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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  Poor Quality high price - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joseph misrendino - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has the low profile look and price of a sports sedan.It runs on premium fuel like a sports sedan but that s where thre simalarity ends. the Tourque steer is so strong it is dangerious,mine came with limited slip Diferential and the pull on excelleration is still cripleing.The steering feels loose over 60mph. Dificulty seeing over the dashbord. interior is poor quality. shifer is nochy with a lot of play, feels cheep.my carshifter tends to pop out of gear a huge safty hazerd.7)the car feel bigger than it is.The turning radius is huge for a car this size.my vechicle has been in 3 times for the shifter sliping out of gear,consumer affairs has heard

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  Wont get fooled again - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By WhatHappened? - October 11 - 10:00 am

  In the first 12k miles, Ive had: 3-4 service trips for check engine light before replacing faulty gas cap. service: re-glue interior upholstery near moon roof. It was suggested that the cause of it coming off may have been use. Use. Guess they never planned on people using it more than 3 times. service: re-glue cheap material around steering column which was splitting along the seam. Guess I wasnt supposed to use the steering wheel either. - worst car in snow Ive ever driven - jarring ride - scraped bottom going 1 mph over a speed bump. - very quick to scratch, chip, rust. - sun visor bracket came loose when I popped it off to put visor by side. started rattling. Total # uses:2

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  Not Recommended - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By mjf - May 2 - 12:03 am

  Bought this vehicle in November of 2009 to replace a Mazda 3. We were looking for something bigger. We got bigger, but not better. Not impressed with the interior. The air vents are horrible. They dont blow where you want them to and not much air comes out of them. The amber interior lighting is not impressive. Really old fashioned. The alternator just went out at 44,000 miles. Had to get that replaced. Not happy about that. Have to use premium gas or car shakes. Not happy about that. Premium gas is expensive, plus the tank size is massive, and it drinks gas. We should have kept our Mazda 3. Regret the decision to get a Nissan maxima. Probably wont ever buy a Nissan again.

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  Good car for Transmission Repair Shops - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By gregsandiego - March 8 - 6:37 am

  Add me to the list of people with a Nissan Maxima and a bad transmission. Mine had only 52,000 miles when the thing started slipping and lurching in the low gears. A trip to my local transmission specialist confirms the worst, at a cost of $3100 to $4000 to repair.

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  DONT BUY A NISSAN MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sergey1992 - December 18 - 1:02 pm

  bought the car 3 months ago from dealership with 3 month warrenty car had no problems at all took it to a nissan machanick to check it out after driving the car for 3 months or 15000 miles the car started to experience severe jerking and transmission slipping.. the engine would not go more then 19 miles and the rpms would jump to large numbers and slip tne car starts kicking and doesnt drive i have the 2004 nissan maxima 3.5se model with 5 sp automatick transmission this car has been great until this point but 80xxx miles is reediculous for this type of money this was my 5TH AND LASTTTT MAXIMA I AM EVER BYING THESE MANUFACTURES RUINED THE GUD NAME OF NISSAN AND ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO REPA

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  Think Twice - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Bulova - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I got the Maxima as a trade in at first the car was nice. Then things just started to happen. I noticed the fog lights would sweat when I washed the car. Then I noticed the drivers seat would tilt back when you take off. I also noticed that my rear bumper didnt fit right. And I also noticed a noise coming from the front of the car. And I called Nissan to see if the car was part of the recall and they told it wasnt. I took the car into the dealership and they said the noise I was hearing was part of the recall. So much for a car company knowing its vehicles.

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  junk!!! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By tattoome81 - July 25 - 5:56 am

  overpriced piece of junk. this is by far the worst riding car ive driven or been in. you feel every bump in this car even if the road looks smooth you feel everything, and god forbid you are accelerating when you hit a bump, you better be holding on to the steering wheel with two hands as tight as you can. besides the ride its not a user friendly interior either. the position of the power windows is on the dash toward the left of the steering wheel, making it almost impossible to adjust the mirrors while driving. 36k and no memory seats or heated mirrors?! what a waste of money. horrible gas mileage

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  The automotive equivalent of Britney Spears - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima No More - July 22 - 11:59 am

  Sure the design is fantastic and the selling points are many, however, in my experience, they have failed to deliver. The Engine? Fine, too much power for front wheels, but this is only really evident when you go to pass someone and fight to stay in the lane. The seats? Adequate, I have sat in better for a similar price point, but they are OK. The electronics? So far the radio system has shut off 3 times for no reason, requiring me to pull over and restart the car to reboot the system. The included apps are (is) a poorly functioning google search app which rarely works and will not dump info into the navigation. As for the others (iHeart Radio, TripAdvisor, Pandora, etc) at least they are no longer lying to me that the car is too advanced for the app and they now say that they wont support them. The key fob will unlock the car, even start it from across the parking lot, but when I get in, it fails to recognize the key. This usually requires me getting OUT of the car, digging out the key and pressing the start button with the key. (This is a failure which is taking every once of self restraint not to drive this piece of *^^% into the showroom, especially when it happens in the rain) The rear deck buzzes with loud music, sure the BOSE system is nice, but if it cannot go loud, whats the point? Last but most certainly not least is the garbage front end collision system. This is the thing in the fancy commercial bringing the car to a stop when plywood forms pop up in the road. Well... It does work, even when there is nothing there. Boy, I tell you! If youre ever driving along the highway and you get lulled into a sense of peace and tranquility of the open road, nothing like the car slamming on the brakes (even for 1 second) to wake you up. Boy, howdy, thats scary. I own the extended warranty to 120000 miles, so Im stuck with this car for a bit, Ill just make a pest of myself at the dealer. At least until they lemon law me out of it. Why Britney Spears you ask? Looks good from the outside, but not anything you want to take home.

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  DONT BUY A 2004 MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lynnfrct - June 18 - 10:40 pm

  Bought it with 19K - now have 86K. 3rd set of brakes and 4th set of tires. Now replacing the tranny & timing belt for over $5K. Before the ext warranty expired I told dealer I was having transmission issues. They said it was the motor mount which they repaired. Once out of warranty the tranny went completely. Appealed to Nissan NA - no success. Asked local service manager why I should put in another Nissan tranny and he said "Dont worry they fixed the problem" admitting there were issues with the 2004 trannys. There is a class action suit for the trans if anyone is interested. Last car payment is next month. Tears. No more car payments but a huge charge bill for repairs.

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  Rattles and buzz - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By chazzi - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Car was great for the first month. now we get a grinding noise right after shifting into drive and the gas pedal and steering wheel buzz and shake. Been to the dealer twice with no results. Last Nissan this family buys.