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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  Front passenger airbag problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By BZL - March 4 - 4:33 pm

  The front passenger air bag off indicator comes on and off while driving. My girlfriend weighs 98 lbs. The dealer and Nissan are unable to solve the issue. On four other Mazimas that we test drove we found that in only my car the airbag off indicator comes on and off. On other cars it is always off meaning the airbag will deploy in case of an accident. In my car the airbag may or may not deploy in case of an accident. This is a passenger safety issue. Nissan tells me that my girlfriend is too light and needs to sit properly on the front seat.They have asked me to have her ride in the back seat on my car.I am having a hard time getting this safety issue resolved with Nissan.

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy A - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Buying this car has been a huge disappointment. In the first month the car has been back to dealer multiple times for tire rotation, tire replacement, and lowering air pressure in tires. Car continues to have front end vibration on freeway. I am told that is how Nissan cars are. Glove box not flush when closed. Part on order to repair. This is the first and last Nissan I will ever own. Drive the car over 60 mph before you buy.

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  disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ASG - January 15 - 10:00 am

  had a 95 Maxima-best car I ever owned. Expected the same with my new 2004 Maxima. But, oh boy, what a disappointment. Drives like a truck, handles like a used Buick (no offense Buick owners), very poor gas mileage, auto trans and brakes erratic, poor interior ventilation, uncomfortable arrangement of seat, dash controls and steering wheel. Has a fine, powerful engine and may be fun to drive on highway, but in real-life everyday driving its only mediocre.

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  Terrible Handling - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Driver in Pain - December 13 - 6:33 pm

  This vehicle does not handle well to say the least. I need to fight to keep it straight on the road. My wrists are in extreme pain after driving 20-30 miles. Others who have driven have had the same complaint. I initially thought I received a defective vehicle, but apparently Nissans technicians and Nissan Consumer Affairs feel the vehicle performs to factory specifications. Do yourself a favor and stick to a similarly classified Toyota or Honda product. I have previously leased both and have been much happier.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By cardenasj2038 - December 6 - 11:05 am

  I bought a new 2005 Nissan Maxima and recently I have had some transmission issues. The gears have been sticking and slipping and so I took it to the dealership and was informed that I need a new transmission and that my warranty expired 890 miles before I took it in (my warranty on the transmission was until the car reached 60,000 miles). The dealership then informed me that it would cost $5300 to replace this. I did some research on the internet and found out that I am no the only person with this issue, and I also noticed that it is a widespread issue for the model year I have.

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  Total Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JAC - December 2 - 6:23 am

  This car is a total disappointment. The timing chain went of the car after 26,000 miles. The care burns a ton of oil and the moon roof leaks. The motor is noisy and the problems just keep piling up. I also had the rear deck rattle and drove the service dept crazy until they fixed it. I finally got a real good service mechanic to put some extra foam under the deck to it would not rattle. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PERIOD. THIS CAR STINKS

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  Dont ever buy this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By theresamon - August 9 - 12:20 am

  I own 2004 Maxima. Worst car on road. Bad struts, bad brakes. Makes clunking noises. Nissan USA has denied any problems with this car, but I have been plagued by many. Will never again by a Nissan vehicle. I think they will be facing worse problems than Toyota is currently facing. They are denying brake problems, but I guess after I get killed when mine fail theyll listen.

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  Probably the worst car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By yankee3423 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got rid of the 2004 Maxima I got in June. First it was a brutal wind noise that after 4 visits to the dealership was finally fixed. Then, the sun roof stopped closing. It would open fine but would tricky to get closed. I could not handle another trip to Nissan Service to fix. Hence, I am the happy drive of a previously owned BMW 525I with 9,000 miles on it. Take my advice, go to BMW and go with a proven winner. This is a 30K car but if you need service you are relegated to the no frills Nissan Dealership. If you must buy from Nissan at least step up to the Infiniti, that way when your car has its problems you will at least be treated well.

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  Not a good buy! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Not Happy - April 5 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car at about 20,000 miles and it was fine at first. But then started having problems and had to have the transmission replaced at about 70,000 miles, good thing I had extended warranty otherwise Id be in the hole for about $5,000+! What a rip! So I took it in for an oil change and apparently it now has something cracked that leads to the transmission. SO OVER IT!

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  RECALL - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By krudulph - December 27 - 6:19 am

  Dont buy this car, I have experienced one problem after another from the transmission failing in 2 years from the catalytic converter and solenoid failing at 5. That is over $8,000 in repairs. Do your homework on the Maxima years 2004-06 (mine is a 2005). There is a class action lawsuit against Nissan. Beware, this is an absolute lemon!