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 car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By pelican pete - December 13 - 4:10 am

  I bought this car from a private party in 1998. It has a lot of power, looks attractive, is comfortable to drive. Fuel economy is good. It was a good choice then and it continues to have a timeless appearance to it. Everyone is always surprised to learn that it is a 1995 vehicle.

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  Trouble Car to Buy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By victorwill - December 15 - 9:18 am

  I have a 2006 Maxima w/ 104K miles that is having the same jerking issues. In Aug 2011, the car lurched and jumped so bad in traffic while slowing down. It also happens whenever I am pulling from a stop light or reversing. This issue continued and sometime I have to stop the car because I thought I was going to get into an accident. Since this appears after the car is driven for about 15 minutes, I will let the car sit for a while before I drive it again. It will drive fine for a few miles and start lurching again. I took the car to our local Nissan dealer and needed to pay $105 for an inspection. I tried to tell them the prob. but they acted they didnt what i was saying! Dont buy Nissan

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  This Car is over rated - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - July 25 - 2:26 pm

  Ive never had a worst experience with a car than what I had with my new Maxima. The back panel came loose and the driver side door pillow also came lose. The car has a lot of cabin noise, and after only 12,000 miles the lumbar broke. Not to mention theres noise in the front end of the car. I would much rather buy a hyndai than purchase another nissan. After 9 months I decided to sell my nissan an purchase a used lexus. I have to say the service at lexus is 100 times better than the service at nissan. Stay away.

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  BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE BUYING THIS CAR - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Martha - May 24 - 8:40 pm

  This car is poorly designed in relation to safety features. If you want a safe car, stay away from the 2011 Nissan Maximas or all Nissans in general. IF you get into a minor car accident in this vehicle you will have major injuries. This model 2011 Nissan Maxima is defective, unsafe, hazardous, and life threatening. Do not ever buy a 2011 Nissan Maxima, no matter how pretty it seems. Dont ever get in a 2011 Nissan Maxima. Dont drive next to a 2011 Nissan Maxima. Dont let anyone you love or know get into one of these cars. This car is nothing more than a death wish. STAY AWAY!!!!!

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  Do Not buy a Nissan Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - July 18 - 10:35 pm

  After much hype, we purchase the 2016 Nissan Maxima. We purchase it in the end of October. We have had it in the shop 6 times for electrical issues and rattles. We have escalated the issue to Nissan with no resolution. They have the worst customer service. This is a very very bad car. Do not purchase one. Buyer beware! I wont by another Nissan the way I have been treated.

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  dont buy it - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By andrew - January 24 - 4:16 am

  I read all the reviews here and I am in the same situation,, the wors car Ive have it.. I bout mine with 74 mi. after 3 moths driving many issues appers, problem with the body valvu, shifts, slip, sensors, wow I got headed, with this car,, after fixed a problem.. weeks later comes another issues.... beautifull but the worst inside