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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Dont buy a Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By Moooo - November 28 - 10:00 amNissan is not willing to work with you. It has left me on the side of the road several times. Has intermitent problems and not worth the money.
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Great Performance-Lousy Interior Quality - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By dandee - November 3 - 5:03 pmI have owned this car for over a year so I feel qualified for an evaluation of this vehicle. The overall performance i.e., steering, breaking, acceleration is remarkable however, the overall quality of the interior plastics is cheap. I have had the rear deck repaired to stop the vibration noise of the some components of the stereo system (it took 6 months for the dealer to repair) and the columns between the front and rear doors as well to the rear deck have been repaired or replaced. The gage that sensors the amount of mileage the cars has until empty is useless because it stops working when the tanks has less than 2 gallons.
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Dont Buy a 2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By mortega1 - September 15 - 6:34 amIn 2007 I began to notice that the chrome finish on the front grill was beginning to peel off. This was also beginning to happen on the chrome accents that are embedded on the roof of the vehicle. In late 2008 the power window motor located in the drivers door began to malfunction and now it is not functional at all. In 2009, the power door locks located on the drivers side (front and rear doors) also began to malfunction. Power to the steering wheel column and the drivers seat have now also failed. I have also experienced issues with the air conditioning system and I have had several leaks in the o-rings that have been addressed several times. Do not purchase a Nissan product!!
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Great speed, but oh so not worth it!!!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By 1bzygirl - September 4 - 9:15 pmShopping for a new car and just for kicks thought I would check out the reviews on my 2006 Maxima, cant believe so many people have had similar problems...let me see if anyone can top these, at 2 years my catalytic converter went out, at 3 years my transmission went out (right b4 warranty expired), my motor mounts have broken twice, oh yeah at 4 years my throttle body went out, end of 4th year my timing chain and air conditioner went out...now for my 5th yr anniversary my struts and suspension are out!!! I have spent well over 8k in repairs and maintanence....i am broke and now cannot afford to keep putting $$ into it, so am forced to get a new car or even buy a used one =(
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Very disappointed in Nissan! NEVER AGAIN - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By nikitat - August 28 - 6:49 pmI bought my 2006 Nissan Maxima with 29,000 miles on it, seemed perfect .....I have had problems with the rotors, it blows a headlight or tail light every 2 weeks and to top it all off, now there is something wrong with the transmisson......Im so hurt and disappointed knowing I only have a year left to pay on my car.........Ohhh well, its back to Honda for me! Thanks Nissan for the experience.........NEVER AGAIN!
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LEMON - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Melly - August 13 - 4:56 pmI will have to say that this car has really cost me an arm and a leg. This car has been to the dealership over 20 times since I purchased it in 2005. I had to replace several front end parts at 30,000 miles or less. Also, at 72, 000 miles I had to replace the transmission. Nissan was very awful at fixing their own products. This car has literally broke me in the past two years. My maxima is in the shop at this time getting a hub and strut assembly for the front right. I am very upset about purchasing this car. I have replaced almost every part on the car with the exception of an new engine. I will never purchase another Nissan.
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Cramped - 2017 Nissan Maxima
By Disappointed - August 10 - 8:36 pmLooking for a car that had some space. Trunk is small. Front seats comfy but, felt like confined space wise. Ride was nice. Bought an Impala. A car with a huge trunk and more cabin space. In your review the breakdown in each category would only register GREAT OR POOR. OK would not register in the survey. Big difference in describing the customers view points. Fix it or delete it.
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Cheap original parts - 1999 Nissan Maxima
By kievguy - August 8 - 2:00 amI am the original owner, soon to be 4 years. The car is good, no questions about it. Main source of the problems - cheap and low-quality original parts that owner is responsible for. Tires wore out in 30K, clutch in about 48K of highway driving!!! A lot of people I know have the same problems: Nissan produces Maxim cheaper by pushing extra maintenance over owners. Beware!!!
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Be aware - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By djcu1979 - July 11 - 4:03 pmMy Maxima started having major electrical problems at 5500 miles. The seat and steering wheel move on their own when using the unlock button on the remote control on a random basis when the remote is assigned to one of the memory positions. Nissan claims that this is normal since 3 brand new Maximas on the dealerships lot do this too. The exterior mirrors move out of position on their own while the vehicle is in operation and occassionally when the remote is used. This vehicle is in violation of my states lemon law, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and US Commercial Code, legal action is currently being taken against Nissan.
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First time car buyer SORRY I DID IT! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By Mona Diallo - June 19 - 5:34 amIve read the reviews here and my car is no different. I just bought my car three days ago with 80,000 on it I test drove the car it drove beautifully but before I could get I noticed the trans slipping. I took it back to dealer just to find out that indeed it has a transmission problem....now what do I do?
