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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  ReliableEngine/Trans,thats where it ends - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By dave - October 30 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this car w/118000 on the clock w/out concern about reliability. In the past 3 1/2yrs, the engine and trans. have lived up to expectations (161500). However, Ive had to replace the alternator, 2 oxygen sensors, knock sensor, starter,tie rod, oil pressure switch, belt tensioner, two axles. I know w/this kind of mileage there is an expectation to replace parts, but this seems excessive. Now Im looking at having to replace the front struts and rear bushings. What prevents me from putting this car out to pasture is the engine/trans, quality/look and user friendly interior as well as the leather seats, moon roof and the Bose sound system.

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  A JAPANESE M-5 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By CarGuy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  EVEN THE LOCAL STATE POLICE LOVE THIS CAR. I ACTUALLY SAW ONE BEING PUT TO USE TO CATCH SPEEDERS. ITS A CAR THAT GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR MONEY AND THATS ALWAYS A WINNING FORMAULA. THANKS NISSAN FOR BUILDING THE CAR I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By kenny - October 20 - 6:16 pm

  Before I bought it, I shopped hard and the negative things I read about gas mileage scared me but still bought one. Well, the mileage is very good for the size of the car and it comes down to how you drive. If you use cruise control and drive the speed limit, I get 25-28 hwy. miles.I dont do much city driving so I dont know what I would get but I am happy with this car overall. Lots of go if you want it. I have just over 12,000 miles on it since May 2008.

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  Awesome..as I expected..!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By PRP - October 18 - 8:30 am

  This car lives up to its expectations. Its fun to drive. The 3.5L engine is preppy, and very responsive. The ride is very comfortable. Plenty of interior room. The trunk is huge. Step aside, Accord and Camry..!!

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  One of the bad ones!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By kasey2586 - October 4 - 1:03 pm

  This car supposedly has tons of wonderful reputations. I got stuck with major expensive internal motor work needed. It does have a lot of power and has never left me stranded. These cars can blow the Hondas off the road with the power it has!! It has an engine miss, and the unusual thing about this problem is, it comes and goes! Its had a rough idle, stumbling and bucking. But these symptoms last occurred about 1 month ago and has been a smooth, beautiful ride ever since!! One mechanic told me since it was running on five cylinders, its got bad valves. It also hisses and I know thats in need of an EGR valve. Yes, the check engine light and needs an anti-knock sensor! Not cheap!

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  A great car at almost 100k miles - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By js1 - September 29 - 10:06 am

  We bought our Maxima when it was 3 years old. It has been near flawless ever since. Just had to replace a starter at 95k miles. The exterior is holding up very well. Good original paint still shines. The interior is also in excellent condition. No cracking or breaking on any of the plastic pieces. The engine is quite and smooth, even more so than many 4 cylinder engines. The only complaint is a very light steering feel and too much body roll in the corners. The rear suspension should be independent. Nissan tried to compromise comfort and sport.

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  Still sweet after 42months - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Jo Co Max - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 SE Auto and with 43,000 miles after 42 months, car still strong, engine still sweet! This is truly a 4 door sports car. Performance is better than a lot of "sports cars" Ive driven. There is nothing finer than to be cruising down the interstate at 80 MPH, punching the gas, and feeling the acceleration. The engine does run out of breath at about 95 MPH, but that is a small complaint. (I shouldnt be going that fast anyway!)

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  2005 Maxima 6 speed manual - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By WHOA - September 25 - 10:33 pm

  Very Sporty car. Good Horse-power. Good torque. The rear window provides a restricted view but is otherwise fine. The unacceptable feature is that there is about a 1 second delay from accelerator release before engine starts to slow down. This requires rapid wear of clutch or shifting like a grandma. Nissan dealerships could not change this feature.

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  Dollar store paint - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark - September 23 - 2:46 am

  My first Maxima... and last. Impressed with the ride, very confident and comfortable. Good upscale features like xenon headlights, electronic console display. However, comes up short in several respects. Bose stereo is a rip off - sounds boomy. Paint is extremely cheap and if I look close enough there are areas where the primer can be seen. The dealer, of course, says these are paint chips which they are not. I am confident Nissan used the best paint the dollar store had to offer. The metal is thin and when closing the doors the car sounds like a big tub. Drive by wire throttle system needs improvement - there is notable lag. Overall, not a value. European rivals are a better buy.

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  Not so happy - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By shooooz - September 16 - 8:23 am

  Bought it new and love the power. Sometimes its fun to drive--too bad its not on the road enough to have tons of fun driving it. Have had issues with the rotors/shaking in the back end, and issues with a creaking sound which has yet to be repaired after the 3rd attempt. Not to mention the two recalls......just hard to have fun owning a car with so many issues. Im disappointed to say the least with Nissans performance on this one!