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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  Never Again Nissan! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Connie Winstead - November 10 - 4:10 am

  Worst auto purchase I ever made. Hate the wide turn radius, the low profile tires dont last and provide a bumpy ride. Numerous expensive repairs, most recently the transmission went out, started slipping out of gear, jerking, reving up unexpectedly. Cost to repair $4,000 and Nissan wont do anything to help because it is 6,000 miles out of warranty, although there have been numerous problems with these Maxima transmissions. This car cost over $30,000 but now is only worth $8,000 at best.Poor gas mileage also. Body dents very easily. Bose stereo doesnt stay tuned.

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  Do NOT buy 04-06 Maxima. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MNM - September 23 - 11:00 am

  The best way to describe the 04 Nissan Maxima is OK. The best way to describe Nissans costumer service and reliability is TERRIBLE. Nissan clearly has no value of their customers as they have had 600+ reviews on faulty transmissions and yet to recall it even though they know it is on them. My maxima is just over 121,000 miles and the transmission has gone. There is a horrible jerking feeling when breaking as if gears are getting stuck, sometimes acceleration has the same issues, making it even scarier because you have no control over the car. It is quiet terrifying and Nissan believes we deserve to pay them another $3,000+ to replace THEIR ISSUE.[non-permissible content removed] Ive contacted Nissan several times for help and I either can not get through to them or they tell me they can not help. Ive reported the issue with BBB as many others have and should continue to do. I am outraged with the issue and poor accommodations and services on behalf of Nissan. Several law suits have been filed but no outcome. If you or someone you know has this issue be sure to file your complaint to Nissan [contact information removed] to help us get answers! Unacceptable from such a large company. !!!!!!!!!!Do not buy a 04-06 Nissan Maxima!!!!!!!!! known for horrible transmissions.

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  My Nissan - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter Odgen stiers - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I just adore my 2001 Nissan Maxima as well as my wifes Nissan Pathfinder. We love our cars a hole lot excpecaily mine.

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  Problems and more problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By newsmaker - August 17 - 8:43 am

  If you are considering this car, dont buy it. We bought new and paid down in 3yrs. Always told service at dealership about jerky movements when shifting and accelerating. Transmission began having major problems at 56K miles. Took it to Nissan shop and they suggested trans oil change. Did not wanted to hook it to scanner. They said car did not need it. Now at 62K miles it is being repaired ($2K at auto shop) and Nissan wont respond. This car can endanger the drivers and passengers life. Will never buy Nissan again.

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  Good but doesnt quite make it - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By DHG - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The good stuff; powerful engine, good automatic, lots of luxo type features for just slightly an econobox price. Now the real stuff; problems with front end since day one. Selling dealer replaced front struts at approx. 25k, also needed new tires at same time. Didnt fix the problem. Different dealer replaced engine mounts at 30k, better but still rough and bumpy. Just put third set of struts on from private mechanic. Needs stableizer bushings. Cant believe Nissan didnt make a valet type lock/key system for their flagship car, and what about having to manually turn off headlights? What is the cost difference between a buzzer and a time delay switch?

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  Flagship ? Dont think so. - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Carlo NJ - August 5 - 9:13 am

  I dont even know how/where to begin. Very disappointed with this vehicle, I have owned 5 Nissans, all have been great except for this one. Low end power is horrible with the CVT, torque steer is disgusting, High speed handling is ridiculous, the car is a boat when on the highway is all over the road and you have to hold to the steering wheel very firm to keep the car in its path, in-cabin noise horrible, interior materials still stink, it does have a lot of awesome features for its price, back up sensor, heated seats/steering wheel, leather, moon roof, etc. Not happy at all.

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  Not a Long-term car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Tri32 - July 23 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased car used @ 39K. Car performance is great. Reliability not great by any means. List of replacement and cost since the car now has 118K miles. Ignition coils-$700, MAF-$400, bad engineering braking system w/replacement of rotors/pad 5 times - $2000, catalytic converter- $1000, muffler-$400, wheel bearing- $500. which total to $5000. Thats too much for me. This does not include other items such tune-ups which is standard on any car. For me, this will be my last Nissan. Dealership experience has been a nightmare. Especially Nissan of Natick Massachusetts. The people there are not very professional and will lie to your face w/o a blink of an eye. Goin bak to Toyota reliability

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  Headlights - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JanetJones - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Given what I know now, I would have never purchased this car. The headlights are so easy to steal and so costly to replace. Mine were stolen in less than a minute--right in front of me. The thieves popped them out with a screwdriver causing significant damage to the hood and bumper. This is a dangerous car. I worry about my safetly all the time. Nissan has not been sensitive to concerns. Yes, they have recalled the car to install the brackets on the headlights, but they still can be stolen.

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  Fertther - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Ferther - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought used. Had a 1991 Maxima that I loved, the 1997 Maxima SE disappointed. The ride is not as assuring and the car feels flimsy in turns, especially on the interstate. Could use some suspension tinkering to make it work better with the 16 tires.

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  Not as expected! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By subzeropr - June 2 - 8:53 pm

  The car has little more than a year with over 19,000 miles on it and it has already been in the dealer 7 times. 3 of those times was because of a short circuit that burns the interior and taillight fuse. The other four because of the struts. Service is horrible and they have not found the problem of the short circuit. The car moves well but the turning radius is really bad. Thinking of dumping the car and look for a more reliable car like the new 2007 Toyota Camry.