Nissan Maxima

Name: 2010 Nissan Maxima
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Maxima is a quick car, but it doesn't add much over the less costly Nissan Altima overall. While pleasant, it falls short in some ways. Handling is responsive, but at low speeds the steering is overly light. The car is quiet, and the ride is decent. But the new coupelike silhouette has compromised visibility, trunk room and rear-seat comfort.

2010 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2010 Large cars Ratings

2010 Nissan Maxima

$4,650 - $5,025

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

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$5,725 - $6,025

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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$5,075

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2010 Cadillac STS

$4,300 - $4,825

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2010 Chevrolet Impala

$4,450 - $5,225

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2010 Chrysler 300

$4,875 - $8,675

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2010 Dodge Charger

$5,475 - $10,925

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2010 Ford Crown Victoria

$6,550

EPA MPG NA

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2010 Ford Taurus

$4,450 - $5,600

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2010 Hyundai Azera

$4,800 - $5,575

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2010 Mercury Grand Marquis

$5,950

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2010 Toyota Avalon

$6,875 - $8,025

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

3.5-liter V6 (290 hp)

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2016-2023

2016 Redesign Year

Redesigned for 2016, the Maxima continues to use the smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V6, which is a highlight of the new car. The continuously variable transmission works well for loafing around, but it saps any aspirations of sporty driving. Handling is mundane and the ride is too stiff for a sedan that costs $40,000. The Maxima has a plush interior, a number of high-tech safety and connectivity features, and uses a fairly straightforward infotainment system. A low roofline inhibits access and visibility. Controls are simple to use, and the front seats are very comfortable and supportive. The rear cabin, however, is rather cramped. An SR version with a stiffer suspension is available, but it lacks a sunroof. For 2017, Apple CarPlay is added to the infotainment system. Updates for 2018 included standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Changes for 2019 include new exterior styling, and revised interior trim. Nissan's Rear Door Alert system, giving drivers messages on the driver instrument panel, and multiple horn honks as a way to remind drivers to check the rear seats after they park, is now standard. For 2020, all models come standard with blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Updates for 2022 include standard heated rear seats added to Platinum grade.

2009-2014

2009 Redesign Year

Model year 2009 brought a fairly successful redesign of Nissan's flagship, though some of our testers felt the car still didn't say much beyond what the Altima was already saying at a lower price point. Still, the Maxima's ride is well composed, its cabin is quiet and the slick powertrain makes it very quick. Controls are simple and the front seats are comfortable. However, steering is oddly weighted, the low roof inhibits visibility and rear-seat legroom room is unimpressive. Quality interior materials give a good first impression. But a closer look reveals mold lines, mismatched textures and exposed screws.

2004-2008

2004 Redesign Year

Even though the Maxima is Nissan's sedan flagship, in many ways it finds a formidable challenger in the more plebian Altima. To counter this, 2004 brought a complete redesign with a strong 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. Expect 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. Despite strong acceleration, this version of the Maxima isn't a convincing sports sedan; it drives like a big car, coming up short in agility. The stiff and jiggly ride and wide turning circle prove annoying. Inside, there is generous room for three adults in the back seat, and the front seats are very comfortable, but cabin finish falls short of being luxurious. There are some nice features for the time, like a heated steering wheel and power adjustments for the steering column. A freshening arrived for 2007, with a revised dashboard featuring easier controls. The addition of a CVT improved acceleration, but fuel economy remained stalled at 21 mpg overall.

2000-2003

2000 Redesign Year

With the Maxima, Nissan tried to offer German sports sedan performance and luxury at a Japanese price point. Model year 2004 brought a complete redesign with a strong 3.5-liter V6. The ride remained stiff and jiggly, handling wasn't so agile, and the interior was just ordinary. The rear seating was very spacious, though. A CVT and a general freshening arrived for 2007. The 2009 models brought another redesign. The ride is composed, the cabin is quiet, and the slick powertrain makes it very quick. Controls are simple and the front seats are comfortable. However, the steering is oddly weighted, the low roof inhibits visibility, and rear-seat room is unimpressive.