2005 Nissan Maxima Review
2005 Nissan Maxima Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy interior, lots of upscale options, sweet V6, available with a manual transmission.
Cons
- So-so center stack ergonomics, premium price without the premium nameplate.
What’s new
Improved manual transmission shift feel (thanks to a shorter shift stroke), black-tone brake calipers, additional chrome accents inside and new softer leather upholstery. Auto-dimming outside mirrors are now available, and a new 12-volt power point resides at the base of the center stack.
Edmunds says
Although it's more upscale than before, the Maxima remains one of the best combinations of performance, luxury and value in the midsize sedan segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A) 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 $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$250/mo for Maxima 3.5 SE
Maxima 3.5 SE
vs
$185/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Nissan Maxima.
5 star(67%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(3%)
270 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
1.63 out of 5 stars
Transmission problems
cardenasj2038, 05/24/2012
2005 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I bought a new 2005 Nissan Maxima and recently I have had some transmission issues.
The gears have been sticking and slipping and so I took it to the dealership and was informed that I need a new transmission and that my warranty expired 890 miles before I took it in (my warranty on the transmission was until the car reached 60,000 miles).
The dealership then informed me that it would … cost $5300 to replace this.
I did some research on the internet and found out that I am no the only person with this issue, and I also noticed that it is a widespread issue for the model year I have.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Avoid this 2005 Maxima
rcs26, 04/24/2014
2005 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I have bought all new cars Malibu(150k), Camry(225K) & donated both cars while running good. Then I bought new Toyota sienna ( 252K & running good), I decided to buy new & different car & I bought brand new design Maxima "Nissan's Flagship Car" with so much hope. It ran good for 2 yrs & then started breaking down. Dealer fixed whatever was under warranty. After all warranties expired … major things started breaking. I replaced all Camshaft sensors. A/C was fixed twice still leaking. Struts and tie-rods were replaced. Within last year timing chain guides & transmission broke, estimate ~$7000. Now I was told it leaks oil. Haven't decide whether to repair/resale. I still love to buy new Nissan.
2.13 out of 5 stars
Good car for Transmission Repair Shops
gregsandiego, 06/04/2012
2005 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Add me to the list of people with a Nissan Maxima and a bad transmission. Mine had only 52,000 miles when the thing started slipping and lurching in the low gears. A trip to my local transmission specialist confirms the worst, at a cost of $3100 to $4000 to repair.
3 out of 5 stars
Only buy if it's a steal!!!
travisbeamon, 08/24/2011
2005 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
The car itself has been good to me for the three years I've owned it until recently. The transmission is garbage. Just like everyone else my Maxima bumps, randomly shifts, accelerates, and downshifts hard when stopping. Sometimes it won't even downshift when I stop it will stay in 3rd gear. Only 70k on the car. This car has been serviced on time by Nissan the entire three years I've … owned it so it has been taken care of. It's just a known defect with these cars. I thought I bought a Nissan not a Dodge! $4500 to repair the transmission. Who's going to pay that much for a car that is 6 years old? I'm looking to trade it in and leave Nissan alone because they won't stand by their products!
2005 Maxima Highlights
3.5 SE
| Base MSRP | $27,500 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $250/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.5 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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