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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  Not What I Expected..... - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By kcire10 - September 2 - 12:59 pm

  I purchased the 2007 Maxima SE new and Ive had nothing but trouble from the start. Had it for almost 5 years and Ive had to get the AC compressor replaced, the motor mounts, belts (because of the compressor), and hoses for the AC. I also have trouble every now and again with the keyless entry. Plus, you pay an arm and a leg for 30,000 mile services ($600+). This is my first and my last Nissan. I should have bought a Honda!

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  Not so hot - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Ralph Cole - August 17 - 6:00 am

  This was my 3rd Max and by far the worst. We have had the car in for replacement of the factory installed sky view (service recall issued), the rear window replaced (rattle), dash panel glass (keeps fogging),and resewed the leather seat to name a few problems. The 265 horses are hard to handle because the car is front wheel drive. Hey other than that, the car is great! HA HA

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  Big Letdown - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By irisp - August 7 - 9:25 pm

  I had a 1994 Nissan Maxima for 10 years with minimum problems,then got the 2004 and it has been a headache ever since. Got it in 2004 and by 2009 the transmission went out!The front end has every problem in the book.Struts, rack and pinion,shocks,..you name it its bad.I get new tires every 2 years,no matter what I have done it still sucks.Corporate will not help.Has to be the worst car ever!The CD player wont play unless you are sitting still,the power windows get stuck,just a horrible car. I will NEVER buy another Nissan.

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  2004 Maxima Quality Problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By paulfromfl - July 19 - 6:50 am

  I am writing this to confirm other Quality Issues. 1. My transmission failed after 86,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer at a cost of $3,400. Coroporate Nissan would do nothing for me or the dealer although this was my second Maxima. I am shocked at how bad they treat loyal owners of their brand. 2. The chrome accent strips along the roof are peeling and Corporate Nissan will do nothing. 3. The dealer now wants me to replace the valve cover gasket at 95,000 miles due to it leaking at a cost of $690. The gasket cost is around $40 on line. 4. The leather steering wheel is coming apart and this is the second one, as the original was replaced for the same problem.

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  2004 nissan opinions - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CARL BURT - July 10 - 10:00 am

  It is entirely to rough for me. performance is there but I would like a car with a much better ride. It just dont smooth out the small imperfections in the road. The low profile tire is most of the problem.

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  Gimme traction - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By MG - June 14 - 2:00 am

  After 9 mos and 7000 miles on my 6spd SE I am pretty unhappy with the car. The shifter is extremely stiff and notchy. You have to work quickly to jam the shifter into gear or the revs drop too low and the car jerks into the next gear. The low and midrange torque is excellent. You never need to rev it up that high which is a good thing because the traction is hands down the worst Ive ever experienced. Dont even THINK about flooring this car in a turn because it will produce a lot of white smoke and very little forward motion. My overall impression is what good is all this power when the car just simply isnt fun to drive hard?

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  Worse Investment of my life! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By syed786 - May 29 - 12:29 am

  Worse car Ive ever owned. Paint is fading, chrome is chipping off the front grill, Ive only owned this car for about 12 days, and already had to replace the clutch(which dint help with fading or going to the floor), water pump, radiator, hose, and head gasket. I had the car inspected 2nd day I had it and I was told it was flawless. Performance is poor, theres no such thing like fuel economy in this car, no oil leak but still have to add oil every week, replaced two rear tires already, one of the rims bent already...Do I need to say more? Worse car Ive ever owned in my life. I wish I can take Nissan to court for these faulty factory defects

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  Not even close to a sports car! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Hatedit - May 6 - 7:46 pm

  This model is marketed as a sports sedan. Dont be fooled. The transmission cant figure out what gear to be in. It takes several seconds to figure out to downshift. You can confuse it by using the manual shift mode. It reacts with disdain at any aggressive driving. The brakes fade and shudder with excessive use. It handles like a cow. Torque is completely absent. The turning ration is terrible as is fuel economy. The chrome wheels peel with only one winter. Expect to visit the dealer with many problems with ignition sensors & check engine lights. I traded a 2000 Maxima which was a completely different car. Check out that trade-in value! Nissan will NEVER get my business again.

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  Punishing ride - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By joel73 - May 5 - 12:50 pm

  Bought mine with 74k, now has 85500 exhaust was repaired 2 wks after purchase, rear frozen caliper 3 months after purchase. Hard ride is worst feature. GLE is better. Must use high test fuel. Quality of interior is lacking. Nissans are not known for comfortable ride, Maxima SE confirms.

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  Performance is fine, Lots of Little hiccups add up - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Gayle C. - April 19 - 1:50 am

  Decided on a lease for the first time ever. 2016 Platinum Maximum. Beautiful car. Really good power after the paltry Honda Fit that made me feel like I was going to get run over when entering a highway. Thought I would love it. The young woman who took us through the operation manual seemed to do a fine job and we were really happy with having chosen it over the Avalon. First thing we noticed was that the two USB ports that were a *huge* bonus to have so we could charge two phones at once DONT WORK. Apparently, Nissan only engineered them to charge Apple products, so were SOL with our Nexus 6 phones. They, apparently, didnt know this because they changed out the whole brain only to discover they still didnt work. Thats when they told us they are for iPhones. Who the aitch engineers a car so that only a small segment of buyers can charge their phones? There *is* the cigarette lighter dock inside the console for one phone. Back to charging only one phone. Except. My husband, an electrical engineer, figured out how to make one of the two USB ports work (the other appears to be dead), so we can use the cigarette lighter dock and one USB. And, no, we wont be telling them how he figured it out and, no, it did not involve any rewiring or any physical changes in the car. Furious about this. The Drivers seat settings only adjust periodically and never work if we change drivers using the same key. Push #2 after #1 was driving and nothing happens. Seat stays at #1 setting. Sonar seems to be off now and I cannot find a single mention of sonar, back up camera, or any number of other guesses I made when studying the Owners Manual or the Navigation manual. Additionally, I test drove the car, so did not ride in the passenger seat. Im 54" and it feels as if Im sitting in a hole. I had no idea that the passenger seat did not adjust up and down. Took it for granted that a car of that price would have both seats adjustable. Boy, was I wrong. There is no way in the world that I will ever buy another Nissan no matter how nice this one appears to be. But it was a learning experience, Ill say that.