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:

• 

  Maxima is what it is - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Rob Hardy - May 5 - 3:50 am

  Good car. Better than the 2007 TL that I traded in for. Good ride and comfort. Nothing is wearing out. Only one problem is the front drivers seat is loose and can only be fixed with new parts, which are too expensive so it will stay as it is. Doesnt effect driving, just annoying sometimes.

• 

  Nissan Maxima GLE 1995 - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan McBride - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used with 118000 miles on it. The first thing to go was regulator on the back window. Since, the only major repair that was done was the replacing of a starter. One pain was the cup holder position, which makes it easy to spill coffee or soda into the console resulting in the replacement of an oxygen sensor--a $26 value, but with dealer installation can add up to $170+ easily. It now has over 200000 miles and still drives like a dream.

• 

  My new max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By billdo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Have had my new max for about 90 days and i have to report that it is one of the most fun cars i have owned to date...however, little electrical glitches keep arising, cruise control kicks off(twice), sunroof malfunction (twice),and the latest is the auto headlights have been malfunctioning (twice). Have taken it to dealership about glitches, and you guessed it...nothing happens. I would hate for this to be the first car that i have to make them buy back, i hope these little things will dissappear because this car is sooooo sweet!

• 

  Exceptional Used Car. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Zoombag5 - April 28 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 01 Maxima SE used in 2004 with 44,500 miles. Now have 106,000 miles after 4 years of driving it. I replaced the A/C compressor & oxygen sensors soon after purchase. Since then the car has been very dependable and fun to drive. All other costs have been maintenance related (brake pads, tires, etc.) I get 19 mpg local and an impressive 27 mpg hwy driving 65-70 mph with 3 passengers & luggage. I highly recommend this make & model. My 2nd Maxima. My 1st (95 SE) was hit & totaled at 9 years & 94,000 miles, but was running like a top until then.

• 

  Slight Problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By TSM1116 - April 18 - 9:16 pm

  I have had several Maximas in the past and have always been pleased but this one has me scratching my head. Love the car with a few exceptions. The front end squeaks like a 90-year old wooden wagon. Have taken it into the dealership 14 times for repair, cant pinpoint the problem even with the stethoscope. Have gone back now and tried to drive several other year models with the same body style and ALL have the same squeaking noise coming from the front end. Doesnt do it all the time only when the weight of the car is on that side. Very embarrassing going thru parking lots or areas where the ground is not level. Love the CVT - man this car will fly!!! Just cant get past the noise.

• 

  MAXDOUT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon - April 18 - 3:46 am

  My 2004 Maxima now has 60,000 miles. This Maxima had alot of issues. Build quality should have been much much better. Performance holds this car together. But I would NOT buy this car used & I love Maximas.

• 

  Keeps on going (FAST) w/140K! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jdub - April 1 - 4:03 am

  When I traded a 2000 Acura TL for the Maxima, it had about 25K miles. I drive about 30K per year and wanted something that had a lot of power with a manual transmission that also got decent gas mileage. Roominess was also important to me since I have a family. I got exactly what I was looking for, and the car now has about 140K miles. The Maxima is the perfect commuter for my needs. The V6 is amazing. I think it may be the best motor in any car Ive ever driven. Torque is plentiful and available everywhere in the rev range. The 6 speed is not the slickest, but it keeps you involved, even though you do not have to work very hard shifting because of all of the torque. This is a great Q-ship.

• 

  Best car ive owned so far - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Pukestorm82 - March 20 - 2:23 am

  I purchased my car exactly 1 year ago with 72k miles, now it has 90k and have had no problems at all besides general maintenance. After reading all the bad reviews about transmission problems I bought a 3 year extended warranty and have yet to use it.

• 

  Same Old Same Old - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By valtch - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Asked dealer not to give me firestone or bridgstone tires. it turned out that all my bridgstone tires were replaced by goodyear eagles. Car rides harder than any new car I have ever been in. It is extremely powerful but has horrible gas mileage. seats are comfortable. I have a bad back. Extras are an expensive ripoff. 2000 nissan maxima was a better car. these cars need independent rear suspension. Would I buy another maxima? not a chance. far over-priced for what you get.

• 

  Very good but not great - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Kojak - March 16 - 11:50 pm

  This car has so much potential but.... I researched cars for months looking for a replacement for my 99 5 speed Maxima. Ended up with another Max although was not pleased with the transmission choice. The CV tranny is ok, smooth and quiet, but leaves you feeling disconnected from the engine and the road. I feel much less like Im driving a sports sedan and more like dads buick. The car is very roomy, heat and a/c works well, leather is nice, the car looks nice too. The tires and rims look great, but the tires are too low profile resulting in a really rough ride. Have already blown out one front strut. Did not like the Bose radio in my old Max and the one in my 08 is worse.