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 Ride!! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Picked up a 2011 Maxima two weeks ago -- Professional Trim. Love it!! Great styling and drivibility. The features - - XM, NAVI, Moon roof, specific driver setting, engine response -- are nice. Car has smooth ride and suspension. Great pick up and power when using the paddle shifters or "manual" shifitng. While I use it primarly for myslef, back seat has been able to comfortable seat 2 back there.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Esch - November 16 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this car new in 2002. At the end of this week I will have put 250,000 miles on it. No major problems until I hit 225,000 miles, at that point it started burning through the oil and I had to replace the radiator. However, I still love to drive it, when clean it still looks brand new inside and out.

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  The best car Ive driven. - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By TITTMAX - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car in June of 03 with 95,000 miles on it, it currently has 114,800 and the only thing Ive replaced so far is rear pads(they were factory originals!!) and fog light lens because a rock hit it. Some wood trim is deteriorating. The car has amazingly fast acceleration and speed for only 190HP 205TQ. Leather Heated Power seats are exceptional as well as the Power Heated mirrors. I HIGHLY recommend the Nissan Maxima SE -(L)

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  Another Master Piece From Nissan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By vick - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have Infiniti 1999 I30 and just bought 2003 Maxima GLE with Meridian Edition. Test Drove Lexus, BMW, Mercedez and fould MAxima GLE to be the best car for the bucks. Got it for 27,800 with all the options. Cannot be happier than any other car. Youve got to go with MAXIMA.

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  WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximA+ - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Driving this car is a pleasure. Lots of vehicle for the money. Test drove the Avalon which did have a better ride, but cost lots more and had less gadgets. Very happy with this purchase.

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  Amazing - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Cerberus - November 12 - 1:40 am

  I love it!

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  Only car I will ever buy again - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian Judd - November 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the 2nd Maxima I have owned, I have driven each of them over 200,000 miles. I am now looking for my 3rd.

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  WHAT A ROCKET SHIP!!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By gsxrter1994 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND MAXIMA great car 255 hp rocks plus it looks great

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  I Love it !!!!!!!!!!! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By browneyes - November 8 - 10:00 pm

  This is the best Nissan Maxima of them all. I love the way it drives and the interior is gorgeous. Nissan has simply out did themselves with this 2007 model. It has the perfect blend of a sport car and luxury for a GREAT price.

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  Excellent Car, Still going strong - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By reclark - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 97, and is has been a great experience. 150k miles and have never had it in the shop for any repairs, other than brakes, tires, and general maint. This has been a great car, the best I have ever owned.