2005-2008 Nissan Maxima: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Handling
Cons
- Steering feel
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan's flagship sedan got only minor changes for 2005. Maxima shared an underskin design with Nissan's Altima, which was slightly smaller and cost less. Maxima came in sporty SE and luxury-oriented SL models. Both had a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6. Altima offered this same engine, but the Maxima's was tuned for extra horsepower. The SE came with a 6-speed manual transmission, which Nissan says had improved shift action for '05. Optional for SE and standard for SL was a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Both models included antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, curtain side airbags, and front torso side airbags. Traction control was standard. An antiskid system was optional with the automatic transmission. The SL had 17-inch wheels, the SE 18s. Both models came with Nissan's Skyview roof--fixed tinted-glass panels over the front and rear seats. A conventional power sunroof was available. Also available were a navigation system, heated front seats, and an Elite Package with full-length center console, twin rear bucket seats instead of a 3-passenger bench, and power rear-window sunshade. Leather upholstery was standard for SL, optional for SE.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Maxima SL with Elite Package and automatic transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Nissan Maxima:
There were no changes for the 2006 Maxima.
2007 Nissan Maxima:
Nissan freshened its flagship sedan with revised interior and exterior styling and a new transmission for 2007. Sporty 3.5 SE and luxury-oriented 3.5 SL Maximas were offered, both with a 255-hp V6. For '07, Maxima swapped 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions for a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); the CVT had a manual shift gate with six preselected gear ratios. Also for 2007, rear obstacle detection was a new option and keyless starting was a new standard feature.
2008 Nissan Maxima:
The 2008 Nissan Maxima offered a new Platinum Edition Package. The newly available Platinum Edition Package included driver memory features, driver's seat power lumbar support, auto-dimming outside mirrors, Xenon headlights, a hands-free cell-phone link, and a heated steering wheel.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Even with the automatic transmission, Maxima is strong on takeoff and lively from midrange speeds. Our test SE did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Shifts are velvety, responsive. Fuel economy is decent, too. Test automatic-transmission SE averaged 20.6 mpg in driving slightly biased toward highway miles. But note that Nissan recommends more-expensive premium-grade fuel. Maxima does a decent job of balancing ride and handling. Both models cope well with bumps and ruts. SL has slight comfort edge over SE, thanks to softer suspension, more-forgiving 17-inch tires. The steering annoys with artificial feel and nonlinear turn-in response, however. Maximas are otherwise balanced, predictable, and more agile than most midsize sedans. A sport-tuned suspension gives SE a tad more control vs. SL in quick direction changes. Braking in either model is strong and stable. The V6 makes a pleasant, subdued snarl at full throttle, but just a modest hum at cruising pace. Wind noise well is tamed, but tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement. There's ample space for six-footers on supportive, well-shaped seats, but taller occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel. Two adults is the practical limit in back with the bench seat, the maximum with Elite option's twin rear buckets. The trunk's opening is too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges don't steal space or endanger luggage. The split rear-bench seatbacks fold down to accommodate longer parcels, though the Elite Package provides only a narrow trunk pass-through.
Value for the Money
Maxima stands apart from its Altima corporate sibling in styling, size, and features. It also feels more substantial and looks more upscale. But Maxima costs more, too--close to some premium midsize sedans, in fact. It has the performance to compete in that class, but not the high-end trappings. A V6 Altima costs less than Maxima, and satisfies the driver just as much.
Maxima stands apart from its Altima corporate sibling in styling, size, and features. It also feels more substantial and looks more upscale. But Maxima costs more, too--close to some premium midsize sedans, in fact. It has the performance to compete in that class, but not the high-end trappings. A V6 Altima costs less than Maxima, and satisfies the driver just as much.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Maxima SL with Elite Package and automatic transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Maxima includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Maxima .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Check-engine light:
The check engine light will come on due to misfiring cylinder(s) caused by faulty fuel injectors. (2004)
Cold-starting problems:
In very cold weather (10 degrees F or below) following a cold soak, the starter may not work after a short trip requiring replacement of the intelligent power distribution module. (2004-06)
Cold-starting problems:
Some early-build cars may be hard to start after cold soak (e.g. sitting over night), due to low fuel pressure requiring a revised fuel pump. (2004)
Hard starting:
Hard starting and/or misfires due to damaged ignition coils is caused by a severely damaged or broken battery ground cable at the transmission. (2004-05)
Oil leak:
Oil leak at the oil cooler adapter (oil filter adapter) due to bad gasket. (2003-06)
Transmission problems:
Harsh shifts between first and second may be due to poor electrical contact at the line pressure solenoid, requiring a solder repair or solenoid replacement. (2003-04)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $920 |
| Alternator | $820 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,410 |
| Brakes | $1,410 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,450 |
| Exhaust System | $1,100 |
| Radiator | $945 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $3,405 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,050 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Maxima details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Maxima SE | $21,500-23,000 | $19,800-21,200 | $14,000-15,000 |
| Maxima SL | $24,000-26,500 | $22,300-24,600 | $15,600-17,200 |
| 2007 | |||
| Maxima SE | $19,400-20,900 | $17,800-19,200 | $12,600-13,600 |
| Maxima SL | $21,800-23,500 | $20,100-21,600 | $14,200-15,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| Maxima SE | $17,300-18,800 | $15,900-17,300 | $11,100-12,000 |
| Maxima SL | $19,000-20,500 | $17,500-18,900 | $12,400-13,300 |
| 2005 | |||
| Maxima SE | $15,500-16,700 | $14,100-15,200 | $9,900-10,700 |
| Maxima SL | $17,000-18,500 | $15,600-17,000 | $10,900-11,800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Maxima include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3432 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Maximas enjoy Nissan's smooth 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. A 5-speed automatic is optional on SE models, and the only transmission available on SLs. A 6-speed manual is standard on SE models. For '07, Maxima swaps 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions for a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); the CVT has a manual shift gate with six preselected gear ratios.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 214 | 265 | 255 | 6-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 20/28 CVT automatic: 21/28 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 20.6 CVT automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Maxima include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Maxima 4-door sedan w/front side airbags |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Nissan Maxima directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Maxima:
Child seat anchor did not conform to federal standards. Replacement anchors were replaced by dealers.
2005-06 Maxima:
Cars with Driver Preferred Package recalled for wiring fault that could result in fire. Replacement wiring was installed by dealers.
2006 Maxima:
Certain Maximas may have been built with a faulty rear frame assembly that could break, resulting in a loss of control and potential crash. Potentially affected vehicles were inspected by dealers. Replacement assemblies were installed as necessary.
2007 Maxima w/intelligent key:
During an inspection of some vehicles at the assembly plant, it was found that the steering wheel was locked with the ignition knob in the "off" position but the vehicle's transmission wasn't in the "park" position. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel lock assembly free of charge.
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