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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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By underh2o - August 19 - 9:53 am

  This is my second Maxima, my last one a 2000 which I loved 10 out of 10. The 2004 Maxima although an extremely cool looking car has been a major let down. So far the exhaust heat shield has come loose three times, front strut snapped, electronic chip needed to be reset, navigation sometimes wont boot, cannot replace a simple light bulb without surgery, major torque steer, interior paneling keeps seperating, seat heat buttons cave into the console with almost no pressure, and the list goes on. The 2000 Maxima was a quality build. Nissan went cheap on quality in 2004. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. Maybe Ill buy an Acura TL with more features for the same amount of money.

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  2004 Maxima After 8000 miles - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DrivingMIssDonna - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had more close calls with vehicles pulling out in front of me with this car, (I think the liquid Silver color blends with the pavement). It also hydra planes (big wide 18" tires)on wet roads more than any car since my 1978 rabbit.

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  04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jackconly - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned a lot of cars over the years but, except for a clssic 1963 Lincoln Continental, weve never had a vehicle that turned so many heads. Strangers come up to us on the street and say, "What a beautiful car." Really amazing. The engine is quick and smooth, seating comfortable for long trips -- we take it down to Mexico in the winter -- the only drawbacks are the control center screen is a dust magnet, and theres some torque when you kick the acceleration. Wed definitely buy another when the next generation comes out. Ours is black with grey leather.

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  Good car, could be better - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By cdub4 - August 11 - 7:42 am

  Purchased in April. Now have 10,000 miles on it. Overall very happy, something I wouldnt have said two weeks after purchasing, but time and service departments can heal all wounds. Within a week of purchase the steering wheel controls all died. It was thought that it was a fuse but needed a new cable system. Since replacement it has worked fine. Two weeks after taking possession when shutting the car off it went into On mode and drained the battery. Another 25 mile trip to the dealer only to be lectured on how to turn the car on/off properly. This is our 3rd Nissan, we know how to turn it off. It has shot into the On mode since but we are careful to watch for it.

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  quadcamperformance - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By eriktucker - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have a Nissan Maxima 2001 SE 5 speed black on black, with a few up grades such as stillen intake, crank pullies, stillen exhaust, progess springs, akebono brakes, stillen strut bars, and advanced timming. I had it up to 152mph at 6100 rpms and it wanted more. I had before this car an Acura Legend 5 speed. I also had a 1990 BMW 525 I automatic. I like the Nissan Maxima by far.

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  96 maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By DERRICK - August 5 - 11:16 pm

  Never had any problems rides like a charm. The 96 could use a few more horses. Well comparing to the news cars, however in 1996 it was excellent. The only thing is lack of cup holders nothing major.Nothing I can really complain about

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  Great and reliable - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By reggaedg - July 26 - 5:25 am

  Got this car from a friend 18 months ago, car was sitting for a year. This car has 268,000 miles on it and you could walk by it and not know that the engine was running. Installed new brakes and rotors and a paint job. Car now looks and run like new. Love the car, very reliable and the gas mileage is excellent for a 6 cylinder. Step on the gas and this car will launch you in a new dimension. The ride is tight, well it is a 4 door sport car after all. This car is fun to drive and if you plan to lend it to someone be certain to advise them on the quick throttle response. They could get a whiplash on take off.

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  206 Maxima love to hate it... - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Atlfalcons09 - July 22 - 2:06 am

  Bought my car in Jan.2007, very excited about finally owning a Maxima, just recently my transmission went out, struts are horrible and the car is very noisy, has knocking sounds under the car that the dealer cant figure out the problem, which is strange how they can figure out the major expensive stuff! The good things are the comfort and space...very good car to travel in and alot of trunk space. The car has very good pick up. The tires are very expensive and wear easily for some reason the dealer cant explain this either. Nice stereo system and speakers. Another complaint is this car has no change holder, 2 cup holders but no where to store change. Overall its a nice car.

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  funto drive - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By mrmugs - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Owned since June-love the performance,but already see that the factory Bridgestone Potenzas HAVE to GO!With the power this car has,lousy wet traction and easy hydroplaning.Looking into winter tires,but a very hard size to find.

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  Room for improvement - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Shonte, NY - July 13 - 9:23 am

  Overall the 07 maxima is a nice looking car to the eye! But, there are downfalls. Such as, cabin noise, front end humming, mechanics state theres no problem. tire pressure light consistently comes on. On acceleration the steering wheel shakes at about 55 mph.