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:

• 

  GOOD LOOKING AUTO - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert Langer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE 2000 Miles on the car and the only disappointment is the front end . Going over uneven roads about 20-30 miles an hour the front end is very noisy and does not take the bumps very well. Everything else is fine, but the gear shifting is not easy.I still havent gotten the feel of it and sometimes I have to look up to the dash board to see which gear I am in.

• 

  Already traded it in - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Katprielle - January 19 - 3:10 am

  Traded in 99 Altima for 2008 Maxima, loaded w/everything but nav system. I missed my Altima. Battery went out within a year. Not prepared for how low it sat (my fault, its a sports sedan). I scraped the front bumper (visible damage) on the curb of a parking space within a month and had a hard time getting in and out of steep parking lots. The turning radius is horrible and the car is so long that I had a very hard time parking and backing out of tighter spaces. I live in a city where it floods; I kicked myself for two years because the car sits so low I could not really drive in the rain. I traded it in for an AWD Subaru Forrester that sits up high, has great clearance and turns on a dime.

• 

  Nissan Maxima 2004 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tilo - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Esthetically, the Nissan Maxima 2004 SE is very nice inside and outside. It handles nicely and is pleasant to drive most of the time. However, sudden acceleration produces a tremendous amount of torque steer which drags the car to one side and wheel vibration can be pronounced around 50-60 mph. A bulletin is available to address the steering wheel vibrations problem by doing a road force variation procedure which most likely owners will have to pay for every time new tires are required. I am disappointed with this vibration issue which in my opinion is the result of a bad design.

• 

  Very Nice ride - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By T. O - December 26 - 1:10 pm

  Had my Maxima for a year now. Owned a 2000 GLE prior to my 2009. The body style is one of the coolest cars on the road. I get compliments on a weekly basis. Got the sport package, 19 rims, enjoy the XM radio. I had to buy the SV in order to get the XM so with the sport package that put me me up in the $33k range which is a lot for this car. What happened to the wood paneling? Ive seen 97 Maximas with wood grain and my $33k 2009 doesnt have it???? It lacks the true luxury feel without it. Had to replace a fuel pump in first 6 months but other than that the car has been reliable. The trunk is extremely heavy, turning radius is poor but it handles great! Overall I like the car

• 

  Shimmy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By madagaro - December 21 - 7:20 am

  On the day of the delivery I experienced steering wheel "shimmy" or vibration at two different speeds and despite 4 trips to the dealership, some improvement but not complete elimination of the problem. I understand steering wheel locks may be an issue (found that on the Edmunds site) and will try that....love the car, dislike the service I experienced.

• 

  My 3rd Maxima! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack Schoen - December 21 - 7:12 am

  None of my Maximas have had great acceleration; ride could be better given that these are Nissans flagship cars. Otherwise, dependable, comfortable, almost luxurious interiors; great for short or long drives; reasonable mileage; never a major repair - all routine (brakes, tires, wheel barings (after 150 K miles), struts, etc. Very happy with Nissan.

• 

  Fun, Reliable, and Economical - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By AZShawn - December 9 - 2:00 am

  At 170,000 miles, my Maxima SE 5-speed is still running strong. Average 27mpg is great and the car is still fast and fun to drive. The reliability of this car is outstanding; however the suspension and steering are less than adequate. I cant think of a better value.

• 

  Bad paint - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Plucinski - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle and do feel it is a good vehicle for the money. However, I am very upset about the paint job. I have had too many paint chips to count. I expected more out of Nissan.

• 

  Ive had the same problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By amber13131313 - December 6 - 11:40 pm

  The performance of the car is right up there is definitely fun to drive for sure. All in all I like my car if it come with all the fixing Ive had to do to it.I never had problems with it until it was crashed except for a battery dieing on my first day of work. after the insurance company paid $15,000 to fix yes that amount is right. about 4 months later I started having problems with it they never should have fixed it they should have totaled it out. It broke down at a light i got it started a few times to make it to the gas station across the street before it died again. I had it towed to nissan. i will continue on please read next review to find out more.

• 

  Would do it all over again! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack - December 5 - 12:06 am

  Bought the car brand new back in 2000, other than a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment when it was under warranty I have not had any real problems. The front routers warped after a panic stop and had to be replaced at 50K. Currently I have over 70k and the car is still going strong! Gas mileage is upper 20s but I am a little heavy on the gas pedal. Over all I still love the car and I am not ready to trade it just yet.