. Its not hard to rack up the miles in this car. It travels nicely, comfortable seats, though the ride is a little firm on the SE model,i havent tested one other than the SE so i cant be too nitpicky about the maxima in general. But overall a great car with plenty of passenger and cargo space! cdplayer also having problems