2008 Nissan Maxima [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 46 Maxima reviews and test drives.
Nissan Maxima - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Nissan Maxima ranks 11 out of 16 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Maxima, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Nissan Maxima delivers a nice combination of performance and luxury in a sport sedan.
Auto writers see the 2008 Nissan Maxima as a sporty, powerful alternative to a mainstream midsize sedan, but its price puts it in a class dominated by luxury brands. As a result, Maxima reviews are split between those who describe the car as a family sedan with an austere personality and those who say that the Maxima is an upscale midsize sedan that isn't sporty enough to effectively compete with its class.
This difference of reviewer opinion also affects assessments of the Maxima's price. Weighing its amenities against its price, the Sacramento Bee reports, "this is one of the few cars you drive away from the dealership, chuckling to yourself and whispering, 'Man, I stole this one!'" But Car and Driver says, "Gets pricey when loaded with options," when describing the maxima, later noting, "it's hard to justify over Nissan's own Altima."
The 2008 model represents the car's sixth generation and is a carryover from the 2007 with minimal changes. A complete redesign is expected for the 2009 model year. If you're in the market for an upscale midsize car, also consider the BMW 3-Series. If you're in the market for some of the lower-priced sedans the Maxima is also compared with, consider the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
- "The Maxima always used to be Nissan's sporty mid-size Sedan. Over the years, though, it has grown in size, becoming ever more luxurious and powerful but less of a driver's car." -- Car and Driver
- In its 2007 review, NCTD lists the Maxima as "individualistic and indulgently luxurious, with innovative styling and interior features. Its engine is powerful and its ride is smooth and quiet. Its interior is innovative and comfortable." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The Nissan Maxima continues as an upscale alternative to the common midsize sedan." -- The Auto Channel
- "Nissan's Maxima wasn't the first fast four-door, but it did help popularize the 'four-door sports car' concept back in the mid-late '80s. … Fast forward to the present and the Maxima now has lots of company. Sporty sedans with powerful engines, taut suspensions, and great brakes are now the rule, not the exception. … To keep the Maxima near the front of the ever-growing pack is the challenge." -- The Car Connection
- "Nissan's flagship sedan continues to emphasize its combination of performance, scale, luxury, and affordability, but today the Maxima finds itself in the thick of one of the most competitive segments of the car market." -- Automobile Magazine
Maxima Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
Reviewers characterize the Maxima as a confident cruiser but not a performance-oriented sedan. 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." Our full Performance Review gives more information on the Maxima's sport-tuned Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, or the sedan's engine-speed sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. continue
Maxima Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
Most say the 2008 Nissan Maxima's exterior succeeds at appearing aggressive and sporty. New Car Test Drive says "Maxima still presents a muscular body with pronounced character lines; aerodynamic and modern and yet architecturally Art Deco." But the car's exterior score is considerably lower than Infiniti and BMW models. Check out the Nissan Maxima Photo Gallery to see the slight modifications made to the Maxima's grille, hood, bumper and headlights back in 2007, or continue with our full Exterior Review for reviewer comments on the Maxima's design. continue
Maxima Interior - 7.4 (Good)
Most found the five-seat Maxima roomy inside, in addition to giving Nissan kudos for increasing its cabin quality. According to New Car Test Drive, the Maxima "is innovative and comfortable with supportive, luxurious seats." USA Today adds "Nissan has had subpar materials and textures until now. Maxima sheds most of that problem." Check out the Nissan Maxima Photo Gallery to see the improvements made to the sedan's gauges and dashboard, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn more about the Maxima's standard SkyView glass roof or optional Elite Package. continue
Maxima Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2008 Nissan Maxima receives fair scores in government and insurance industry 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. Continue with our full Safety Review for a comprehensive list of the car's passive and active safety features. continue
Maxima Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 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 Maxima comes with Nissan's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review for further explanation of the Maxima's basic and extended warranties. continue