Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Nissan Maxima
Our scoring places the 2017 Nissan Maxima at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.6/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $30,367–$39,454, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Maxima sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Nissan Maxima is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2017 Nissan Maxima ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $30,367 starting price is about 10% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Maxima Year Should You Buy?
Across the Maxima model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2017 Nissan Maxima
Is the 2017 Nissan Maxima reliable?
We rate the 2017 Nissan Maxima's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2017 Nissan Maxima worth buying?
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #982 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 25% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2017 Nissan Maxima cost?
The 2017 Nissan Maxima starts at $30,367 and ranges up to $39,454 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Maxima years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Maxima years we've rated are 2017 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10), 2019 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.7/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Nissan Maxima
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More Nissan Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year