Nissan Maxima problems
The Nissan Maxima is a car manufactured and marketed by Nissan and offered as Nissan's flagship sedan primarily in North America, the Middle East, South Korea, and China—and currently in its eighth generation. Having debuted for model year 1982 as the Datsun Maxima, it replaced the earlier Datsun 810. The name Maxima dates to the 1981 model year when Datsun marketed the upscale 810 as the 810 Maxima in North America. Like the 810, early versions of the Maxima had their origins in the Datsun/Nissan Bluebird. It is renamed to Nissan Maxima when the Datsun brand was phased out for the 1985 model year.
The Maxima was marketed as an upscale alternative to the Altima and prior to 1993, the Stanza, distinguished by features such as a premium interior and V6 engine. Most Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, until North American assembly began in Smyrna, Tennessee for the 2004 model year.
For the US and Canada, Nissan ended production of the Maxima in July 2023.
Outside North America, the Maxima nameplate has also been applied to variants or trim levels of several other models.
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Nissan Maxima model years
Common Nissan Maxima problems
Based on the complaints from owners of Nissan Maxima cars, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Malfunction and Failure:
- Owners have reported jerking when shifting, rough gear transitions, vehicle stalling, and slow acceleration, ultimately leading to total transmission failure. This problem is common in 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima models, typically occurring between 90,000 to over 100,000 miles. Some cases have been severe enough to render the cars undrivable, posing safety risks.
- Ignition Coil Failure:
- Failed ignition coils can trigger the check engine light, affecting the engine's performance. This issue is reported in late-model Nissan Maximas and can be a source of concern for owners. While not catastrophic, it can lead to performance issues and the need for timely repairs.
- Power Steering Failure:
- The power steering pressure hose can fail, resulting in power steering fluid leaks. This problem requires the replacement of the power steering pressure hose to resolve the issue.
- Front Seat Wear:
- Front seats in Nissan Maxima cars are known to wear down quickly at the sides, although the exact cause of this problem is unknown. Owners can choose to live with the issue or opt to have the seats re-covered or replaced to address the wear and tear.
- Idling Problems:
- Irregular idling, where the engine does not maintain constant revs, is often linked to a blocked Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Cleaning the MAF sensor can help resolve this issue and restore proper engine performance.
These common problems reported by Nissan Maxima owners highlight key areas of concern that may impact the performance, safety, and comfort of the vehicle. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the Nissan Maxima.
Is the Nissan Maxima a reliable car?
RepairPal gave the Nissan Maxima a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 9th out of 32 car brands in the same category. The Nissan Maxima suffers from a few common problems, including a leaking and low-pressure air conditioning hose, transmission malfunction and failure, and a faulty front-seat wire harness.
Is 200,000 miles on a Nissan Maxima bad?
In terms of mileage and overall lifespan, you can expect somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use from your Nissan Maxima assuming that it is well-maintained and kept in above-average condition.
Are there any problems with the Nissan Maxima?
Nissan Maxima Reliability Problems. Maxima owners have made 1,351 complaints over 31 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 22nd in overall reliability out of 26 Nissan models , with real transmission and engine concerns.
Why did Nissan discontinue the Maxima?
With many modern drivers preferring SUVs and crossovers to sedans, as well as the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, the automaker decided to scale back sedan production to other models, thereby discontinuing the Maxima.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Maxima years
We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Maxima cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Nissan Maxima model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Maxima model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Maxima years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Nissan Maxima car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Maxima , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Maxima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Maxima model years
A total of 351 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Maxima model years
There were a total of 341 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Maxima model years
There were a total of 355 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Maxima model years
There were a total of 16 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7090 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Maxima . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Maxima vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Nissan Maxima 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4AA5AP3EC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: While pulling into a parking space, I heard my engine racing. Immediately, I felt the car lurch forward. To avoid misapplying my foot to the gas pedal, I withdrew both my feet to the floor, next to the seat. The car continued forward at a fast rate. The car stopped going forward after it struck s building. However, the tires kept spinning, especially the front left tire. The engine ran briefly, until it stopped spontaneously. A few days previously, while driving at about 40 miles per hour on level ground, I felt the gas pedal to be unresponsive. Then it quickly reengaged. I mentioned this to my husband and he suggested that there may have been an air bubble in the fuel line. I don't know if the two events are related. Also, possibly related, I stopped using cruise control, because the car would surge and lapse during use. My insurance company is pursuing spontaneous acceleration. I visited my primary care physician the afternoon of the accident and was diagnosed with whiplash.
Nissan Maxima 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was not available.
Nissan Maxima 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-07
- VIN: 1N4AA6AP6GC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: No matter what speed you’re going it puts itself in false neutral. Abs , traction control comes on battery light flashes. No power steering and will not accelerate. Have almost been ran into and ran over. There is no warning when this happens and not yet find a service department or garage that can fix the problem. Very dangerous especially for a new driver, I bought this car for my daughter. This has happened more than once and now we do not drive the car due to it not being safe. New battery and alternator checks good. Has been scanned for codes several times.
Nissan Maxima 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-31
- VIN: 1N4AA6EV9LC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Forward collision warning turns on about 20 seconds after the car starts. There was no accident or obstructions to the sensors, this apperas to just be equipment failure on a car with only 30k miles on it.
Nissan Maxima 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 1N4AA6AP5HC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag warning light stays on at the dashboard. Passenger air bag light indicates airbag is off when someone is actually in the seat. This is incorrect.
Nissan Maxima 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
- VIN: 1N4AA5AP9CC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Since 2018 to present day. I been having difficulties with the visibility from my front windshield at sunny days. The dashboard has this sticky substance that make the dashboard really shinny, and reflect the sun light on the windshield, blocking the view and make it hard to see the road and vehicles. I had to use sunglasses to block this issue, but in some cases this will not improved and can make it worst. I had couple of near miss, and I have to stop driving my car at times to avoid this issue.
Nissan Maxima 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 1N4AA6AP1GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: This is third time this has happened. I already filled out one, but they have already replaced my altenator. My car worked fine for about a month, and then it did the same thing where I can't excelarate and the car limps at 1 MPH till it eventually shuts off and will not start up. If you jump the car it will work again, but not for long until it does the same thing. On the Nissan Forums alot of people are talking about this same issue, but nothing is being done and the only fix is to find an OEM altenator, but Nissan doesn't make one anymore. This is really starting to become a huge problem.
Nissan Maxima 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-17
- VIN: 1N4AA6APXGC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Alpine Nissan of Denver (2400 W 104th Ave, Denver, CO 80234) where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator had stopped routing electricity after overheating. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and related to failure to Technical Service Bulletin: NTB17-039P (Transmission Judder); which was related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.
Nissan Maxima 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-15
- VIN: 1N4AA5AP5BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag warning came on. I took to dealership for diagnostic. There was malfunction with the passenger airbag. Seat coushin needed to be replaced so the “normal” wear and tear airbag would no longer be an issue. Nissan stated this is not a safety concern and all expenses were out of pocket.
Nissan Maxima 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-29
- VIN: 1N4AA5AP5BC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The transmission is slipping it’s a cvt and they’re known for being the worst transmissions. I was entering the highway on a on ramp and I could no longer accelerate past 55 I was near flooring it and you can hear the engine working but the rpm’s are all over the odometer going from 3k-6.5k over and over. The problem has not been diagnosed professionally. The vehicle has not been inspected professionally.There were no lights on the dash when this began happening and nothing occurred that led up to that situation it was just a normal drive for me and now this happens every other day.
Nissan Maxima 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-27
- VIN: 1N4AA6AP9GC
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2016 nissan, noticed while stuck in traffic on highway on rainy day the vehicle seemed to want to loose power and battery light was coming on. I was able to exit highway an make it home. Later that night while at laundry mat headed to get food the car wouldn't accelerate eventually died an wouldn't start. Next day go to get it towed yet started no problem acceleration was fine alternator voltage was normal range. Few weeks later battery was dead which I have replaced. Alternator voltage still reads normal. I get about 20 minutes driving and battery light pops on eventually soon power steering and traction control goes out then car will die. If leave it few hrs 2-4hr an come back is fine. But can't drive 20min before it is a problem again. Has caused serious finacial strain and still paying for vehicle close to loosing employment it dies everyday then I have to pay for ride home and to go back to get it later. Have gotting stuck in intersection car just stops working. People have almost crashed into me because i cant get it off the road. Electrical or software computer problem somewhere.
Nissan Maxima 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-24
- VIN: 1N4AA6AP3GC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: [XXX] this is the exact problem, I couldn't explain it any better. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nissan Maxima 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-21
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1N4AA6EV3NC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owned a 2022 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving at 40 MPH and attempting to stop at a stop sign, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the driver swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, side-swiping the vehicle ahead and colliding with 3 light poles before coasting to a complete stop on the shoulder of the roadway. The air bags did not deploy during the impact, resulting in the driver sustaining minor injuries. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. The contact's granddaughter sustained nondescript injuries to her head and knees but did not seek medical treatment. The contact also stated that, though she was made aware that the driver of the other vehicle had reported injuries, the injuries and treatment were unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Nissan Maxima 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-17
- VIN: 1N4AA6AP1GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Alternator loses power and car doesn’t accelerate. Vehicle shuts down and will not start after. When running diagnostics after everything shows fine and after a jump car works again and reads fine. Happens again after driving for 40+ mins
Nissan Maxima 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-16
- VIN: 1N4AA5AP6EC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The dim lights on the vehicle are very dim, the fog lights are brighter than the dim lights. I’ve replaced the bulbs and headlights and neither fixed the issue. You can barely see in front of the car with the dim lights. It’s very unsafe to drive at night.
Latest 5 recalls Nissan Maxima
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 108 recalls for different components of the Nissan Maxima.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Nissan Maxima 2001
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Nissan Maxima 2002
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Nissan Maxima 2003
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Nissan Maxima 2020
- Report Received Date: 2020-09-22
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Altima, Maxima and Leaf vehicles. The rear window glass may not remain properly secured to the vehicle.
- Consequence: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
- Model: Nissan Maxima 2002
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Latest negative Nissan Maxima car reviews
Latest positive Nissan Maxima car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2019
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that your car is absolutely amazing!
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Vehicle year: 2001
Your car has 260,000 miles today! That's amazing! It's great to hear that you've been able to keep up with routine maintenance and only needed a second clutch. It's clear that you take great care of your car, as it still looks near new and runs like a dream. I can understand why you might consider selling it, but it's also understandable why you would reconsider. After all, you bought it new and it's an awesome car that you felt you didn't deserve. I'm glad to hear that Empire Lakewood Nissan was able to help make it affordable for you. It's also wonderful to hear that your mom was able to get a nice Maxima from them as well, and that she still loves her car. Thanks for sharing your story with me!
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Vehicle year: 2011
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car! It sounds like you've had a great experience with it so far. The AC is super cold and the cooled driver seat sounds like a great feature. It's awesome that the bluetooth recognizes who gets in the car more and automatically connects to the most frequent driver. The stock stereo is also amazing, especially the BOSE. You really don't know how good it is until you turn it up to just two or three bars below max volume and set the equalizer like you want. It's great to hear that the car has plenty of power and that the handling is still superb, even as the tires wear and get older. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2016
If you're looking for a car that is both affordable and offers great quality, you've found a winner here. The interior of this car looks amazing, even better than many sports cars. With its V6 engine and CVT, you can't go wrong. Once you put your foot on the gas pedal, you'll see what I mean! I get compliments on my Deep Blue Pearl baby all the time.
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Vehicle year: 2008
Hey there! Did you know that the timing tensioners are designed to be plastic against a metal chain? Pretty cool, right?
Are you having problems with your Nissan Maxima?
Odell Goodwin 2025-01-08
Vehicle year: 2006
The transmission failed twice during my two-year ownership of this car. I do not recommend this car to anyone.
Trever Lowe 2025-01-06
Vehicle year: 2016
Hello! I just wanted to start by saying that I am a long-time Nissan owner, having owned three Nissan vehicles myself and four in my family. Currently, I am driving a 2003 Pathfinder with 147,000 miles on it, and it has been a reliable car with only a malfunctioning fuel gauge. My wife also drives a 2014 Sentra, which has been great. However, I recently purchased a 2017 Maxima SR in October 2016 and have noticed some rattling coming from the passenger side of the car, as well as an uneasy metallic 'clank' when going over bumps on the highway. I took it back to the dealership in November, but unfortunately, they were unable to identify the source of the noise and suggested that I return if it reoccurs. Since then, the rattling has gotten worse, and I'm still experiencing the same 'clank.' I have another appointment with the dealership, but I'm feeling a bit discouraged at this point. I'm considering other brands for my next vehicle, even though the new Maxima looks impressive and handles well. I'm hoping to find a car that doesn't have any rattling while driving, as it can be quite annoying. Thank you for your time!
Tevin Weissnat 2025-01-06
Vehicle year: 2004
The vehicle has had a few issues, including a replaced transmission, blown out tires, replaced interior shelf, warped rotors, and replaced front grill and timing chain. Unfortunately, the air conditioning system needs to be replaced, but the cost is quite high. Overall, I would not recommend this vehicle to others. My experience with Nissan's consumer affairs and customer support group has not been helpful. This is my second and final Nissan vehicle purchase.
Agustin Okuneva 2024-11-28
Vehicle year: 2019
The car has experienced several issues, including transmission problems, automatic braking radar sensor problems, paint quality control, leaking windshield, poor interior quality, and lots of rattles, especially with the rear sunshade. However, we can confidently address these issues with our expertise and ensure that they are resolved to your satisfaction.
Braulio Nienow 2024-11-25
Vehicle year: 2007
This car is a great choice! After two years and 60,000 miles, I can confidently say that it is a sturdy and reliable option. While it may not have the same level of luxury as a BMW, Benz, or Infiniti, it is one of the best cars on the more affordable side of the spectrum. The pros include a lot of power, easy maintenance (oil changes and big services), and the convenient IntelliKey system. I also appreciate the turn illumination feature. The only cons are that it can be a bit gas-guzzling to experience the full power, and the build may seem flimsy at first, but it is actually deceptively sturdy. Overall, this car gets the job done and is a great way to get from point A to point B.