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2007 Nissan Maxima Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2007 Nissan Maxima Review:
2007 Nissan Maxima Review
Nissan freshens its flagship sedan with revised interior and exterior styling and a new transmission for 2007. Maxima shares its underskin design with the 2002-2006 Altima; '07 Altimas use a different, new architecture. Sporty 3.5 SE and luxury-oriented 3.5 SL Maximas are offered, both with a 255-hp V6. 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. Both models come with ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction control is standard; an antiskid system is optional. Leather upholstery is standard for SL, optional for SE. Nissan's Skyview roof of dual tinted-glass panels is standard; a conventional sunroof is available. Xenon headlights are standard on SL, optional on SE. Also available are a navigation system, heated front seats, a hands-free cell-phone link, and an Elite Package with full-length center console, two heated rear bucket seats instead of a three-passenger bench, and power rear-window sunshade. Also for 2007, rear obstacle detection is a new option and keyless starting is a new standard feature.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
This year's makeover seems a short-lived stopgap, as spies say the '09 Maximas will be fully redesigned. That should mean switching to the new Altima architecture, though Maxima will remain upscale of Altima in appearance, features and price.
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2007 Nissan Maxima Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Handling | Rear-seat entry/exit |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Strong on takeoff and from midrange speeds. CVT seamlessly moves engine rpm to the right range and keeps it there to supply ample power at any speed.
| SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.9 |
Strong on takeoff and from midrange speeds. CVT seamlessly moves engine rpm to the right range and keeps it there to supply ample power at any speed.
Fuel Economy
Test SE models averaged 21.1-23.1 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
| SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.1 |
Test SE models averaged 21.1-23.1 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Only SE model made available for test so far. It copes well with most bumps and ruts, though it can pound over sharp bumps. Note that SE has lower-profile tires than SL and 18-inch wheels vs. 17s.
| SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.1 |
Only SE model made available for test so far. It copes well with most bumps and ruts, though it can pound over sharp bumps. Note that SE has lower-profile tires than SL and 18-inch wheels vs. 17s.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering feel a bit light, but Maxima is otherwise balanced, predictable, and more agile than most midsize sedans. Braking strong, stable. Torque steer well controlled, though steering can feel light under sustained full throttle.
| SE | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Steering feel a bit light, but Maxima is otherwise balanced, predictable, and more agile than most midsize sedans. Braking strong, stable. Torque steer well controlled, though steering can feel light under sustained full throttle.
Quietness
V6 emits constant snarl at full throttle, a modest hum at cruising pace. Wind noise well-tamed, but tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement.
| SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.2 |
V6 emits constant snarl at full throttle, a modest hum at cruising pace. Wind noise well-tamed, but tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement.
Controls
Easily read white-on-black gauges. Audio and climate controls are large and within easy reach, but unorthodox layout takes some acclimation.
| SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.7 |
Easily read white-on-black gauges. Audio and climate controls are large and within easy reach, but unorthodox layout takes some acclimation.
Details
Interior has attractive but not posh materials, strikes an acceptable balance of hard and padded surfaces.
| SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 3 |
Interior has attractive but not posh materials, strikes an acceptable balance of hard and padded surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample space for six-footers on supportive, well-shaped seats, though the feel is a bit cozy. Taller occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel, and more head clearance. Roof shape and rear-end styling slight impediments to visibility aft, over the shoulder.
| SE | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.8 |
Ample space for six-footers on supportive, well-shaped seats, though the feel is a bit cozy. Taller occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel, and more head clearance. Roof shape and rear-end styling slight impediments to visibility aft, over the shoulder.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Two adults is the practical limit with bench seat, the maximum with Elite option's twin rear buckets. Either way, the feel here is cozy, too; leg, head room good, but not grand. Entry/exit hampered by sloping roofline, narrowish floor-level passages.
| SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.1 |
Two adults is the practical limit with bench seat, the maximum with Elite option's twin rear buckets. Either way, the feel here is cozy, too; leg, head room good, but not grand. Entry/exit hampered by sloping roofline, narrowish floor-level passages.
Cargo Room
Trunk's opening too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges don't steal space or endanger luggage. Split rear-bench seatbacks fold for long cargo. Elite Package provides only narrow trunk pass-through. Ample cabin storage; Elite option adds a second roomy console bin in back.
| SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
Trunk's opening too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges don't steal space or endanger luggage. Split rear-bench seatbacks fold for long cargo. Elite Package provides only narrow trunk pass-through. Ample cabin storage; Elite option adds a second roomy console bin in back.
Value within Class
Positioned between family-oriented midsize sedans and premium sport sedans, Maxima is bested for value by such stalwarts as Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and for performance and refinement by Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. Still, this Nissan is a roomy and capable midsize option.
| SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.3 |
Positioned between family-oriented midsize sedans and premium sport sedans, Maxima is bested for value by such stalwarts as Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and for performance and refinement by Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. Still, this Nissan is a roomy and capable midsize option.
Total Score
| SE | Class Average |
| 65 | 62.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 47 | |
| Average Score | 62 | |
| High Score | 69 |
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2007 Nissan Maxima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SE 4-door sedan | $28,050 | $25,648 | $615 |
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| SL 4-door sedan | $30,300 | $27,706 | $615 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT) w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, glass roof panel, fog lights, cornering lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 245/45VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
SL adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear spoiler, sport suspension.
Bi-xenon headlights, 225/55HR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Sensory Pkg.
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SE
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$2,400
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$2,082
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, 4-way power passenger seat, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, compass.
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Driver Preferred Pkg.
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SL
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$1,000
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$687
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Rear-obstacle-detection system, power tilt/telescope and heated steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power entry/exit driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, power-folding mirrors w/automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, wireless cell phone link.
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Elite Pkg.
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SE
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$4,700
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$4,071
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SL
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$1,950
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$1,561
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Driver Preferred Pkg. plus heated rear bucket seats, rear center console, trunk pass-through, power rear sunshade, automatic up/down rear windows, rear auxiliary power outlet. Deletes split folding rear seat.
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Safety |
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Antiskid system
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SE, SL
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$600
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$520
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Includes full-size spare tire. Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg., power sunroof, mudguards. SE requires navigation system. NA w/chrome alloy wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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SE, SL
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$900
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$780
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Deletes glass roof panel.
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Navigation system
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SE, SL
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$1,800
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$1,561
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Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg., power sunroof, mudguards.
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Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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SE
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$1,050
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$911
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Satellite radio
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SE, SL
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$350
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$304
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Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg., power sunroof, mudguards.
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Wireless cell phone link
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SE, SL
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$300
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$260
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SE requires Sensory Pkg.
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Floormats
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SE, SL
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$170
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$127
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Includes cargo mat.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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SL
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$360
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$282
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Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg., mudguards.
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Bi-xenon headlight delete
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(credit)
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$-150
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$-131
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Replaces bi-xenon headlights with halogen headlights. Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.
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Mudguards
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SE, SL
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$140
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$105
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Chrome alloy wheels
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SE
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$1,550
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$1,104
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Nissan Maxima Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3579 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 255 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 252 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| CVT automatic | 21/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: XM Satellite Radio, Splash Guards, Power Glass Sunroof (equipped with rear tilt and one touch open feature), Floor/Trunk Mat Set, Driver Preferred Package (Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power folding sideview mirrors with memory, driver's seat with 2 position memory and power lumbar, heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, auto entry/exit system, Xenon HID headlights), Sensory Package (leather seats, 4-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors), Premium Audio Package (Bose audio system w/ AM/FM/CD6 with 8 speakers, MP3 playback capability, speed sensitive volume control, radio data system), Navigation Package (DVD-based navigation system, 7" color monitor with compass display) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 21.13 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta Our tone is valid, but we need to alter our text to say the Maxima isn't bettered by TL, CTS, and G35 for performance and refinement, but by nameplate prestige. Rick Cotta Maxima perhaps suffers more from perception than any actual shortcomings. At nearly $36,000, our loaded SE is priced in premium sedan territory, yet doesn't carry a premium name. But there's little here to fault in the car itself, and the better value might be the $30,000 SL. |
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Also in the 2007 Nissan Maxima Review:
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