Used 2021 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Maxima, so we've included reviews for other years of the Maxima since its last redesign.
An Elegant, Sporty Sedan that Packs a Punch!
Paul H, 12/29/2020
updated 12/30/2021
2020 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
32 of 32 people found this review helpful
I could not be happier with my 2020 Nissan Maxima SL sedan. Like the title states, it's elegant, sporty, comfortable, and possesses absolutely effortless power. I looked at upper trim levels of several popular vehicles, but I kept coming back to the Maxima. To me it had the best combination of attributes, with very few cons. Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are nice, but they are more for guys looking for a family sedan... yawn. The Avalon was nice, but the styling is boring (same as the Kia Cadenza), and although it has the same engine rating of 300 HP, the Maxima just seems quite a bit more powerful, especially in sports mode. The Maxima is flat out fun to drive and it turns a lot of heads to boot, with it's aggressive styling and bold lines. I read many reviews and the critics have never been impressed with the CVT Xtronic transmission, and for good reason. But the latest generation Maxima's have been using the D-Step logic Xtronic CVT's which have proven to be very reliable. I owned a 2014 Nissan Altima and while I never had problems with the CVT (traded it in at 152,000 miles), it did shift kind of odd. Not the 2020 Maxima, you would swear you are driving a very smooth shifting conventional automatic. Plus, although it's classified as a full size sedan, it's actually better described as a midsize sedan on steroids. What I love about it too, it's not your run of the mill sedan. Be prepared to get a lot of compliments. If you are looking for purely a "Dad's" family car to tote around the kids and the dog, you probably should look elsewhere. But if are looking for a classy, entry level luxury sedan, with sporty good looks and awesome acceleration, and is a sheer delight to drive, even to work, look no further then this gem. While it's not a sports car per se, and it's not a pure luxury car, Nissan did a damn good job of giving you a big taste of both. I'm betting you will love it 100%, I sure do!
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Better MPG than expected!
Cody, 10/25/2020
2020 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2009 GMC Sierra that was rusting apart, I looked around for several months before purchasing. I was initially looking at the new camry and altimas that offered AWD, but when I test drove the maxima I knew immediately I would be purchasing it. Black on black SV trim 32,000 miles so far! I average 27.5-28 mpg in remote eastern ky, which Is amazing for a V6 with all the rolling hills/foothills of the Appalachian mountains. The maxima rides very smooth. The seats are probably some of the most comfortable seats I’ve set in. One thing I was worried about going back into a car after driving a truck was that feeling of being on the ground and getting behind trucks and suvs and having trouble seeing around them. When driving the maxima I do not have that feeling of being on the ground, and I can see around other vehicles easily! CONS Minor Drawbacks/room for improvement: 1) I wish the headlights were set an inch or two higher 2) No memory seats (at least not in the SV trim) PROS: 1) sporty sedan that you won’t see every 3 seconds 2) Get up and go!! 3) huge trunk! 4) looks, comfort, and style for days Would definitely purchase again!
2021 Nissan Maxima for sale near you
Showing 3 of 21 listings
- 3.5 SV SedanMSRP: N/A16 mi away
- 3.5 Platinum SedanMSRP: $18,990In-stock online
- 3.5 Platinum SedanMSRP: $26,99015 mi away
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Underrated
Vic, 09/11/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
41 of 44 people found this review helpful
I rented this car and liked it enough to do some more research on it and leave a review. I drove it 1000 miles on a road trip and it was extremely comfortable. It had more than enough horses to pass. Cabin is quiet. Cruise control is easy to use. Plenty of standard tech. I'm baffled why I don't see more on the road.
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Love it
Anthony, 02/27/2020
2020 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
57 of 62 people found this review helpful
All car types are just right for some individuals, and not for others. I've owned my 2020 Maxima for over 90 days, and I am very happy with it. I went for the SV trim which has most of the bells and whistles, including leather seating and navigation, but doesn't have some of the items that have little or no value for me. Safety wise, it has more than I know what to do with, Intelligent cruise control, Intelligent forward colllision warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane departure warning, Blind spot warning, Rear cross traffic alert (has come in handy several times), rear view monitor, Traffic sign recognition (can glance at my dashboard and see what the last traffic speed sign was, in case you missed it) and much more. As far as handling goes, I'd compare it to a sumo wrestler, it's big, but agille, the car can handle cornering like a smaller car, and the ride is very good on level surfaces, not wallowy, it's firm but not harsh, so in bad pavement some of the bumps come through. Acceleration is excellent, and I've yet to notice any bad behavior from the CVT transmission as some reviews state. In sport mode handling is like a laser, solid and more sport-sedan like, a bit too stiff for uneven pavement. Don't believe reviews that say that the steering is hard for parking, they probably left the car in sport mode. As for space, I'm six foot tall and have plenty of room, including headroom, if you're taller I wouldn't recommend getting the moonroof, because it takes away from headroom. As for looks, it is a looker. I've caught people admiring it at parking lots, and several times cars in the fast lane slow down to look at the logo in the rear. I got the pearl white paint, which is extra $, but this car shows off very well with it. Initial quality has been excellent, no problems of any type; my biggest challenge has been reading the thick booklets that explain how to use all the features. Although the car is large the interior is not cavernous, more like a mid-sized Kia Optima or so. That's why some reviews list it as a mid-size and other reviews list it as a full-size. For me, the size means safety, it is top rated in that area, and I don't have a big family or a car pool where I need to routinely carry around a lot of passengers. The trunk is pretty good size and the back seats fold down to carry long items. So far the only complaint is the size and shape of the center console, which is too deep so it makes finding items difficult, I would galdly give up one of the two cup holders to get a better shape for the console, but that is a minor issue. In review, it is not a car you will see every five minutes; so there is somewhat of an exclusive feeling. It looks, feels and performs as a premium sedan, but without the luxury brand baggage.
Expectations Exceeded
Cory, 11/23/2020
2020 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
I drove a 2011 Buick LaCrosse for years and loved it but when it came time to replace it, as Buick no longer makes the LaCrosse or anything similar, I was forced to look elsewhere. I considered the Chrysler 300, Kia Cadenza and Nissan Maxima before deciding on the Maxima. Shortly afterwards, I had to drive cross country, over 2,000 miles and really got to know the car. The Maxima has exceeded my expectations completely. It gets excellent gas mileage, typically around 35-36 on the highway. It's comfortable, spacious and best of all fast, the V6 is really excellent. To my surprise, the CVT isn't a problem at all, which was one thing I had reservations about. The adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams are features I love now but didn't think I'd use. Overall, very happy I chose the Maxima and absolutely recommend it. I never thought I'd appreciate a Nissan after 9 years as a Buick owner but I am not looking back.
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40th anniversary 4DSC
Johnny A, 01/18/2021
updated 01/19/2022
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Bought it primarily as an upgrade from my 2013 Maxima, which I loved. I was looking for the latest safety features and CarPlay compatibility. But the 40th anniversary package really makes it stand out! Quiet and comfortable, but plenty of power too especially in sport mode. Update: Owned it for a year now and still love it, especially the extra features like automatic speed limit detection and auto dimming high beams!
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Blazing!!
Braskell, 06/08/2023
updated 06/20/2024
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Awesome car to drive. Great room that I can fit my military service dog that's a Shepard Boxer mix in the back with my kids. Only hiccup is you can't change the headlights or taillights bulbs(normally) you have to buy the complete assembly. Safety comfort and fuel I getting 29-30 mpg in city 36 hwy. I've had issues withe right rear seat belt which set off the SRS light on. The dealer replaced just the belt even though the wires were separated they said I have to replace the harness $4,000.00 I argued it's a warranty and a safety issue. They didn't want to fix it.
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Awesome car!
Marklarry73, 01/03/2022
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Handles great and love the "luxury"feautres I got for the price. A lot of car for the money.
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2019 SR SUPER BLACK.
RICHARD, 08/16/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
24 of 29 people found this review helpful
My 2016 MAXIMA SV lease was up, loved the car so much decided to upgrade to a 2019 SR SUPER BLACK and optioned it out. 2ND TO NONE! for the $$ this car is BAD A**!
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Unassumingly Awsome
Court A, 06/18/2021
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
This is my second Nissan Maxima, and I am very impressed with the handling ability. It is a very quick and responsive vehicle. I also love the CV transmission you can ask for a smoother ride. A lot of people may say this car looks like a lot like all the other cars out there but they haven't driven one once they do it will set them apart. Also very roomy inside and a quiet ride. A very reliable vehicle.
For the price it comes with headaches
John, 09/13/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
44 of 60 people found this review helpful
We bought a 2016 Maxima sr, new. We loved this car until the problems just kept mounting. It has been in the shop numerous times (oil leak) took 3 days to find and fix. At least four factory recalls, which were fixed. The latest a bracket holding the muffler up broke, $200 fix. Drove it home the emission light came on. Went back to the dealer $875.00 to replace an oxygen sensor but that wasn't the only problem. A transmission code pops up. Needs a new transmission the CVT is slipping. That is at least covered by the drivetrain warranty. The car has 43k miles. Garaged, no dirt roads, very little city driving mainly hwy, no abuse. I have had 2 Maxima's, 2 Altima's. and a 350z. Done with Nissan.
Sporty
Starr, 06/22/2023
2019 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Loves the body style. Had to get used to the comfort of the seats. Bought padded seat covers. Having trouble with water getting in the headlight. The right headlight was foggy and went out. Very expensive to repair. Not covered by warranty. Love other features though. Still like the car.
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2019 Maxima Reserve is incredible!
Mike Laboy, 03/21/2019
updated 09/28/2021
2019 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
24 of 34 people found this review helpful
We tried many other comparable makers and they weren't close in Quality, options, accessories or looks.
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Love my 2019 Nissan Maxima SL!
Angie , 07/27/2020
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love my Nissan Maxima! I see a lot of people saying it isn’t roomy but I’ve honestly never had a problem with that. I’ve had mine for 8 months now. We recently drove ours to Florida from Kentucky (11 hours) and never had any problems. Mine has 43xxx miles now, I bought it used and we got a great deal on it! I’ve never had any problems so far, I am completely satisfied with mine, and we will probably buy a Nissan again. I owned a 2017 Altima before this and we loved it too! We ended up getting in an accident and we walked away without a scratch! Nissan cars are very sturdy for sure! I recommend them!
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Classy, comfortable and quick
Joe, 09/08/2021
updated 03/20/2023
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
A nice size sedan with a quick pickup and good handling, have it 4years only oil changes no problems at all.
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My favorite!
Steve, 12/03/2021
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Fast, comfortable, handles like a sports car, with a luxury ride.
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For the price it comes with headaches
John, 09/13/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
16 of 27 people found this review helpful
We bought a 2016 Maxima sr, new. We loved this car until the problems just kept mounting. It has been in the shop numerous times (oil leak) took 3 days to find and fix. At least four factory recalls, which were fixed. The latest a bracket holding the muffler up broke, $200 fix. Drove it home the emission light came on. Went back to the dealer $875.00 to replace an oxygen sensor but that wasn't the only problem. A transmission code pops up. Needs a new transmission the CVT is slipping. That is at least covered by the drivetrain warranty. The car has 43k miles. Garaged, no dirt roads, very little city driving mainly hwy, no abuse. I have had 2 Maxima's, 2 Altima's. and a 350z. Done with Nissan.
Fun to drive with luxury and comfort, but lacks
Rob Maxima, 10/25/2023
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the styling of the exterior and mostly the interior. Nice interior styling with great tech comparable to expensive luxury sedans. Horsepower is good but wish it came in a v6 turbo Trunk space needs better management Back seat a little cramped for larger passengers… taller than 5’ 9”. Wireless apple play a must
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Love my Maxima SL
kk_2222, 08/22/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I did a lot of research on quiet sedans.The Maxima was the quietest of all, which was my primary goal. I actually used a free DB meter to compare road noise and it was better than much higher end brands I test drove. I ended up with the SL which has 18 inch tires as apposed to the Platinum with 19 inch. The reason being a smoother ride with the 18 inch tires. Very quiet driving around town, and mostly quiet on the highway, with the exception of roads being repaved, or roads with more grating to keep from sliding. Carpay is excellent. It's a solid well engineered car with lots of bells and whistles for the price. Overall I love the handling, drive, and comfort of this Nissan. I've taken a few long road trips so far and really enjoyed the ride.
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Maxima
DaShow1, 07/15/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 14 people found this review helpful
Smooth Ride Great Acceleration...aggressive steering
The best bang for the buck
Ryan , 03/04/2020
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new and from day one have been blown away by its performance. This is my 4th Nissan and it has been the hest by far. Smooth acceleration comfy interior and a nice sound system. Wont be my last maxima
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Insurance will hurt your pockets
Jeannie, 10/27/2022
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my car but my insurance is $2800 a year with 28 years driving history, good credit, zero accidents/points and I live in the county in a small town. I’m being charged for the “what ifs”. They look at how much it “will” cost for replace something or cover a total loss. But, if I have to file a claim that totals an amount that receives “points” my insurance will then go up. So I’m being charged for the “what ifs” and if these happen I will be charged again. Buy an American made car. A 2021 Dodge challenger scat pack has cheaper insurance. If that puts things into perspective.
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Platinum reserve gang
Michael Spinelli, 07/10/2021
2020 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd maxima! Been leasing every 3 years for a new one. Best thing about this car is that it’s a v6 with many bells and whistles you would see in a German. Only problem is that it doesn’t drive like a German! Also no AWD but the q50 and an Altima do have it -_-
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2019 Maxima SV
John Huntzinger, 09/12/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
The Maxima SV provides everything that I need; Performance, Comfort, Technology and overall appearance. One flaw would be the driver cockpit. The center console impedes a bit much than anticipated leaving less width/room for right leg.
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I have a 2019 Nissan Maxima SL
Mel Leonard, 08/02/2020
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
8 of 21 people found this review helpful
I drove off the dealers lot in August of 2019. The car was whisper quiet and took bumpy roads without even a shake. Move forward to December 2019 and it is no longer a smooth quite ride. The car bounces and the road noise is loud. I took it to two dealers. They said nothing was wrong. How can that be? Read my intro. I called Nissan's customer service and told them that dealers were unable to bring the car back to how it had been when I bought it. Guess what they said. "We can't help you". Take it to your dealer. I went back to my dealer and the Service Manager and I went for a test drive. He said the car is fine and that the hard ride and road noise was what the younger market wanted. I may have to trade this car in for something that matches the manufacturers advertising and the expert reviews. My Nissan Maxima does not. Can anyone help me deal with what seems to be a company with no regard for its customers?
Sleek and eye catching!
D, 01/10/2020
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
The 2019 Nissan Maxima SR, has been a fun driving car. Looks good in the new sundrift color for 19' and the car has a very stylish and sleek design. I enjoy traveling and cruising through town in it. Haven't went anywhere yet without someone complementing the design.
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Great car
Nissan Maxima, 07/28/2021
2020 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Maxima is always at the top of my list when referring cars. I've been leasing them since 1989 and never looked back. Great car, Great product.
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cordi81
cordi81, 09/20/2019
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
9 of 46 people found this review helpful
the worse car experience I ever had, never ever Nissan again!
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Love my car
Love my car, 03/01/2020
2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great car that I love to drive
Sporty ride
MandiB, 10/02/2023
2020 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car. Just looking to switch to suv
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Awesome car
Anthony , 09/09/2023
2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car ,fast and luxurious.. I made the Right Choice....
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