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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 3,122.00-
I love my Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By puterman84 - October 16 - 10:00 amThis car is as much fun to drive as any sports car I have owned. It is a very sharp vehicle as well as pratical.
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AMAZING AUTOMOBILE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By JS01 - October 16 - 10:00 amNothing short of amazing. Love this car and would recomend it to anyone who asked!!
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awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By nelsonda - October 16 - 10:00 amThis is my 7th Maxima and it is the best!
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i really like my new maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By willie22970 - October 16 - 10:00 ami have just purchased a new maxima...it if wonderful...speed yes, handling great...i did not get the upgraded sound system...the basic is fine, i am really enjoying the car.. ironically it is the first car that people stop and ask me about it..high tech styling...and comfort...i have owned mercedes and bmw...a much better value in the maxima....i even got prferred parking at a very niice club the other night...the valets loved it...
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Best of most worlds - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By Milliam - October 15 - 10:30 pmI sold Nissans for a few years and from cumulative knowledge and personal interest, this car was fit the bill among my needs. This is definitely a "drivers car"...you turn corners pretty fast only realizing it after you get passengers grabbing for stationary objects in your car. I have the SE (sports edition) and tires are a little wide (sporty) and could be better in the snow and around corners. Gas mileage on the orig. paper work says 20/26...I have been as high as 32 mpg on highways during mountain driving, speaking to the cars power and refinement. Every fault that I can possibly muster has a reason that the car was made the way it is...sport- sedan.
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Nissan, a great car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By pat - October 14 - 10:00 amI was very surprised by some of the negative reviews I read because this has not been my experience at all. I have never had any problems with the car itself and love driving it and riding in it. It has beautiful styling, rides very comfortably, and has great power which is so important in metropolitan areas where one must accelerate on to highways.Fuel economy on the highway can go as high as 32 mpg with correct fuel but is lower around town 21 mpg .
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Maxima freak - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By scott - October 14 - 8:16 amThis is my first Maxima and I cant find anything wrong with this car. It is powerful and comfortable. Its also very agile and confident.
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I love my Nissan Maxima 2006 - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By William Betancourt - October 13 - 7:24 amI bought this car 7 years ago. It has been so good to me. Thank God I have no problems with mine. I take good care of my car. I literally pray before I get a car and prayed that my Nissan will not give me major problems. Till this day I still have it. Has not given me major problems and i truly love it! Love the inside and out! I have driven this car far places, drives great. Overall its the best car I have ever own.
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Nissan/Datsun - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Bill - October 13 - 2:56 amUnbelievable sports sedan truly 4dsc (fast) cvt is much better and improved.Interior is high end comfortable seats heated and cooled paddle shifters heated steering award winning engine for 10 straight years engine code vq35de.Previously own 2 maximas I love them fun to drive.
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This car is Awesome - 1997 Nissan Maxima
By Nic - October 11 - 12:16 pmI love this car because I was hit by a Ford Taurus and it was smashed to pieces (which is saying something about that car...), but my good ol Maxima was barely even scratched. I also like the power in my V6 engine. It makes it fun to drive and also gives me an edge on other guys at my school who spends countless hours and tons of money making their cars better. It feels good to just get out there and floor the car just the way i bought it and end up being just as fast and most of the time even faster than the people around me... Its an awesome car and so far, I havent had any problems...**knock on wood**
