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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  Major disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nissanguy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, but no way this car can justify sticker price of $28.000. Poor quality inside the car. Plastic moldings on the seat are pealing off. Ugly strip of carpet-like material runs on the dashboard. Poor rear window visibility. Even top of the line SL has cheap looking plastics (wood imitation). Outside - front grill is terrible. Made of cheap shiny pieces of plastic. The whole thing moves to the touch of hand. Nissan tried to separate Maxima from Altima and they only succeeded in placing a higher price sticker, since the only good thing that this car has (engine) is also available in Altima 3.5, which costs thousands $ less and looks better.

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  Dissapointed - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Disappointed - February 15 - 5:10 pm

  I have truly been disaapointed with this vehicle. I have found that my steering wheel shakes and shimmies when I reach 60 mph. The engine is loud and revs real high. I have taken it back to the dealership and they have advised that this is normal, and there is nothing they can do. Also, just recently noticed a rattle in the front dash. I have taken the car to the service department four times without any luck. This is the first Nissan I have purchased, and at this rate Im sure it may be the last. My previous vehicles have been Hondas, and I think I should have stucked with them,because this Maxima was truly a mistake.

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  CVT , CVT, CVT, NISSAN WRONG DECISSION! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By eric - January 31 - 3:28 am

  my first big issue of this car is the interior space, its so small, nissan squeezed this car unbelievably, cant understand why really, every position in this car is so small, driver position is definitely the worst position in this car, such a huge console why?, what was the purpose of this? if you are trying to put stuff like that u have to make more room in this car, unacceptable! second issue, this car should paired with regular automatic transmission like infiniti does, but not CVT, its a big mistake, its killing all the power of this beautiful engine, such a disaster with that CVT! the gas mileage actually stay way behind what nissan is saying, with 300hp engine should never be paired with CVT!

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  A Lemon in the Making - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave00 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car was the most disappointing purchase of my life. During its early months, it had brake, electrical system and ignition faliure. The car spent most of its ealry life in the shop (with only some of the repairs being covered under warranty). When I took the car in (at 4000 miles complaining that the power windows made lots of noise when trying to raise and lower them, I was told that I should deal with it as "all cars are unique"). Great service, eh?!? I just recently sold the car (which has almost NO resell value, by the way) and purchased an Acura TL. If you want power AND quality, Acura is the way to go.

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  The good the bad the ugly - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By jennifer - December 31 - 10:00 am

  THE GOOD- looks good, lots of power, love the heated seats and steering wheel. the back up sensors have me spoiled. THE BAD- shimmies all over the road on acceleration. anything above 50 my steering wheel shakes. when you shut the doors it sounds like they used sheet metal to build them. replaced the timing chain already. the speakers have a short in them. there is a squeaking in the front end but the dealers mechanics never hear it. car shudders after i start the engine like its not getting fuel, but only of the afternoon when i am leaving work not in the morning. UGLY- the chrome is faded. poor poor paint job. 2 mo after i bought the car pain started chipping. carpet coming up.

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  Its a Nissan! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Josh - December 8 - 5:56 am

  Bought in 2005, with 70,000 miles, as a good compromise between power and economy. Overall, have been dissatisfied with the experience. I have replaced 2 sets of brakes, and they have begun to make noise again. Suspension has aged poorly, especially in rear, transmission slips (and is more to fix than the car is worth to me). I have put a lot of highway miles on the car (60,000), and it has not taken them well. Fortunately, I installed an expensive aftermarket stereo, which drowns out most of the road, wind, and mechanical noises the car makes. Requires premium fuel for not-so-snappy performance. I have also had to replace coils, radiator, and thermostat. Engineering is mediocre at best.

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  ITs EHHH - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Gary - October 16 - 1:20 pm

  Got it in 08, three days later new transmission, thank god it was under warranty. Slowly other parts started wearing out, motor mounts, inner tire rods and ac compressor have to be replaced according to the dealer all this comes up to 3k. I never again will buy another Nissan, Ive had Hondas all my life. Stick with acura if you want upscale quality that wont dissapoint you. Im waiting a little longer before I jump into a tl.. Oh yeah turning radius is terrible! A semi does a better u turn!

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric - September 24 - 5:40 am

  This is the 3rd and last Maxima I will own. The car is/was beautiful and had all the perks, leather, heated seats, sunroof, heated steering wheel, Bose. I always got compliments on what a good looking car that is was. But that was it. During the 5 years of owner ship, replaced brakes 3 times, rotors twice, 3 wheel bearings, 1 steering knuckle, AC system had a leak at factory fitting, the rear end could not be aligned and ate tires every few months, and the transmission started to go (Google it). I hear many of the same complaints from this $30k+ car. Got to the point that I did not enjoy driving it because I was worried of what would go wrong next. Now I drive a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that I love!

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  not a good buy - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jimmy davies - September 22 - 10:00 am

  this se 2003 (automatic) is not what i expected. during the winter, after the ignition, you will hear a ratle and the rpm will move up at the same time as the engine ratles. anothe deadly thing is when the car is parked uphill. To back up and put on reverse,I have to force a few times the stick in order to be able to put the car on reverse. i dont know why this is happening but i now firmly believe that toyota is much better in term of quality. My brothers se altima has the same problem with putting the car in reverse. time to trade. please consider carefully before you buy a nissan.

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  Expensive Repairs - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard B - September 6 - 6:46 pm

  Very expensive to repair. Complete brakes over $1000, Alternator $1000, Check engine light, coil, o2 & Knock sensors $1000 and counting. Clock to small and located in the wrong place, Small trunk, seats tear easily. Cant get sticker with check engine light always on.