2005 Nissan Maxima ST 3.5 V6

Summary:

Excellent if uninvolving

Faults:

Ummm... after 15 months and 20,000km, nothing.

General Comments:

Bought as a replacement for an Alfa 166 that was single-handedly keeping the Italian economy afloat (I sold it at the beginning of last year, and they went down within months. Coincidence? I think not).

It's bigger. It's more comfortable. It's a lot quieter. It's more powerful. It's faster. It's much less thirsty. Everything works. It is completely reliable (is there even a word for "reliable" in Italian?). It has a rather elegant if bulky style.

But it is like driving a floating armchair. It feels like a big car, and you drive it like one. The Alfa just begged you to cut down a gear or two, and slice it through the corners. The Nissan just wants you to sit back and waft along.

Will I buy another. Of course, but I'll never forget the Alfa.

Also worth pointing out on these forums that the NZ/Aus comments refer to the J35 model that is a Japan/Asia only model, and completely different from the US assembled Maxima that seems to have caused so much grief.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2012

3rd Jul 2013, 04:01

Hi there, I am driving a 2005 Nissan Maxima Si 3.5 bought in New Zealand, and it has done 178000 Km, and to be honest, it still drives as if it's still brand new... Awesome car. The best thing to do is to service it regularly. This car has never missed. Used it as a family car... and we take long trips. This car is amazing. I'm kind of confused on how different it is to the ones made in the States. I guess it would have been more reliable if they were originally made in Japan. Really blessed to get this car.

20th Aug 2015, 03:24

The Nissan Maxima 2005 for Australia/NZ is J31, not J35.

17th Mar 2016, 11:00

This also helps me A LOT with my car buying. Out of the 20 in the definitely list, it's now come to 2. Thank you for the great review, especially noting the difference between the NZ/AUS cars to America. I recognise the left-hand side difference, but thought that it was basically the same car. Thanks.

In reply to 3rd Jul 2013, 04:01

17th Mar 2016, 11:02

This too is very useful to me. Great news! Thank you!

2005 Nissan Maxima Ti 3.5 V6 4spd Auto

Summary:

Beautiful, powerful, economical, reliable and stylish Commodore eater

Faults:

I've had it for 40000Klm and 2 years, and have not had one fault.

General Comments:

This car is awesome. Leather seats and every other feature you could think of.

The 3.5 V6 mated with the 4 speed auto works very well indeed. Because of the car's huge amount of torque, it does around 2200Rpm at 120KPH, then will drop back to third and take off like an intergalactic space ship.

It has very good suspension set up; fairly stiff, but doesn't compromise the ride.

My favorite thing about this 170KW front wheeldrive machine is going around a corner at speed until the rear end flicks out, then nailing the throttle, it pulls the rear end back in and slingshots forward.

It will easily leave a new Commodore or Falcon 6cyl sitting at the lights.

If you want a performance family car with a stylish streak, look no further, as this car does it all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2007

23rd Jun 2007, 05:11

I rented a Maxima for 2 weeks while away on a work trip. I was hugely impressed with everything about the car. Even the controversial styling grew on me over the period.

I spent today driving a VE Commodore Omega, which served to remind me what a great car the Maxima is. In fact it is streets ahead of the Commodore in every respect, despite the fact it has been around for 3 or 4 years now. Unless you're a real Holden fan, or you have a real thing against front wheel drive, I cannot fathom while you'd ever choose the Commodore over the Maxima after becoming acquainted with both.

23rd Mar 2011, 02:48

I bought one of these three years ago in NZ for $16,000, this is incredible value for such a car.

The motor is absolutely superb: smooth powerful and quiet. Leg room is very good and with all the extras it's a beautiful car to drive.

The only disappointment is the stereo: no 3.5mm input, doesn't play MP3 discs and only average sound despite the number of speakers.

17th May 2012, 23:16

I have a 2005 Maxima, and had the same issues as the model is experiencing with the transmission. The whole transmission needed to be replaced.

At 70,000km, I found the trans slipping gears, mainly going from 1st to 2nd, or it jumped into gear when putting it into reverse.

If you are experiencing such issues, please contact me via replying to this post.

Nissan are ignoring a huge potential issue.

I know 3 others with the same issues, although their trans has not failed YET!

After 114,000km, I had to replace the transmission.

Not impressed at all.