One of the longest-running model names in the Nissan lineup, Maxima’s roots in the U.S. can be traced back to 1977 Datsun 810. However, the first car to officially wear the Maxima nameplate was introduced in 1981.
The 1981 Maxima’s female voice reminded drivers the lights were on or the key was left in the ignition. This may seem rudimentary today as we both talk to our cars and they respond, but this was cutting edge stuff back in 1981.
In total, there have been eight generations of Maxima offered, if one also counts the early Datsun 810 models. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on Maxima models built between 2000 and 2011.
Used Nissan Maxima: 2000 – 2003Essentially a refresh of the version introduced in 1995, the fifth-generation Maxima was introduced in 2000 and offered a 222-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 along with the choice of a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission offering was unique in the mid-sized sedan category as Nissan’s competition was more focused on comfort and utility than performance.
While earlier Maxima models were rear drive, front-wheel drive has been the norm for the latest versions of Nissan’s largest sedan. This model was offered when the Altima was introduced, nearly matching it in size, power and performance. Many reviewers of the day wondered, quite vocally, why anybody would buy a Maxima when the V-6-powered version of the Altima did pretty much everything the Maxima would do at a lower price. The 2002 model year saw an engine upgrade to 3.5-liters and 255 horsepower to help alleviate this situation. Also, a six-speed manual transmission replaced the five-speed.
If you run across a fifth-generation Maxima whose check engine light is illuminated, you may have found one suffering from one of the common maladies affecting this iteration of the car. These include an idle control valve problem, which could short out the engine control module and is pretty pricey to fix. You’ll definitely want to make sure that part has been replaced. An Internet search for “common Nissan Maxima problems” will give you a more thorough idea of what your mechanic should be on the lookout for.
Used Nissan Maxima: 2004 - 2008One of the most radically styled Maxima models ever, the look of the sixth-generation car is rather, shall we say, polarizing. However, it did offer a number of interesting features including the longest (also the narrowest) sunroof fitted to a production car to date as well as a rather daring interior treatment. This generation of the Maxima was more like a concept car than a production car in many ways.
The 2004 Maxima was offered in two trim levels, SL and SE, with SE being the performance oriented variant. A rear spoiler, a six-speed manual transmission, eighteen-inch alloy wheels wearing performance tires and a stiffer suspension system characterized this trim level. Meanwhile, SL buyers were treated to 17-inch wheels, wood interior trim, a six-disc CD changer feeding a 320-watt Bose audio system and high intensity discharge headlamps.
The 3.5-liter V-6 produced 265 horsepower and 255 ft-lbs of torque. The other transmission offering was a five-speed automatic until 2007 when Nissan moved to a continuously variable automatic transmission for both trim levels. If you’re set on having the six-speed manual, you should look for a Maxima built before 2007.
Also in 2007, the look of the car was updated a bit to incorporate a grille reflecting the new family face introduced with the Altima. White and orange dials replaced the straight orange instrumentation and the center console was replaced.
Used Nissan Maxima: 2009 - CurrentA complete redesign for the 2009 Maxima debuted at the New York Auto Show in 2008. With it, the sportiness that had been diminished somewhat over the years had returned—along with a beautifully curvaceous body.
Trim levels are now defined as S and SV in reflection of the renewed emphasis on sportiness. Standard features for the base S trim level include a sunroof, keyless entry and start and dual-zone automatic climate control. Flip for the full tilt SV model, you’ll drive away with leather and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. Cool tech options include voice-activated nav, iPod connectivity and rear view camera for both trim levels.
Power is generated by a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, which churns out 261 ft-lbs of torque. The only transmission choice is Nissan’s continuously variable automatic, and yes, there have been loud cries of dissent regarding that choice. However, in our drives of the vehicle we have found this CVT to be quite conducive to spirited driving, and the paddles mounted behind the wheel offer a well-considered selection of ratios.
To date no changes have been implemented for the seventh-generation Maxima since its introduction.
Used Nissan Maxima: SummaryAll in all, if you like to drive, it’s difficult to go wrong with a Nissan Maxima of any vintage. Yes, some are sportier than others—as we indicated previously (and yes, we’re talking about you GEN6) but overall, Nissan’s Maxima represents a good value on the used car market.
However, as we also mentioned, there have been some problem areas identified. One should definitely engage in a bit of due diligence before making their final decision. For recall information, run an Internet search for “Nissan Maxima recall”, incorporating your model year(s) of interest. And, of course, make sure you have a trusted professional mechanic give any car you’re seriously considering a thorough going over.
An interesting bit of trivia, Maxima is currently the only car model name in use that is plural rather than singular. The word maxima is the plural form of the word maximum.
