The 2009 Nissan Maxima is usually lucky to come in third behind the Camry and the Accord. But, while those nameplates were experiencing major mechanical issues in 2009, Nissan was delivering a reliable, fuel-efficient, sporty sedan with typical listing prices in the low $6,000 range.
Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The Maxima combines the practicality of a sedan with the fun of a coupe.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Front seats are comfortable enough, and trunk space is adequate, but trim material is a bit cheap-feeling and the back seat is tight.
- Reliability 9/10 – The Maxima might last 300,000 miles without a single major repair. This is even more impressive when you consider that this year’s Toyota Camry might not reach 200,000.
- Safety 8/10 – Crash test ratings are good and safety tech is up to par for a 2009 sedan.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Expect to average around 19/26 miles to the gallon, which is pretty good for a car that delivers 290 horsepower.
- Value 8/10 – The Maxima’s longevity makes it a serious bargain at $6,000 to $6,500. If you can find one with 150,000 miles on the odometer you might double that before your first major repair.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Consumer Reports found the Maxima a pleasingly fast, quiet, smooth-riding sedan, but they noted that the handling felt a bit too light at low speeds, the back seat could be roomier, and visibility is limited by the car’s coupe-inspired design.
Kelley Blue Book liked the Maxima’s unique design, blending the practicality of a sedan with the sportiness of a coupe. They note that the cabin could be a bit bigger, though, as the Accord, Avalon, Camry, and Chrysler 300 are all notably larger. They felt the car could have used a manual transmission option, too.
Edmunds had strong praise for the Maxima’s precise steering, high-end interior, and long list of high-tech features, including what they call 2009’s best iPod integration. They weren’t so thrilled about the lackluster high-end models, which don’t really add much extra for the premium pricing.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima Have?
The 2009 Nissan Maxima has generated 332 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Around half of these are for steering issues, with reports of the steering column locking up and needing to be replaced.
42 airbag complaints point to the airbag warning lights staying on, or, in some cases, airbags failing to deploy in the event of an accident. There have been no airbag recalls as yet.
A recall was issued in 2009 for cracked suspension and strut insulators, which could lead to the strut rod itself popping out of place. Drivers have continued to register suspension reports as late as mid-2023.
The 2009 Maxima has only been recalled a single time thus far.
How Long Will the 2009 Nissan Maxima Last?
The Nissan Maxima is a trooper, and could easily hit 300,000 miles on the original transmission with adequate care. You might want to assume 250,000 miles to be on the safe side when shopping around, but don’t be surprised if it’s still humming like new after that first quarter million.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $509, which is about average for a 2009 sedan. The more expensive common repairs include airbag control module replacements starting at around $981, and AC evaporators at $690.
I would say the Nissan maxima is very reliable. The only problems I have ever had were usual things that normally get replaced. Meaning the brakes, the rotors, and wheel bearings. Very good car.
Yes very reliable. No issues at all. See previous answer. Nothing but routine maintenance needed so far.
I haven't had any problems with my Nissan other than routine maintenance, like oil change and buying new tires. It is been very dependable for me. Easy to maintain.
Mine rattles a little when I start it but it hasn't caused any problems yet. My car also has a problem with a tire sensor.
We have only had problems with the radiator. And the wheels because of the low profile tires but other than that with 200,000 miles it's still surviving
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2009 Maxima is up to par for the model year. You’ve got a CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers and a 6-disc CD changer.
Safety tech is, likewise, up to par, with anti-lock brakes as a standard feature. You won’t find anything too cutting edge here, but you won’t find anything missing, either.
Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima a Good Value?
The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a pretty good value. An entry-level S sedan typically lists for around $6,006, with a high-end SV going for around $6,428. For a 2009 model sedan in good conditions, these prices aren’t bad.
What really makes the Maxima a good deal is the car’s longevity. If you’re lucky, you might reach 300,000 miles on the original transmission. These prices are for models with around 150,000 miles on the odometer, meaning you could get another 100,000 to 150,000 miles at a budget car price.
What are the Different Models of the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
The 2009 Nissan Maxima is offered in just two trim levels, being the standard S and the high-end SV.
With the base S model you’re getting:
- Remote keyless entry
- CD/MP3 player
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Sliding/tilting sunroof
- Cloth seating
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise controls
The top-of-the-line SV adds:
- Leather seating
- 9 Bose speakers
- Fog lights
- Power moonroof
What Engines Come In the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
- The 2009 Maxima packs a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a one-speed CVT in front wheel drive, and it averages 19/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
The front seats of the 2009 Maxima are very comfortable for pretty much all but the tallest of drivers. You’ve got firm seats, smooth riding suspension, and ample head and leg room. The back seats are a bit tight. Hip room isn’t bad at 54 inches, but some adults will have their knees up to their chin trying to squeeze into the back.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima Have?
The 2009 Maxima offers up 14 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. There are no hatchback or wagon models available, and the seats don’t fold flat, so that’s a firm 14 cubic feet. It’s enough for four or five medium suitcases, so, not bad for a sporty sedan.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2009 was the first model year in the Maxima’s 7th Generation, which would run until 2014, when the nameplate would go on hiatus until the 8th Gen relaunch in 2016.
2007: The 2007 Maxima was built on the Nissan D platform, which it shared with the Pathfinder and the Murano.
2008: The biggest change for the 6th Gen’s final year was a standard SkyView Panoramic sunroof.
2009: Nissan debuted the 7th Gen Maxima with a more powerful 290 horsepower 3.5L V6, with performance-tuned exhaust as a standard feature.
2010: Bluetooth hands-free was added to the standard feature list for 2010.
2011: No big changes for 2011.
How Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima Compare to the Competition?
The Maxima almost wins 2009 by default. The Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are typically the cars slugging it out for best affordable mid-size sedan, year after year. But both of those nameplates were on a bad run in the late 00s.
Toyota was having some serious issues with the Camry in 2009 thanks to a long list of engine problems shortening the car’s life expectancy, and the Accord had that, plus major brake issues.
Add to that the fact that the Maxima ultimately beats both of those nameplates for overall cost, with sticker prices starting on the lower end, and cost of ownership being fairly cheap, and the Maxima dang near runs uncontested.
Do Owners Recommend the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Yes. I have never had any issues with my Nissan maxima at all! It is 10 years old and then it runs perfectly. Wheel bearings and brakes have been replaced but that is really all.
Yes. I get compliments on its styling and look all the time. Haven't had any performance issues or repair needs except standard car maintenance. Oil changes, brake pads replaced, tires replaced. Very happy with it.
I think it is a wonderful vehicle. It has enough room to seat 5 comfortably. It drives smooth and it has all the luxuries as more expensive cars. It is easy to maintain and gets good gas mileage.
Yeah, it gets the job done. It is pretty fuel efficient and it has a push start mechanism. The interior is extremely spacious and comfortable for a small car.
Yes very dependable still at its age. We use it a lot on daily travels and road trips. Trust in the Nissan