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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  Great car - Bad Paint - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By joe_121212 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. It has great power and handles great. Im 64 and have good room except for the gas and brake pedals are to close. Also after you start washing and waxing your car your notice many new chips after every wash. The paint quality is the worst Ive ever seen.

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  Drastically poor milage - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By rj3016 - May 6 - 1:47 am

  I purchased my 2007 Maxima brand new. Since day one I have no gotten better than 17-18 mpg combined. At first the dealership told me it was winter gas. Winter gas? You have to be kidding me. I agreed to drive it till spring. Well, spring gas, summer gas made no difference. Still I amm only able to squeeze out 17.8 mpg. Took it to the dealer to find out why. The service manager said and I quote "we can check it but I dont think we will find anything wrong. Thats just what those cars get" They checked the car and of course said they didnt find anything wrong. I drive 150 miles a day all highway. The best I can get is 18.8 mpg. This car SUCKS! Never again. My Hummer get 18 mpg!

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  Vibration in Chasis - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By shaky - March 10 - 8:56 pm

  Have owned for 3 mos. on 3rd set of tires, courtesy of Nissan. Taken it in to dealer 7 times for check. Vibration in seats and steering wheel from 50 - 80 mph. Told initially road force issues, better tires were a temporary fix now the shaking has resumed. Anyone else have this problem?

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  I really wanted to like this car! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By mhn - February 11 - 9:33 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. With that said, we have had so many problems with it. The sunroof took 7 tries to repair, the A/C went out, struts replaced, paint is chipping off rear view mirror on the garage door button, rotors are shot, front dash rattles, steering column gets stuck in the upright position, and today my check engine soon light came on. I baby this car and I am a very mild driver. Maybe I just got a lemon, but we are trading it for an Infiniti G35x because they seem to be getting much better reviews. Good luck if you purchase this this vehicle. Hope yours wont be a lemon. I loved driving it, too bad it spends just as much time in the shop as it does on the road. :-(

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  Worse Nissan Ever - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ttranrx - February 9 - 1:50 pm

  Ive had my maxima for 5 years and already have transmission problems. It will cost me $4000 to get a rebuilt transmission which is horrible for a 5 year old car. Will never buy a Nissan for a long time. Would warn anyone buying a Nissan Maxima and for them to google Nissan Maxima and transmission problems.

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  I hate this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nacole Gusler - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car brand new and have had nothing but trouble since. Sunroof opens by itself, window motor has been replaced several times, major transmission problems, replaced brakes several times, replaced axles, struts wheel barrons and calibers. This is just the beginning of my list. I hate this car, I will NEVER buy another Nissan due to this. This is the worst experience i have ever had with a car, and the dealership has never been very helpful. Told them about my transmission and their response was stuff happens. too bad it happens to most or all 2004 nissan maximas and nothing will be done about it!

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  Great looking car but with issues - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By P Scott - December 14 - 5:01 am

  I am only 6 tall but I had issues with the extra thick door at the knee level and the extremley high console at the knee level. This caused my knees to be way too close together making it an uncomfortable driving position for me. Also the gas pedal it too far to the right-not a natural position at all. The worst part of the Platinum model is the sound system. Very flat, very tinny, cheap sound! We have owned 2 Maximas and 2 Infinitis and all had Bose sound systems in them. Right away, we realized that the current sound system in the 2016 Platinum is very-very inferior to all of our previous Bose car systems. Our Toyota van sounds much better and it is just the basic sound system, not a Bose. We tried all sources of music and did all adjustments you can make and the sound system has very weak bass and just a very plain sound. This caused us to not buy the car actually. Love the look and performance but being uncomfortable for me to drive and weak sounding sound. Very sad but true

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  Mediocre Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Cadjockey - November 30 - 7:06 pm

  I like the styling and performance ( acceleration/handling/brakes ) but the interior is sub par. I have a dash that rattles/squeaks and the seats are cheap. I don’t have the Bose stereo so I installed a sub-woofer which helps immensely. The Idler pulley bearing went out so the dealership loaned me a Lincoln LS. For the same money ( $18,000 ) I could have gotten a 2003/2002 Lincoln LS instead of the Maxima SE. I made a mistake. The Lincoln is twice the car as my 2003 Maxima SE. I am now shopping for a nice 2002/2003 Lincoln LS with low miles. My only concern is that the Nissan is probably a more dependable car than the Lincoln. I’m going to take the chance because the LS is WAY nicer

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  Buzzes and rattles - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tranzec - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Car ran great the first 2,000 miles. Then, when starting up and engaging drive we get a grinding/rubbing noise. Once this started, we get lots of buzzing and vibrations in the gas pedal and steering wheel. Have taken to the dealer twice and told there is nothing wrong. Fun car to drive, but when a car costs this much the dealer should fix these type of problems. Will definitly NOT buy another Nissan.

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  2001 Nissan Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By J. Mattern - November 23 - 4:53 pm

  Bought SE model, loaded, new in 01. Check engine light and o2 sensors a continuous problem for last 8 years. Dealers stick it to you each time attempted to fix these issues. Finally gave up years ago and just live with. Car now has 200K miles and continue to drive as winter vehicle, but must say the engine has been very solid. Bought a 15" Blizzak tire/wheel package (all four wheels) to replace the 17" Potenzas for winter driving and this car rolls through the bad winters of Upstate New York like 4 wheel drive! Would likely not buy another Nissan vehicle as the frequent warning lights on the dash are just a pain.