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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 3,122.00-
Bang for your Buck! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By harrisc - September 26 - 8:50 amThe 2007 Maxima is a blast to drive. It IS a "four-door sports car". This means that it handles really well, and has a powerful 255 hp engine. The CVT took a few drives to get adjusted to, but now I really like it - no jerky down-shifts in cruise control etc. Now regular automatics feel odd. Ive become spoiled by never having to take my keys out of my pocket. The negative is - while the sport-tuned suspension makes the Maxima fun to race on curvy roads - it also lets you feel every bump on the road. A worthy trade off.
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pearly white - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By stubdew - September 24 - 1:58 amI love this car i have had 2000 gle 2001 and now the 2002 maxima se love the style of this car and comfort
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I Am Extremely Satisfied - 2009 Nissan Maxima
By Big Busa - September 17 - 9:56 amThis car is a beast! Love the power and the prowess. I love how she moves when I tell her to. My previous just thought about it. Guess you really cannot compare a Dodge Nitro and a Nissan Maxima but I must say, I LOVE THIS CAR. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury car without the luxury price.
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2nd-Timer - 2000 Nissan Maxima
By pvd47 - September 15 - 2:00 amThis is my second GLE, and Ive had nothing but great luck and top-end performance from both of them. Im especially keen on the GLEs V-6 engine, which I tested against both the Camry V-6 and the Accord V-6 when I was first looking at the Nissan back in 1998. Honda and Toyota may have ugraded their engine performance in the intervening years, but Id be surprised if either could match the GLE for either power or pickup. A great car, albeit a little pricey and not overly stylish.
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Great Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
By Steven Smith - September 14 - 7:45 pmI test drove the Maxima SR just before the end of 2016 hoping to get a good end of year deal. I didnt get the price I was looking for so I did not buy. Most likely will buy one here in 2017. The SR package looks very sharp IMO and the car drives great. Im 62" and 225lbs and I had plenty of room. Great power and smooth ride and looks like high end luxury sedan.
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Great car, great value - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By DavidG - September 12 - 5:30 amPurchased this car used with about 8k miles on it. New, it stickered for about $31K, but I picked it up for about $21K, a real bargain. This is a fun car. Ive only had 3 problems with the car: At around 25k miles the Speed Sensitive Volume became erratic. Nissan changed out the Bose unit, it was fine for a few months and then the problem came back. They replaced the unit again and suggested if it happened again they would probably replace the amp. Both times were under warranty; no charge. No problems since. I now have about 68k miles, and a few months ago the front psgr window motor was replaced due to some sticking. Thats it. This car is reliable.
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Engine says all - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By BIG RAM - September 9 - 10:00 amI had the 03 Maxima for a couple of weeks now. I like everything about the car. The SE with the Titanium package is both fun to drive and provides comfort and style. I am currently getting 22mpg and that is mostly highway miles. I expected closer to the higher end, 26. Maybe that will get better as the engine is broken in.
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This Sedan Tears up the BMW 325 and Audi - 2002 Nissan Maxima
By ejah - September 9 - 10:00 amIs this a sedan or not? It feels faster than a sports car, except their are 3 passengers in the back. The Maxima goes 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. Thats fast. It is fun to drive. Nice interior, and oh did I mention it was fast. Cars pull up next to the car and have no idea they can get smoked by a family sedan. This max will make the BMW 325 look silly!!!
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Maxima SL - Wow this cars fast - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By TimNelson24 - September 9 - 10:00 amThe best part about the 2004 Maxima is that it has some serious power, but its as luxurious as most European cars that are priced almost twice as much. Its competion, the Toyata Avalon is totally underpowered compared to this car, 210 HP. The best part about the Maxima, is the durability of its V6 engine. My previous car was a 96 Nissan Maxima GXE. After 150,00 miles it still ran like new. Theyre easily 200,000 mile motors. If your thinking about it, I honestly dont think you can go wrong on this car. Its has 5- Series BMW quality for around 30,000. Plus, at least for now, not everyone and their mother has one.
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what a beutiful car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By birkre - September 4 - 10:00 ambeautiful style, confortable ride
