2011 Nissan Maxima Review
2011 Nissan Maxima Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+91
Used Maxima for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Precise steering
- strong V6
- high-quality interior with high-tech features
- excellent iPod integration.
Cons
- Lacks the brand cachet its price tag implies
- optional equipment stuffed into expensive packages.
What’s new
For 2011, the Nissan Maxima sees only a handful of minor changes. Among them, the exhaust tips are different and the available Sport package gets smoked headlights, a dark chrome grille and gray stitching for the upholstery.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Nissan Maxima serves as an appealing alternative to many entry-level luxury sedans thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and high-quality construction.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Missouri.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Missouri
$222/mo for Maxima 3.5 S
Maxima 3.5 S
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The 2011 Nissan Maxima has a difficult task, as it's meant to be a premium luxury sedan at the same time that it offers affordable family-sedan utility. It's no wonder that this car is a good-news, not-much-bad-news proposition.
First the good news. This is a very nice car with powerful, refined performance, a well-trimmed cabin and plenty of high-tech luxury features. Sporting nearly 300 horsepower, the Maxima can show its taillights to pricier, entry-level luxury cars while its well-developed chassis offers a nice balance between sporty handling and a nice ride.
Within the cabin, you'll find a well-designed interior with excellent materials. The optional, easily mastered navigation system is virtually identical to what you'll find within various models offered by Nissan's upscale Infiniti division, and the iPod integration is one of the best ones out there. With pricing in the mid-$30,000 range for a fairly loaded example, the Maxima gets you a lot of car -- in some cases, more than you'd get from luxury sedans costing thousands more.
The semi-bad news? You're not going to get the prestige that some people want when they're spending $30-40K on a car, even if it's just a base model of a premium brand nameplate. Other choices you might want to consider include the 2011 Acura TSX and TL, 2011 Hyundai Genesis and 2011 Volkswagen CC, which are all in the Maxima's price range. Like the Maxima, they have nice interiors and a good value proposition, yet they mostly lack the Maxima's fun-to-drive nature. And of course you could also look at base versions of models like the 2011 Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 and 2011 Lexus IS 350. They deliver the performance and prestige expected, yet lack the Maxima's long list of features.
Performance & mpg
Powering every 2011 Nissan Maxima is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 hp and 261 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that can be overridden by six simulated "gear" ratios selected via shift paddles on the steering wheel (if optioned on SV models).
In testing, the Maxima SV accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, which is in line with the acceleration times of many entry-level luxury cars. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for every 2011 Nissan Maxima includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active head restraints. A rearview camera is optional on SV models. In Edmunds brake testing, Maximas with both the Premium and Sport packages came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet -- a bit longer than average for this price range.
In government crash tests, the Maxima scored a perfect five out of five stars sweep for frontal- and side-impact protection for all occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Maxima its highest score of "Good" for frontal-offset and side crash protection, but got the second-best rating of "Acceptable" in the roof strength test.
Driving
Nissan calls the 2011 Maxima a "four-door sports car," but no one is going to mistake this large sedan for a 370Z. Yet it's still a very good sport sedan and it should please the vast majority of drivers. The Maxima's steering is exceptionally nice, boasting light effort, plenty of communication and spot-on precision. For the money, though, we would forgo the optional Sport package, which stiffens the compliant ride without any appreciable performance gains.
It used to be that when we'd encounter a vehicle fitted with a CVT, we were filled with a combination of dread and loathing. But that's not the case with the 2011 Nissan Maxima, as its CVT is well-suited to the strong V6.
Interior
The 2011 Maxima's interior is as upscale as you'll find in the Nissan lineup. The cabin is understated and surrounds passengers with high-quality materials worthy of the sedan's luxury-car price tag. When combined with the Premium or Sport packages, the cabin is on even footing with its pricier Infiniti G37 cousin. We're especially fond of the Maxima's optional iPod interface, which is one of the best.
Within the ample, adult-size cabin, the front seats blend support and soft cushioning. The executive-style rear bucket seats are comfortable and stylish just like those in the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Volkswagen CC, but the small center position is understandably all but unusable. The standard 60/40-split rear seats can fold down for bulkier items, but the optional bucket rear seats offer just a center pass-through for longer objects.
2011 Nissan Maxima models
The 2011 Nissan Maxima is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels.
The base model S comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, cruise control, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, along with eight-way driver and four-way passenger power front seats. Also standard in the S are a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and an in-dash six-disc CD-changer with an auxiliary audio jack.
The Maxima SV adds integrated turn signals located in the exterior mirrors, foglamps, a driver-seat manual thigh-support extender, power lumbar support, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker Bose stereo upgrade with satellite radio.
The SV can be optioned with either the Premium or Sport packages -- both of which add shift paddles on the steering wheel, xenon headlights, a driver-side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, driver memory functions and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column. These packages also include a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and rear bucket seats with a center trunk pass-through in lieu of the 60/40-split seats.
The Premium package differs by adding a dual-panel sunroof, a rearview camera, a 7-inch LCD screen, a ventilated driver seat, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, automatic up/down rear windows, a power rear sunshade, wood trim, an RCA auxiliary audio-video jack, a 2GB music server (replacing the six-disc CD changer) and an iPod interface. The Sport package features a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, smoked headlights, dark chrome grille, gray metallic stitching accents, a rear spoiler and metallic-look interior trim. High-performance summer tires are an added option with the Sport package.
The Technology package adds a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, a 7-inch LCD screen with DVD playback, a single in-dash CD player (which replaces the six-disc version), streaming Bluetooth audio and 9.3GB of digital music storage. The Monitor package includes the color monitor, 2GB music server, auxiliary audio-video jack, rearview camera and USB port. Finally, the Cold package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated outside mirrors.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#8 out of 13 among Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Maxima from 2008-2022.$465/yr
vs. $474/yr
for Average Fullsize Car
for Average Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.05x/yr
vs. 0.97x/yr
for Average Fullsize Car
for Average Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.6%
vs. 13.4%
for Average Fullsize Car
for Average Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Nissan Maxima.
5 star(60%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(8%)
50 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
CVT Technology and the 2011 Maxima SV
labower, 06/17/2015
2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2011 Maxima SV is an overall great car. Not only is the sports sedan great for people with kids who just can't bring themselves to travel around in a minivan, but it handles well, gets great gas mileage, and makes driving less of a chore and more of an adventure. Really, I love to find an excuse, any excuse, to drive this car. And it has plenty of room in the trunk for groceries, … and for my large dog (who has not quite gotten used to the fact that we no longer have a hatchback vehicle and she can't just ride in there). I don't know how I survived without a dual sunroof, heated and cooled seats, or a heated steering wheel. And the pickup...when you press the gas, it GOES.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Don't compare to Camry & Accord
uga91, 02/25/2011
2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
I recently bought a 2011 Maxima S and could not be happier with the car at the price I paid. I took the 0% NMAC financing, so I didn't get all the rebates; but, at about $26.5k, you have to compare this Maxima to cars like Acura TL and Lexus ES350. The 290HP, keyless ignition, all the safety features, the power seats, 6-disc changer and other features make this car very formidable … against higher priced competitors. I know I don't have leather, but that's about all I don't have versus cars like that.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Passenger airbag light malfunction
gdoucet, 03/12/2012
2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
I purchased my '11 Maxima new on 03/31/2011 and have had an issue with the passenger side airbag light coming on with an adult passenger in the seat. When the light is on, it reflects that the airbag is in the 'off' position. I have brought the problem to my dealer's attention, Giles Nissan, Lafayette, LA ever since my first 3,750 oil change service, and was given a variety of reasons. … At first the dealer could not locate the trouble then I was told that it was normal. I finally brought my wife with me and rode with a service tech who witnessed the problem. Since then, different techs at different times have experienced the light on, however the issue has not yet been resolved.
5 out of 5 stars
Bells and Whistles
chefjohn2, 03/07/2011
2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Wow I went from a 08 Maxima and now in the 2011 all I can say is Wow...Nissan you did right on this model..better turning radius, more comfort, tons of options, and 20 more HP.
This is my 3rd Nissan and it cant get much better.
Only dislike I have is that they do not have the rear back up sensors like my 08.
Other than that fun to drive and turning heads.
Paddle shift is awesome. PRICE … was great compared to other vehicles...and Nissan is extremely LOYAL to past customers.
This is the ONLY car out there that gives you the options that you want and need at a affordable price.
Interior of my car is to say the least STUNNING!
2011 Maxima Highlights
3.5 S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $222/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Maxima include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
People who viewed this also viewed
3.6 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $26,000 |
4.3 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $36,690 |
4.0 average Rating out of 22 reviews. |
Starting at $26,420 |
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2011 Nissan Maxima info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Audi S6 2013
- Used Lotus Evora GT 2010
- Used Kia Carnival 2011
- Used Bentley Continental GT Speed 2013
- Used Nissan Titan 2013
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Nissan Maxima 2012
- Used Nissan Maxima 2011
- Used Nissan Maxima 2020
- Used Nissan Maxima 2016
- Used Nissan Maxima 2014
- Used Nissan Maxima 2017
- Used Nissan Maxima 2019
- Used Nissan Maxima 2010
- Used Nissan Maxima 2013
- Used Nissan Maxima 2018
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- MC Laren Solus GT
- Mini Cooper Convertible
- Four Wheel Drive Sprinter Van For Sale
- Maserati Levante Car Price
- 2025 Lucid Gravity News
- 2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore News
- Mercedes SL Class Roadster
- 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door News
- 2024 Maserati GranCabrio News
- 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore News
Research other models of Nissan
- Nissan Titan XD 2023
- Nissan Kicks 2023
- Nissan Stanza 2023
- 2023 Frontier
- 2023 GT-R
- 2023 Titan
- Nissan Titan 2024
- Titan XD Pickup
- 2023 Pathfinder
- Nissan Versa 2023
Research similar vehicles
- Jaguar XF
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2024
- 2024 Honda Civic
- 2023 2
- SUV Maybach
- 2023 Porsche 911
- 2023 Tesla Model 3
- Kia Rio
- 09 Sonata
- 2024 Protege
Other models
- Used Cadillac Ct5-V-Blackwing in Hazleton, PA
- Used BMW M8 in Woodland Hills, CA
- Used Genesis G90 in Elgin, IL
- Used Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight in San Luis Obispo, CA
- Used Infiniti Q50 in Athens, AL
- New Ford Explorer for Sale in Cedar Rapids, IA
- New Jeep Renegade for Sale in Marshfield, MA
- New Audi A3 for Sale in North Canton, OH
- Used Pontiac Grand-Am in Tomball, TX
- Used BMW X2 in Malden, MA