2008 Nissan Maxima Review: One of the Most Well-Rounded 2008 Sedans

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is an excellent mid-size that delivered the goods in a model year when the Accord, Camry, and Altima were experiencing more than their fair share of mechanical issues. Typical listing prices start at under $6,000, so you’re getting a good deal on a muscly, versatile four-door.

Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2008 wasn’t a great year for mid-size sedans, with the Camry and Accord both reporting more mechanical issues than usual. The Maxima stands out as a reliable, fun-to-drive alternative to the class leaders.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The Maxima is adequately comfortable. Interior trim feels cheap, but the suspension rides smooth and the cabin is spacious enough.
• Reliability 8/10 – This is one of the more reliable four-door sedans in its model year, with fewer than 100 complaints on file with the NHTSA, and zero recalls.
• Safety 7/10 – Crash test scores are good and standard safety equipment is adequate.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – 19/25 miles to the gallon is decent for a mid-size, and impressive for a mid-size that delivers 255 horsepower.
• Value 8/10 – It’s more reliable and more powerful than most 2008 sedans selling for the same price. It’s a solid purchase.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Nissan Maxima?

Consumer Reports found the 2008 Nissan Maxima to be an improvement over the previous model, with quick acceleration and intuitive interior design and controls. But, they report handling to be wide, and shaky in rough weather. Ultimately they recommend the cheaper Altima over the Maxima.

Kelley Blue Book found the the Maxima to be a sporty, practical sedan with its own unique style. They ultimately recommend the Toyota Camry as the more well-rounded car, or a Cadillac CTS as the more luxurious option.

Edmunds liked the 2008 Maxima’s roomy interior and the powerful V6 engine. They found the suspension to be just right, firm enough to not feel wobbly, but soft enough to not have you dreading every speed bump. They note sluggish handling, expensive upgrades, and cheap-feeling trim materials on the cons list.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Nissan Maxima Have?

The 2008 Nissan Maxima has generated a mere 78 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Airbag complaints make up 23 of these, with drivers reporting airbag warning indicators staying on without explanation.

20 structure complaints point to issues with excessive corrosion. Drivers report major rust in the frame, with some even stating that the floorboards have rusted all the way through. This can be easy to prevent with a coating of anti-rust spray, but it may be impossible to fix once the corrosion settles in.

A few drivers have reported premature transmission failure, with one driver stating that their powertrain gave out after just a couple years on the road, requiring a $3,700 replacement.

The 2008 Nissan Maxima has not been recalled a single time, which, combined with under 100 total NHTSA complaints, would suggest that this is one of the most low-maintenance cars on the road today.

How Long Will the 2008 Nissan Maxima Last?

Maxima drivers have reported passing 300,000 miles on the original transmission. That might be a bit of a stretch if you’re buying used, though, as you can’t vouch for the previous owner’s maintenance habits. But 250,000 miles, if you start out with a Maxima in good condition, isn’t unrealistic.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $517, which is average for a vehicle in this category. Expensive common repairs include new power steering pumps, starting at around $696, and new power steering hoses at $564.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the Maxima is decent. Standard features include a CD player with 8 speakers, and you can upgrade that to include an MP3 player with Bose speakers and a 6-disc CD changer.

Safety technology in the Maxima is adequate for 2008. Anti-lock brakes come standard.

Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima a Good Value?

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is a pretty good value. The entry level model typically lists for around $5,691, while a high-end SL usually goes for around $6,289. These prices are fair for a typical mid-size from this model year, and very good if you can find one with under 160,000 miles on the odometer.

Good fuel economy and low maintenance costs contribute to a low cost of ownership. There are better cars to be had for the price, but you won’t feel like you got the lousy end of the deal if you spend under $6,000 on a used Maxima.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Nissan Maxima?

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is available in two trim levels, being the base SE and the high-end SL.

With an entry-level SE you’re getting:

• Glass sunroof
• Remote keyless entry
• Premium cloth seating
• Anti-lock brakes and traction control
• Dual zone automatic air conditioning
• 8-way power driver seat
• CD player and 8 speakers

The top-of-the-line SL adds:

• Heated mirrors
• Leather seating
• Heated front seats
• Simulated wood trim
• Bose speakers with MP3 player

What Engines Come In the 2008 Nissan Maxima?

• The 2008 Nissan Maxima packs 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 19/25 miles to the gallon, city/highway.

What Colors Does the 2008 Nissan Maxima Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Nissan Maxima?

The 2008 Maxima is fairly comfortable. The Altima is a little bit bigger, but you probably won’t notice the difference. The Maxima’s back seats stretch 55 inches across so you should have no trouble seating four or five adults, the suspension rides smooth, and the cabin is spacious enough, if not particularly high-end.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Nissan Maxima Have?

The 2008 Maxima offers up 15 cubic feet of cargo space. That should pack five or six medium suitcases, putting it on par with a typical mid-size sedan.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008 was the final model year for the Maxima’s 6th Generation, which launched in 2004.

2006: Optional Bluetooth hands-free was new for 2006.

2007: New taillights, spoilers, hoods, and fenders made for a sleeker, more modern Maxima in 2007.

2008: Panoramic SkyView sunroofs were made standard for 2008.

2009: The 7th Generation Maxima debuted with a 290 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine and performance-tuned exhaust.

2010: Bluetooth hands-free was made standard on all models for 2010, and the car got an optional auxiliary jack.

How Does the 2008 Nissan Maxima Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Camry would usually be the hands-down winner in this size class, but the automaker was on a bit of a cold-streak in the late 2000s, and the 2008 Camry comes with lots of common problems.

It’s the same deal with the Honda Accord. A lousy year for an excellent car. With the leading midsizes both being duds for 2008, this almost leaves the Maxima uncontested for this model year.

You might think that the car’s strongest competition for 2008 would be its fellow Nissan, the 2008 Altima. But, the Altima had a lot of problems in 2008, too, and it comes up well short in the horsepower department.

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is almost the best car in its category by default simply because so many other sedans were having trouble staying on the NHTSA’s good side that year.

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Nissan Maxima?