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:
Showing 51 through 60 of 3,122.00-
DONT BUY IT - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By kay d. - May 1 - 4:00 pmThis is the worst car I have owned. I should have kept my previous car. This car is good to look at but nissan compromised on quality with this car. I have been having mechanical problems since purchasing this vehicle and no one can seem to fix the problem. There is a thumping noise coming from the wheel area. The interior is missing simple things like coin compartment and sun/eye glass holder. I am short and feel it lacks head room. the seats are horrible and the air conditioning/heated driver seat is a joke. I am ready to trade in this vehicle in.
-
Shake your boody - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By hogwildlane - January 14 - 12:43 pmNo turning radius at all, caused me some very sticky moments in u-turn type scenarios. Rear end eats tires for lunch >25000. Nissan said I was drifting based on tread wear. It does drift everytime you hit a bump. At 43 years old it has been quite some time since I spun out in the corners, memories of my 74 Nova in high school! Will not stay in alignment. Runs like a raped ape. Out run must on road but starts to shake at higher speeds. 6 speed manual/automatic is a blast but gas mileage suffers, < 20MPG in town. Interior quality very disappointing. 12 volt power port cover on console a joke compared to Altima set up. Very Noisy vehicle. Any one that rides on back has to yell to say anything
-
Cramped Front Seat - 2016 Nissan Maxima
By Jamell - October 22 - 11:00 amThis would be a great car except for the front seat. Its cramped & you have to been your leg sideways to reach the accelerator pedal. The middle front section is way too wide & the pedals are too far offset to the right. I recently rented one & my right leg was hurting after about 30 minutes. Its hard to get in & out as well. The front seat needs to be redesigned.
-
Stay Away - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Mad Max - September 20 - 2:00 amThis car stinks, its a rattle trap. The resale of the car is terrible. The suspension feels like it came from a truck. Stay away from this car at all costs. I should have bought a Acura TL-S or Lexus IS 300 instead.
-
Nissan sucks - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By av_guy - August 3 - 11:59 pmSpoke to Nissan and they wont give me the time of day to help replace my transmission. Its been replaced once already and they wont listen. Besides the transmission, the lumbar system which was recalled is broken again, the fog lights have been replaced at least 6 times. Nissan has the worst customer service at their HQ. I wouldnt buy another Nissan. They dont care about their customers, so why should I patronize them by purchasing another vehicle from them. They really suck.
-
dont buy if you havent - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By tquinquinn - June 11 - 7:50 pmI bought this car over the lexus and geniness because I liked the looks of it, well the car runs rough to say the least It started off making a flapping sound when I first started it at about 20 miles p/hr. then after a while it added the sound of something braking free to engage.I finally took it to the dealer and they didnt know what to make of it finally they told me they think its the alternator they will start by replacing that and work form there. For the money I paid and the problems Im having with it I would not recommend to anyone to buy it. my car only has 3000 miles on it. I wish I would have bought that Lexus. for peace.
-
maxima woes - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By marklo - March 18 - 10:00 amproblems with 04 maxima include harsh shifting auto matic when cold .impossible to start when temp is below 15 degrees and a squeaky shifting seat when cornering tech service bulietens now out on above but dealer does nothing.
-
Worse vehicle I have ever purchased... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By 1traviesa - February 19 - 6:48 pmThis car has been nothing but problems since I purchased. Mainly the transmission. Shoddy build from the start. Defective valve body used in this year model causes the transmission to falter and high cost to repair. Manufacturer will not repair or recall. Trusted the name Nissan but now will never again buy a car from this manufacturer
-
HATE THIS CAR - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Kim - February 10 - 7:13 pmThe seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever owned. The turning radius is like you are in an 18 wheeler. The gas mileage is a lie, the most we have ever gotten is like 20.9-21, very disappointed. I had a Highlander before and would trade this in a heart beat for another one. It is a good looking car on the outside but that is about all good I can say for it. Will NEVER own another one. Been to 2 dealerships they say nothing is wrong and gas mileage should get better... yeah right!
