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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  The worst automobile on the market - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Jimmy514 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  You 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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  lemon law - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By paulluap - April 28 - 2:00 am

  problems left front strut left front strut mount left front linkage glove box replaced left side passager window frame replace for wind noise rear deck rattle balanced the tires replaced two tires back arm rest shimmy in the the steering wheel hood out of alignment rear door out of alignment rotors front tie rod buzzing noise in the pass side front dash dash texture is chipping away on drivers side front left vent left wheel bearing all tsb the nissan dealer told me that there is problem with my brakes i will fax detail copies of repair orders

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  My Review - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By vadeltachi - September 27 - 2:00 am

  An OK car; many leaks--transmission; power steering; power brakes. VERY poor heating; balky auto climate control. Not hot enough in the winter and too cold with A/C. Funky shifting from 4th to lockup-- uncomfortable to drive. Knocks no matter what grade of gas is used. Large front A pillars block views--a very poor design element.

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  please consider before purchasing - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LOOKING OUT - April 16 - 10:00 am

  TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE MAXIMA PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IT IS PRODUCED WITH ZENON HEADLIGHTS THAT HAVE BECOME EXTREMLY POPULAR TO THEIVES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR SIX MONTHS AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN STOLEN "6" TIMES, THEY COST $750.00 PER HEADLIGHT AND $350.00 FOR THE LABOR TO BE REINSTALLED. DUE THE MATH YOU CAN BE DRIVING A MERCEDES

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  New car Nightmare - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Bruce - October 1 - 1:13 am

  On, April 9, 2005 I purchased a New Nissan Maxium. On April 22, 2005 the nightmare begun and is still going on as we speak. A mouse chewed on the transmission harness and this has caused the transmission to blow. The car has been in the shop since April 22, with no end of the nightmare in site. Nissan claims they are not responsible for the flaw in the transmission that can destroyed by a critter. This is my first and it will be my last Nissan Product EVER!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By 111zzz - May 8 - 11:23 am

  I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO NOT BUY THIS CAR. I have read other peoples comments. They are right. I also have met a lot of problems in this car, like jerking, transmission. I will not fix the transmission. Probably I will fix the jerking. I just want to to drive it for a while. Then I will throw it. I am lucky that I did not spend much on this used vehicle. DO NOT TRUST NISSIAN.

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  hate it - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 3333 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  this car has given me nothing but problems since i bought it. i had to replace the whole engine.

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  Transmission - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By kevin - October 9 - 11:04 am

  i should of looked this car up before i brought it cause everybody is talking about a bad transmission got mt car with 85k miles on it dealer said he just put a new transmission in it but doesnt seem like it car jerks forward alot when shifting gears i think nissan should have to recall this car if everybody is having the same problem.

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  Transmission Failure! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Jerry W. Van Allen - January 14 - 2:25 pm

  I have a 2011 Nissan Maxima, and the CVT transmission has failed on the vehicle. I researched the web, to see if there were any other concerns with this type of transmission, and I found that from 2003 - 2010, a large range of Nissan vehicles had their warranty extended from Nissan, due to the CVT transmissions failing on the vehicles. Being that my vehicle is a 2011, their corporate office is saying that they will not assist me with repairing my vehicle, due to the vehicle being ONLY ONE (1) YEAR OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY EXTENSION ON SO MANY OTHER VEHICLES. Funny, there is an article listed on edmunds.com, on a 2011 Nissan Maxima CVT transmission failing him just after his warranty expiring (A 2011 MODEL). I am in the automotive industry and have a large influence in the Memphis area, so I am informing everyone that I know, to not ever buy a Nissan product, due to them not wanting to own up to their engine concerns and problems.

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  Never thought I would get stranded in a Nissan - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By victor - June 1 - 4:10 am

  Was searching for a reliable car to get me through college. Bought this car hoping it would do the job. It ran great for 3 weeks untill the transmission went out while driving. Had to pull over and get the car towed home. Now im stuck far from home with basically no transportation. Im getting quotes from $2.5-3.5k on transmision rebuilds. What a nightmare. do not buy this car unless you get the manual one.