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 - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By dhayward4 - October 19 - 6:11 pm

  Was driving a 01 Accord, got bored and wanted a change. So I purchased this car on St. Pattys Day in 09 with 57xxx miles on it. Got a good deal on the car. At first I loved my new car. But then it changed. QUICK. I heard of the transmission problems but figured that it wouldnt happen to me. Well it did. Shortly after that I had to replace all 4 tires 2 times. With 18 factory tires arent going to be cheap. Add the Z rating, now tires wont last long at all. After the tires came the headlights. $200 for all the lights up front to be changed. Next was the struts, shocks, bearings ect. $1200 later. Now I am in need to replace the timing belt. Car is a money pit.

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  CVT is HORRIBLE!! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Fred - October 8 - 10:23 am

  This is my 6th Nissan (third Maxima) and my last. There is a constant rumbling vibration felt through the gas pedal and steering wheel between 20-45 mph. Dealer tried couldnt fix it, so rep came and said "this is normal for this transmission". NORMAL!? For a $30,000 car! They tout this new transmission as seamless, which apparently its not. So, Im now stuck with it! Its a design flaw Nissan wont admit to.

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  Never buy a Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By lordavot - September 13 - 9:36 am

  I bought the sixth generation 2005 Maxima when it was abt 49k miles. At abt 70k miles I starting experiencing transmission problems. shifting from park to drive, it jerks and it is really bad when the engine is warm. from drive to reverse or reverse to drive it does the same thing. The engine slips and the RPM races to 5 or 6 when you accelerate without any pick up. When I contacted Nissan they told me there is nothing they can do about it. Thousands of sixth generation maxima owners are having the same problem but nissan will not own up to their defect and recall and fix the problem. I am going back to TOYOTA. always faithful. NEVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE WILL I BUY A NISSAN PRODUCT.

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  Looks Good - Quality Bad - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike A - September 10 - 1:40 am

  14,000 miles - Sun windows leaked causing rust and paint to bubble. 21,000 miles - Significant shimmy in steering wheel at speeds above 45mph. Deal stated nothing was wrong. Tires needed replacement. Non-affiliated repair shop identified cause of shimmy and tire wear as being out of round wheel hubs. This is a very common problem with this year / model. Hubs were replaced and problem was corrected. 47,000 miles - ABS system failure. The causes are the bolts on the hub and wheel assemble rust. This allows the mounting plate to move causing the sensor to short out. This causes the control unit to burn out. The repair is $3,000.00 This is a very common problem on this year/make.

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  Worst Maxima Ive Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ABL - September 7 - 7:00 am

  There is no denying that this car is beautiful and fast, that is why I bought my third Maxima. I bought this car new (a left over) from the dealer on a Tuesday, Thursay it was back b/c of a terrible SHIMMY in the wheel. They balanced the tires, STILL NOT FIXED, changed all tires,new brakes, STILL NOT FIXED . Back to dealer four times, can not fix problem, basically told me I was crazy. Then altinator went, took them 1 mon. to get part. Drove a rental. SO VERY DISAPPOINTED with car and dealer. Now I read all of these reviews and I wish I read them before I bought this car because It should be fun to drive and IT IS NOT. I HATE MY CAR.. I hope this helps people...Nissan USA no help

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  Nissan Maxima Brakes, ABS, Floorboards, Sunroof, Nissan Corporate, Faulkner Harrisburg, Star Nissan Greensburg - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lilliasea - August 29 - 10:54 am

  I purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima after extensive research as a left over in January 2005. The car was garaged 95% of the time and serviced by the dealership until the warranty expired. Traveling from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, the ABS and Brake lights illuminated. Standard brakes were still operational subsequently I drove the car to the Faulkner dealership in Harrisburg. Here the mechanics determined there was a fault code indicating an entire ABS replacement. They also found rust on the floorboards under the front wheel wells. Add this to a sunroof motor failure just days prior to the ABS brakes failing. Stranded in Harrisburg I did a little research and quickly identified a TSB on Maxima brakes. Nissan owners posted on this subject frequently as well as rust under the floorboards and sunroof failure. I shared my findings with the dealership when they called to announce the nearly 5K in repairs needed for the Maxima. The Faulkner dealership then directed me to call the Nissan Corporate Customer Assistance. I explained the situation and that the car was indeed 8 years old but had merely 60K miles most of which were highway. The interview process was consistent from the dealership to the customer service representative to the final mediator. I realized I was repeating information on the car for three days. The global narrative included; • The car received regular maintenance from the Star Nissan Dealership (I would not recommend this dealership) • The Star Nissan Group sold and maintenanced the car until warranty expiration. • The Star Nissan mechanics failed to notice any of these issues even though they had the car on the rack for 10 days repairing the air conditioning just five months prior. • I personally detailed the car four to five times a year—washed the undercarriage as well. The day before Thanksgiving the corporate mediator, Glenda, called to announce Nissan would not be providing any repair assistance. Unfortunately, I was also very ill and lacked the energy to pursue the matter. It was essential to repair the brakes so I could make it home and get to a doctor. It is important to know that I loved this car. I selected every option and waited until I found a black on black fully loaded Maxima. This car was serviced more than any other vehicle I have owned. From the 261 lb/sqft torque to the responsive engine this car made me happy…..until it didn’t. As it turns out, we had a dysfunctional relationship. I gave and gave and Nissan left me sitting. If you have read this and still purchase a Nissan and especially a Maxima remember you were warned.

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  Never Again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Patrick J. McShane - August 25 - 1:10 am

  I bought my 2004 Maxima 3.5 SL brand new and I maintain it religiously. I owned a 1997 and that was one of the best cars I ever owned. This is probably the worst car I ever owned. Two recalls, the transmission went 100 miles before the warranty expired. Front grille replaced 3 times because of peeling. Brake problems. Had all the documentation and got zero satisfaction from Nissan. Latest - ABS problem, rear bearings, etc. All expensive repairs. Wrote a letter to the President of Nissan - no response. I will never ever ever buy another Nissan product.

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  Lots of suspension problems, no help!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil - July 21 - 8:06 pm

  I am only 25 so this was the first car I ever purchased. Since about 3 months into owning the vehicle I have had a squeak in my left front end and popping in my right front end on turning and acceleration. While I do love the style and looks of the car I have a feeling down the line I am going to have some expensive repair bills due to poor quality in the build of the vehicle. I was told after my warranty expired they are starting to find problems in the front end, I asked Nissan Corp. for help and was told my car is out of warranty there was nothing they could do.

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  take it easy lauding this car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bfb242 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Lease was up on my 2000 Chrysler 300M and I wanted a manual transmission and could not afford a BMW, so I got the Maxima. Calling this car comfortable is a joke. The suspension is like you are riding on bricks. The cabin room is unacceptable. I guess I should have stuck with more of a luxury car like a Buick, Chrysler or Caddy-even if I had to put up with poor reliability. Oh how I lone to be back in my 300M.

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  Dont warranty to be approved. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By tbeard0902 - July 7 - 10:31 am

  I own a 2010 Nissan Maxima. I took it to Gray Daniels Nissan in Brandon MS for a warranty claim on the driver seat back. The pins on the seat back had broken and thus the back was laying on the rear seat. The claim was denied by the service manager in Aug. 2012 and again in January 2013 and again by Nissan Customer Care. The reason for not approving the warranty was that their was physical damage. However, they agreed there were no tears, scuffs, marks, or scratches of any kind on the seat or seat back. Thus the very reason we came to Nissan was for warranty of the broken pins and the reason we were denied warranty was that the pin were broken. WOW!