2007 Nissan Maxima Review
2007 Nissan Maxima Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 engine, roomy interior, upscale features, suspension well balanced for both handling and comfort.
Cons
- Reflexes aren't as sharp as those of some competitors, some low-grade interior materials, iffy fit and finish, can't get a manual gearbox.
What’s new
The 2007 Nissan Maxima receives a few changes this year. A new continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, and it replaces both the six-speed manual and five-speed automatic from last year. Nissan has also updated the car's front styling and improved its interior ergonomics a bit. Detail-oriented buyers might also notice that the V6 engine is rated for 10 less horsepower this year, but this is because of the implementation of a new SAE testing procedure. Actual engine performance is unaffected.
Edmunds says
Although the 2007 Nissan Maxima offers a likable combination of performance, luxury and interior room, there are now many good sedans in this price range. And some, like the VW Passat and Acura TSX, outpace the Nissan in handling and interior refinement.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$264/mo for Maxima 3.5 SE
Maxima 3.5 SE
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Typically, when one pays a bit extra, one gets a bit extra -- for instance, when the teenager at the local burger hut asks, "Would you like fries with that?" or at the grocery store when you decide to cough up an extra $1.50 for triple-ply toilet paper instead of two-ply. The 2007 Nissan Maxima represents a similar step-up approach in the family sedan segment. For a little bit more cash, this Japanese front-drive sedan provides buyers with a powerful V6 engine, a sport-themed persona, a little more room and a few extra features. This has been a successful formula for Nissan, and the Maxima, which has been around for more than two decades now, is one of the company's most well-known nameplates in the U.S.
For 2007, Nissan has made some tweaks to its flagship sedan as part of a midcycle refresh. The car's front-end styling has been redone with a new hood, bumper and headlights in hopes of making the car look more contemporary, and the interior has a redesigned center stack with better ergonomics. The big news, however, is the introduction of a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). A CVT lacks fixed gearing in the traditional sense and instead continually and automatically adjusts the transmission's effective gear ratios for optimum acceleration and fuel economy. Nissan's been working on CVTs for a while now, and it says the unit in the Maxima has quicker response compared to the one in the Murano.
After driving the 2007 Nissan Maxima, we can confirm that this CVT is indeed smoother and more responsive than previous applications of this technology, and it makes good use of the 3.5-liter V6's power band. However, the lack of conventional shift points takes some of the involvement out of the driving experience, even with the Maxima's simulated manual mode. Besides that, the CVT offers only a small improvement in EPA fuel economy estimates compared to last year's five-speed automatic. In addition, Nissan has dropped the manual transmission this year. Certainly, having a manual tranny is not the cornerstone of sedan desirability, but it has made the Maxima stand out in the past as one of the sportier options in its price range. And now there are even more choices than ever for an upper-crust family sedan. There are the Acura TSX, Chrysler 300C, Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Passat, for instance. Even Nissan's fully redesigned Altima and Toyota's new Camry are worth taking a look at. Bottom line? With so many choices awaiting those willing to pay a bit extra, the Maxima is looking increasingly less enticing.
Performance & mpg
The front-drive Maxima comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated for 255 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manual mode is standard.
Safety
Standard safety features include traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. A stability control system is optional. In NHTSA tests, the Maxima earned five stars (out of a possible five) for driver protection in frontal impacts. Front-passenger protection is rated at four stars in frontal impacts, as is front- and rear-occupant protection in side impacts. The IIHS gave the car a top "Good" rating after conducting its frontal offset crash; however, the sedan earned only a "Marginal" rating (second lowest) in IIHS side-impact testing.
Driving
The 2007 Nissan Maxima feels as quick as ever, with brisk response off the line and a broad midrange that the transmission fully exploits. At the same time, though, the absence of conventional shift points takes some of the fun out of driving. The manual mode does a decent job of simulating shifts (even re-creating the "positive" shift quality expected in a sport sedan), but with "upshifts" coming in promptly at redline, it's no substitute for the real thing. Although the Maxima's suspension provides a smooth, comfortable ride, the car lacks the true performance feel expected of a self-proclaimed sport sedan. The steering is communicative and well weighted, but many competing sedans provide a better feel for the road. In addition, under hard acceleration, the Maxima does exhibit some torque steer, an annoyance that's better controlled in other front-drive competitors. The brakes, at least, are strong and easy to modulate.
Interior
It may be a midsize sedan, but the 2007 Nissan Maxima's interior feels downright cavernous front and rear. The front seats are wide and accommodating, though finding an optimal driving position can be difficult. The dashboard features a sleek and modern design. In years past, the center stack was marred by some poor ergonomics, but Nissan has largely rectified the situation for '07. Trunk space measures 15.5 cubic feet, which is very competitive for a family sedan. One of our lingering complaints about the Maxima's cabin is the mediocre build and materials quality. For a car priced at the $30,000 mark, there are still a few too many low-grade plastics and fit-and-finish miscues.
2007 Nissan Maxima models
The 2007 Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan. There are two trims available: Maxima 3.5 SE and Maxima 3.5 SL. The SE is designed to be the sportier of the two. It comes with features like 18-inch wheels, a SkyView fixed glass-paneled roof, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, a power driver seat, metallic interior trim, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and an eight-speaker CD stereo with an MP3 jack and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Along with its softer suspension tuning, the more luxurious SL has 17-inch wheels, HID headlights, wood interior trim, a power passenger seat, leather upholstery, front seat heaters and a 320-watt Bose audio system with CD changer. Most of the SL's additional features can also be had on the SE as part of the Sensory Package.
One can further upgrade the Maxima SE and SL with the Preferred Package, which comes with Bluetooth connectivity, rear park assist, driver seat memory positioning and a heated steering wheel. Another interesting choice is the Elite Package. It changes the car's rear seating area into a more comfortable two-passenger setup with a center console and rear sunshade. Maximas with the Elite package are pricey, though, as Nissan bundles in the Preferred Package and, on the SE, the Sensory Package. Main standalone options for the car include a navigation system, satellite radio and a traditional sunroof.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Nissan Maxima.
5 star(58%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
146 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
2007 Maxima SL - Denver
pecsofstl, 09/22/2006
2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Was hoping for a year end deal on 2006 SL model, but not much inventory was left. Decided to test the 2007 SL and I am very glad I did. A much better ride and nicer car than previous models in my opinion. The CVT transmission is better than advertised. Extremely smooth and responsive, like there is only one gear. The interior has been upgraded over previous models and is comparable … to other luxury vehicles I have ridden in. The ride is quiet, very smooth and fast. Consumer reports said this car has "tourqe steer" due to the front wheel drive, etc..etc...I have driven the vehicle for 1000 miles now and I promise you, there is no tourqe steer.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Maxima under-rated?
Pete, 12/19/2006
2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
We've owned this car a little over 3 months and are thoroughly impressed with the build quality and solid performance. The new CVT is very pleasing and seems to easily allow for either "high performance" drawing on the engine's potential or "nice & easy" driving which seems to let the engine "loaf." It seems to us that the automotive press overlooks and under-rates this excellent road … car.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great!...not near the issues others have had.
wtgkb8, 02/14/2012
2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Bought the car with 5 mi in late 2007 for $6k off MSRP. Have only replaced RR wheel bearing at~68k miles(under my warranty). Other items have only been normal wear items such as battery. Have only done regular maint. at home, with the exception of the trans maint. at dealer at around 60k miles. I could have not asked for any better car regarding reliability. Run purely 91-93 oct. fuel, … and get 18-20 city, 25-28 hwy mpg since day one! I was skeptical with the CVT at first, but I don't think I can go back to a regular auto ever again! Throttle response is immediate, and the car learns your driving style regarding to trans and throttle reactions. Ready for 2012-13 model to add to or replace.
4.25 out of 5 stars
gimme some mpg
heygary, 01/03/2007
2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
I've had the '07 for about four months and have put six k miles on it, and have not gotten over 23 mpg. I've bumped the tire pressure to near forty pounds, went with synthetic oil, and still average about 21-22 mpg city or highway, doesn't matter. I do really enjoy the ride; starts are indeed less than stellar, but on the highway the car performs admirably. Hard acceleration gets you … lots of torque steering issues. Love the keyless entry and rear sonar. CVT is super cool driving up and down mountains, as you don't feel the car downshift.
2007 Maxima Highlights
3.5 SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,050 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $264/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
Key safety features on the Maxima include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
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 RestraintNot Tested
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