2007 Nissan Maxima Review: A Sensible Sedan with a Touch of Muscle

The 2007 Nissan Maxima isn’t going to make serious gearheads happy. The front wheel drive configuration is a bit squirrelly on takeoff. But if you’re after a sensible family sedan with just a hint of sportiness, the 255 horsepower, $5,500 Nissan Maxima may be your best bet.

Is the 2007 Nissan Maxima a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – A satisfying compromise of power and practicality.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – With more than 15 cubic feet of cargo space, the Maxima outpacks most full-size sedans. The seats are comfy, and the suspension is well-balanced.
• Reliability 8/10 – Major breakdowns are few and far between, but overall life expectancy comes up a bit short of comparable Hondas and Toyotas.
• Safety 8/10 – Crash test ratings are good, and anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – 21/28MPG, city/highway, is pretty darn good for a 255 horsepower mid-size.
• Value 8/10 – What really makes the Maxima a good deal is its versatility. It’s a good family car, but it’s actually fun to drive.

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Nissan Maxima?

Consumer Reports were happy with the improvements Nissan made to the 2007 Maxima’s control layout and acceleration, but note that the handling is a bit wide for a car of this size, ultimately concluding that the Altima beats the Maxima as Nissan’s best car in this model year.

Kelley Blue Book found the Maxima comfortable and stylish, praising the high-performance powertrain and solid handling. They note that the car may look and feel a bit bland to serious gearheads, though, especially those who feel a that a V6 is best configured in rear wheel drive.

Edmunds liked the powerful V6 engine and the generous list of standard features. They note the car’s well-balanced suspension as a major plus. They also note that the steering may feel a bit unresponsive, and the overall fit and finish is strictly mid-tier.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Nissan Maxima Have?

At 33 reports, structure problems make up the biggest segment of the Maxima’s 127 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints. Drivers are seeing extensive rust and corrosion in the car’s frame. This is easy to prevent with anti-rust coating, but nearly impossible to fix.

There are 18 airbag complaints on file, with drivers reporting the airbag warning light staying on. There have been no airbag recalls for the 2007 Maxima in particular, but millions of cars with the same airbag manufacturer have been recalled for exploding airbags.

18 engine complaints point to timing chain failure at around 110,000 miles or so. These issues are often identified by a whining noise when the car is in motion.

At present, the 2007 Nissan Maxima has only been recalled once. This was back in late 2006 for an issue with steering wheel lock.

How Long Will the 2007 Nissan Maxima Last?

Nissans are known to be fairly reliable, with the Maxima typically lasting at least 200,000 miles before the more expensive repairs start to pile up. You might reach 250,000 with excellent care, but, since you’re buying used, you’ll want to bet on 200,000.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $449, which isn’t bad for a 2007 model mid-size sedan. The most expensive repairs include new steering column adjust motors starting at around $670, and power seat switch replacements, which can go up to $566.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is pretty basic in the entry-level model, but with an impressive range of upgrades. The SL model includes a 6-disc CD changer and 8 Bose speakers, the Driver Preferred Package includes Bluetooth hands-free, and the Navigation Package packs a DVD-based nav system.

Safety technology is good for the model year. You’ve got traction control and anti-lock brakes included as standard features, which wasn’t always the case back in 2007.

Is the 2007 Nissan Maxima a Good Value?

The 2007 Nissan Maxima is a pretty good value. The entry-level SE typically lists at around $5,383, while the high-end SL usually sells in the range of $5,493. Since the SL is only a hundred dollars extra, it’s kind of a no-brainer.

Cost of ownership is fairly low, with the Maxima being relatively cheap to maintain, and one of the more fuel-efficient cars in the 250-horsepower range.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Nissan Maxima?

The 2007 Nissan Maxima is offered in just two trim levels, being the base SE and the high-end SL.

With the entry-level SE you’re getting:

• Premium cloth seating
• Dual zone automatic air conditioning
• Anti-lock brakes and traction control
• 8-way power driver seat
• CD player

The top-of-the-line SL adds:

• Heated front seats
• Heated mirrors
• Leather seating
• Bose 8-speaker sound system with 6-disc CD changer

What Engines Come In the 2007 Nissan Maxima?

• The 2007 Maxima comes packed with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 255 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a one-speed CVT in front wheel drive, and it averages 21/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The Maxima can hit zero to sixty in just 5.8 seconds, but the front wheel drive configuration makes handling a bit squirrely on takeoff, so this is more useful for switching lanes and passing than it is for setting records at the quarter-mile track.

What Colors Does the 2007 Nissan Maxima Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Nissan Maxima?

The 2007 Maxima is fairly comfortable for a budget-friendly mid-size. Seating stretches 55 inches across, the suspension feels comfy without compromising handling, and you’ve got plenty of leg and head room in both the front and back seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Nissan Maxima Have?

The 2007 Maxima offers up 15 and a half cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than you’ll get from many full-size sedans. This is enough space to pack five or six medium suitcases plus a few carry-ons.

Storage space is a firm 15.5. There’s no hatchback model, there are no fold-flat seats, and the car’s not built for towing. If you can’t fit it in the trunk, it’ll have to go in the back seat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2007 Nissan Maxima was the second to last in the car’s 6th Generation, running from the 2004 to 2008 model years.

2005: Bose audio systems were new for 2005, and the airbag system got an overhaul.

2006: Nissan added Bluetooth hands-free in 2006.

2007: For 2007, Nissan gave the Maxima new taillights, fenders, spoilers, and hoods for a more sleek, modern appearance.

2008: SkyView panoramic roofs were made standard in 2008.

2009: The 7th Generation Maxima launched with a more powerful 290 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, and a performance-tuned exhaust system.

How Does the 2007 Nissan Maxima Compare to the Competition?

In almost any other model year, the Toyota Camry is easier to recommend than a Nissan Maxima. But this was a lousy year for the Toyota midsize, with drivers reporting expensive engine repairs starting at just 100,000 miles.

On the other hand, 2007 was another excellent year for the Honda Accord, But, a 244 horsepower EX-L will typically sell for close to $8,000, around $2,500 more than the Maxima, which overs 255 horsepower at the entry level.

If you want a practical mid-size sedan that leans slightly into muscle car territory, the Maxima is hard to beat for the price. It’s not exactly a Mustang, but it’s as close as you’re going to get in a smart, sensible, affordable family car.

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Nissan Maxima?