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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  Max wins out - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By the mick - November 29 - 10:00 am

  the SE tempts you at every sweeping curve and on-ramp to push its handling ability. suprisingly quiet and smooth in straight line driving for the sport-tuned ride. ok, you can get over the front end & grille. versus the TL and G35, it came out on top. much larger than the TL & G35 in regards to interior and trunk. styling loses out to TLs interior, however. handling was a dead heat. handles better than the G35. throw in the all important purchase price being $2k - $3K less, and it was w/o second thought to tell infiniti and acura, no thanks.

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  My 2nd Opinion from review 5/29/03 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WdnUlik2no - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I got tired of the car so I sold it to a private buyer. The 04 Maxima is a very powerful car, it has smoked a lot of cars that have challenged it. This car is just has fast if not a bit faster than my 01 Mustang GT. The sound system is a great one for one coming right out of the factory. The leather seats are ok, but nothing compared to luxury models. The interior which I liked at first got old real fast. My biggest gripe is the FWD which causes a lot of torque steer when flooring it. If you never had a FWD be warned, its a totally different ride. I should have gotten the G35.

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  Family Man Fun - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By MR. E - November 17 - 12:56 pm

  Purchased new SE as a demo with 7k miles. There werent many choices for a sporty 4 door with a manual tranny. The newly lengthened 00 was bigger than an A6 or 5xx BMW and cost much less. It has lots of legroom and the leather interior is still holding up even with two kids. After 8 years it is still fun to drive and comfy on road trips. With 100k miles I get 24/28 running 89 fuel. I drive more gently now. The exterior has held up pretty well even with occasional modifications in the parking lot. Because of the reliability, I wont consider a new Maxima to replace my 00 unless they include a FREE 100k bumper to bumper warranty.

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  Family Man Fun (not so much anymore) - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr. E - November 17 - 5:06 am

  This is a follow-up to a report from a year ago. Since then I have replaced the brake pads and rotors (again), the O2 sensors (again), and the clutch hydraulic line. And again the engine light is telling me to be prepared to spend lots of money come inspection time. Well, the die has been cast and the Maxima will have a new home by then. It will NOT be replaced by another Nissan product.

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  I Love My Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By General - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned and driven this car for 175,000 miles. The only repair that it needed was a starter. Ive put on two sets of brake pads (genuine Nissan) at 85k and 170k. I put new spark plugs in (genuine Nissan) at 170k also. Thats all Ive done to it besides oil changes! It still doesnt have a rattle or squeak. It sure has treated me well.

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  The anti-Camry - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By David - November 12 - 3:43 pm

  Bought this car 6 mos. ago with 61k on the odo and in that time I have had no probs with it except i had to force the dealer to replace the trans b/c the car had been previously wrecked on the drivers side and they didnt tell me. Now it has 71k and though im a little weary of the interior rattles I couldnt be more thrilled with the way it gets around town and on the interstate. Everything is done smoothly and competently and the VQ35 is well deserving of its reputation, tho Nissan let it down by not installing a 5sp automatic. Build quality is spotty in some areas, particularly around the hood and headlights, but this is still a solid car that Im planning on keeping for a long time.

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  Tramission shot, engine mount broken - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tiffany Pham - November 7 - 4:56 pm

  I owned a 1995 maxima and love it. still runable. bought 2004 and clunk noise when put in reverse to drive gear, brought to nissan dealer and diagnose front engine mount is broken (i have no car accidents)replaced it for $600, clunk noise did not go away. Brought back to nissan dealer and suggest me to replace the transmission due to "internal failure" cost me another $4000 to replace a new transmission. Reported and complained to Nissan Cooperate and waiting to hear from them. I think I got a defect transmission part and it can be a wear and tear on front mount engine when my car is only 84K on millage... very disappointed on Nissan, my whole family and husband voted out on Nissan.

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  Sexy car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Ashlee - November 6 - 8:46 am

  I recently passed the 100K mark on the odometer and the problems have begun :( Randomly driving one night it felt like I was not going to stop while braking, it turns out Nissan diagnosed the ABS actuator pump as "bad". $ 2200 to fix, I had just put brand new front and rear brakes, new tires x 4, and a new battery. I have taken very good care maintenance wise, and Nissan will not work with me at all. Disappointed with the car? No- I am however very displeased with Nissan and not being willing to help me despite the technical service bulletins on NUMEROUS 2005 Maxima ABS actuator pumps :( Also have have both fog lights and head lights replaced at least 3-4 times each light!!!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mixed Feelings - November 3 - 7:30 pm

  Bought the car in 05 with 95km and now has 166km. Ill first start off with the good qualities: comfortable luxury interior with good sound system. Has good power and fun to drive. Now the problems. Non stop idle problems. I have had many parts changed and still no luck. It seems like the check engine light is always on for something. To this day I still have idle problems which the dealership wants $2400 to change the computer. There is also some rust starting on the body. Other than that, its been a decent car.

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  Sleek Look - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Saylor - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Maxima for about 3 months. I have two sons and we all love the roomy interior. The only fault I found is the turning radius and the front wheel drive is not my favorite, but I am getting use to it. I love it!