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 inside, fair to drive - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By eisenbri - December 30 - 9:46 am

  If you are looking for something that drives like a BMW 3 or 5 series, look elsewhere. If you want a comfortable vehicle with nice appointments inside (especially for the price) then you found your car. This car has terrible torque steer, is overpowered from the starting line and has way to much body roll to be considered a sports car. Smooth on the highway yes. Maneuverable? No.

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  Nice Ride - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Robocop - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. After my 99 Civic was stolen, I bought the Maxima 2000 Se. The Civic was also found. So now I have the Civic and Maxima. Paid in full cash. Pretty cheap :):)

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  Bad Transmission - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - December 20 - 3:03 am

  I really like this car however the CVT transmission has a flaw. It sometimes will not take off from a stop and the main problem with that is it just happens no warning signs or anything. Could be very dangerous if you pull out in traffic expecting your car to move and it decides not to! Car is at the dealership now with them trying to figure what is wrong. This car scares me and I only hope Nissan can assure me they have it fixed! It seems that this is a problem Nissan has had with the CVT for a while. I would not buy one until Nissan can prove the problem has been solved!

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  Max THe BEAST!! The Best Car EVER - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Frederick Arthur P-K - December 17 - 7:30 am

  I got this car from an auction. It drives well, Spacious and the features are comparable to that of an E-class. I bought this car because it was the right balance between a luxury and an everyday car. The car looks great especially with the 18" chrome with black leather interior on black ext. It would have been nice if they got rid of the handbrake, included an mp3 player with AUX, an automatic trunk shut system. Very noisy if music not on blast, suspension is a bit rough bt I love this car. And dnt regret one bit! If you are looking at buying this car, go all out, and get all options other than that get an ALTIMA..

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  Perhaps a lemon? - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve Hart - November 30 - 12:33 pm

  Overall this Maxima has been one of my favorite cars, but it hasnt been without some quirky mechanical defects that are just dumbfounding, including a fuel problem where I am only able to fill it up a third of a gallon at a time before it overflows. Several other issues have made me think twice about a future purchase, even though Ive had a lot of fun with this car.

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  Too many problems w/ $40,000 car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Frakes - November 29 - 11:33 am

  I purchased this 2004 maxima in dec/04 with 14k miles on it. Since ive owned it i have had it in the shop 6-7 times! As with other reviews, an anoying shimmy in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. Dealer has balanced tires several times, resurfaced the front brake rotors, still there, tired of messing with it!! Clunking in front end over slow speeds and sharp bumps, front struts were replaced after 3 attempts to fix. (I had to suggest it!) Rust around skyview roof after it was replaced 2x. Once for safety recall, second for leaking badly when rains. Rust developing under front of hood lip.( Under the paint!) Numerous trim items replaced because of poor quality!! Too many problems for 2004 car!!

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  Ugly yet beautiful - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Providence - November 28 - 10:00 am

  First this car is down right ugly, from the plastic grill to the huge tail lights. Yet all that matters is inner beauty. And when you pop that hood and take a look at the amazing VQ engine you will know what I mean. I bought my Max as a car to get me to and from college everyday. Four years later I have a degree and my Max. As a poor college student what I loved about this car is that it NEVER broke down. All I had to do is routine maintenance(tires, oil changes,brakes,filters,ect..) I also loved blowing away that kid in the civic at every red light. Now I am looking to upgrade to a new G35.

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  Great First Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i got the car as of June 1st 2010 to replace my 05 ford focus. I was looking for a car that was larger, safer, and actually had some power,im use to power and i would like something that will move with you put your foot down. Anyhow, for the most part i love the car. I received the car at 109,200 miles, it is now december 2010 and i have already put 8500 on in 6 months. Its not hard to rack up the miles in this car. It travels nicely, comfortable seats, though the ride is a little firm on the SE model,i havent tested one other than the SE so i cant be too nitpicky about the maxima in general. But overall a great car with plenty of passenger and cargo space! cdplayer also having problems

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  Travelin Man - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Tim - October 6 - 11:16 am

  Overall, pretty happy with the car. Bought it in 4-04 with 42,000 miles. Doubled the mileage in one year. Mileage is pretty good, although the car "feels" like its getting old. I have never owned a Nissan before, bought this one on reputation alone. Would POSSIBLY buy another one in the future when I learned how to drive slower. At 35, I got my first two speeding tickets driving this car. LOL!

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  Ok until around 90k miles - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maximus02 - October 5 - 12:16 pm

  Great vehicle for the last few years. However, around 90k miles the transmission broke. Replacement rebuilt transmission $4200, beware of higher mileage vehicles.