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:

• 

  Total power loss - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Tim - July 23 - 8:56 pm

  Had my nissan for 5 day and one day in busy traffic, the car would just move 3 miles a hour from a traffic light . Total power loss. I brought it back to the car lot and they had it check out and said it work fine till the engine is warm that when total loss of power. So I went back to a gm car. I thought being a japen car ,it would be good like toyota but no dont bother with nissan worse then a ford.The worse car I drove.

• 

  i do not like it - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By clarkoii - July 23 - 9:48 pm

  my first car was a 98 maxima GLE, not a big fan. it had trans problems every 2 or three years. my ford now is the best car i have ever had. still have that maxima for some reason i cant throw it away

• 

  No bang for the buck - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By notverypleased - April 4 - 9:23 am

  I had very high expectations for the new Maxima that were not met. The ride is much too rough and the back seat room is absolutely terrible. I jumped the gun way too quick on this one. A little bit too sporty. It may as well have been a coupe. Im not knocking Nissan but I am knocking the Maxima. If I could make one recommendation to anyone, lease dont purchase.

• 

  Major Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By andreas - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Cheap Interiors; Extremely poor quality both inside and out. Im trading it in tomorrow.

• 

  Dont buy a Maxima! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By dontdoit - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Like many others, my 2005 Nissan Maxima jerks when I put it into drive or reverse! There is a 3 second delay then it jerks. It happens when I am sitting at a light or have my car running then I put the car in drive from 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. When I am driving its so bad I cannot sip my coffee. Feels as though the engine is going to fall out! Nissan refuses to recall this issue and fix the problem. After reading many complaints, I guess I should feel a little fortunate that this has happened to me at 120,000 miles instead of the average 80,000. I would not recommend this car at all to anyone!!!

• 

  Hate the car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By thezman - November 30 - 11:00 pm

  the new transmission is the worse. brakes will not stop safely. wind and road noise is horrible. very unstable on highway, sways as though the rear will meet the front never got more than 18 mpg if i owned 30 cars, which is low, i would rank this 28 as the best

• 

  Electrical Problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark - November 13 - 12:20 pm

  After a few months of owning the car, the coils went out (cost $800). Six months later same thing plus wiring harness (cost $2,800). A few weeks later same exact thing, only they replaced the computer in the car (under warranty). A few weeks later, the same thing, and now another computer and coil pack. The computer fried everything over and over again. My car has had the computer replaced 4 times. The last time I went back to the dealership, I had them look at the history, and the original owner had the same problem. The car has been repaired at the Nissan dealer every time. I have spent numerous hours on the phone with Nissan Corporate, with no help what so ever. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR

• 

  Not Up to Par - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Pat - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is not up to par for the cost. New was well over $30,000. I have had brake problems, the CD player skips, the a/c has stopped all together, and now it is making a knocking noise. I will be getting rid of it because I do not want to sink more money in it. It is a shame that Nissan did not pay as much attention to the Maxima as the Altima. If I had it to do over again I would have saved and bought the Altima. Now I will never buy another Nissan, i dont care what they are selling.

• 

  Worst automobile I have ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith S - November 22 - 5:40 am

  Based on the other reviews, we must have gotten a lemon. All within 50,000 miles: lost starter, engine shift assembly, front seat motor shorted out, transmission problems, catalytic converter failure and others. Have owned Hondas and Toyota and have NEVER had the idiotic problems I have with this car. Overall, a money pit, almost $3500 worth. PLus, Nissan does not stand behind product. When starter went out at 37,000 miles, Nissan claimed "that is just normal wear and tear." My 11 year old Honda still has original starter. Will never buy Nissan again.

• 

  My 2001 Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - July 17 - 10:00 pm

  Since I bought the car off lease have had a series of problems. Catalytic converter went bad, Abs sensor went bad, exhaust pipe went bad, CV joints had to be replaced. Had to invest too much money fixing the car. Will never buy a Nissan product again. Their cars have a nice look but are not reliable.