2007 Nissan Maxima [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Nissan Maxima
Overall Score - 7.5 (Good)
The Maxima delivers a nice combination of performance and luxury in a sport sedan. Whether it's a good value depends on which cars you compare it to. The Maxima is often compared with lower priced sedans such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but is priced in the $30,000 range, close to entry-luxury midsize cars such as the Acura TL, Lexus ES and Infiniti G.
Auto reviewers see the 2007 Nissan Maxima as a sporty, powerful alternative to a mainstream midsize sedan, but its price puts it in a class dominated by luxury brands. The 2007 model represents the car's sixth generation and is a carryover from the 2004 redesign. New for 2007 are a slightly redesigned exterior and interior, and a standard continuously variable transmission. Edmunds calls the Maxima "...a fine car, and new or used sedan shoppers desiring extra performance, room and luxury should give it heavy consideration." Kelley Blue Book also offers high praise, noting "If you're looking for a high-performance front-wheel-drive sedan offering a number of unique styling and comfort features, you'll love the Maxima."
The Washington Post sees the Maxima as "a genuine contender in the entry-level, sports-luxury segment," which includes such competitors as the Acura TL and Audi A4. Likewise, the Sacramento Bee sees it as a great buy, commenting that "given the whole package, the Maxima is a lot of sedan for the money. It's a bargain-leader in an era when buyers are dropping $40,000 to $50,000 on four-door passenger cars that have little more than you can find on a Maxima." Automobile Magazine feels that even a full-loaded SL model "is a reasonable alternative to so-called 'entry-luxury' cars such as the Acura TL and Lexus ES 330, providing more interior space for thousands of dollars less."
However, other critics believe the Maxima is overpriced, often because they compare it to a different set of cars. Fro example, Consumer Guide says the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry offer better performance for the money, while the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35 offer more refinement for only a small additional cost. Edmunds cautions that buyers should "weigh the Maxima's price premium as part of the decision-making process."
Resale values should be somewhat above average. IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Maxima a "better than average" value rating for its predicated five-year total cost of ownership, compared to vehicles in its class.
Maxima Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Maxima should deliver enough power to satisfy performance-minded buyers. Automobile Magazine says "The Maxima is a great cruising or highway car, with generous power and a comfortable ride. It's less satisfying as a true sport sedan, as it tends to squirm and wallow when pushed aggressively on twisty roads." continue
Maxima Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
Freshened for 2007, the Maxima's exterior styling is intended to look aggressive and sporty. Most say it accomplishes just that. U.S. News' Rick Newman deems it "Hot. This car simply looks fast -- and it is," and later adds "Park one in your driveway and you'll gawk at it all day long." continue
Maxima Interior - 7.4 (Good)
Most people who take the five-seat Maxima for a test run find it comfortable and roomy inside. The cabin has been updated and re-styled for 2007, prompting USA TODAY to say, "Inside is a treat. Nissan has had subpar materials and textures until now. Maxima sheds most of that problem." continue
Maxima Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2007 Nissan Maxima receives good scores in government crash tests. "The Maxima is competitive with its peer group in terms of safety equipment, with dual-stage front-seat airbags, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags," says Automobile Magazine. However, electronic stability control is not standard (though it is available as an option), and the Maxima receives only marginal scores for side impact tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. continue
Maxima Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 Nissan Maxima reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2007 Maxima comes with Nissan's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
