What's New

Reliability Ratings

JD Power Ratings

Reliability ratings are shown below for the most recent model years for which data is available.

See the most recent 4 years of reliability ratings

  • Initial Quality Ratings - Mechanical

    Reliability after 90 days of ownership. more info 2008 2009
    Overall Quality
    3 stars
    3 stars
    Powertrain Quality
    4 stars
    3 stars
    Body and Interior Quality
    3 stars
    3 stars
    Features and Accessories Quality
    3 stars
    3 stars

  • Initial Quality Ratings - Design

    Reliability after 90 days of ownership. more info 2008 2009
    Overall Quality
    3 stars
    4 stars
    Powertrain Quality
    4 stars
    4 stars
    Body and Interior Quality
    3 stars
    3 stars
    Features and Accessories Quality
    3 stars
    3 stars

  • Appeal Ratings

    Reliability after 90 days of ownership. more info 2008 2009
    Overall Performance and Design
    3 stars
    4 stars
    Performance
    3 stars
    4 stars
    Style
    3 stars
    4 stars
    Features and Instrument Panel
    3 stars
    4 stars
    Comfort
    3 stars
    4 stars

  • Dependability Ratings

    Reliability after 3 years of ownership. more info 2005 2006
    Overall Dependability
    3 stars
    2 stars
    Powertrain Dependability
    3 stars
    2 stars
    Feature and Accessory Dependability
    3 stars
    2 stars
    Body and Interior Quality
    3 stars
    3 stars

Legend

5 stars
Among the best
4 stars
Better than most
3 stars
About average
2 stars
The rest

For more information on car ratings and reviews, prices and specs, and environmentally friendly cars, please visit jdpower.com.

Ratings for some models may not be available. Some new models have not been on sale long enough to be included in the study. Also, for low-volume luxury or exotic vehicles, there may not be enough buyers to generate valid survey results.

These ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power and Associates awards.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.

JD Power Ratings Glossary of Terms

These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after the first few months of ownership.

Overall Quality - Mechanical
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Powertrain Quality - Mechanical
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations) only.
Body & Interior Quality - Mechanical
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with wind noise, water leaks, poor interior fit/finish, paint imperfection, and squeaks/rattles.
Features & Accessories Quality - Mechanical
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the seats, windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.
JD Power Ratings Glossary of Terms

These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after the first few months of ownership.

Overall Quality - Design
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems where controls or features may work as designed, but are difficult to use or understand (i.e., overly complicated controls/features that are difficult to operate due to poor location).
Powertrain Quality - Design
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., ride smoothness, responsiveness of the steering system and brakes, and handling/stability).
Body & Interior Quality - Design
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the front-/rear-end styling, the appearance of the interior and exterior, and the sound of the doors when closing.
Features & Accessories Quality - Design
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the seats, stereo/navigation system, heater, air conditioner, and sunroof.
JD Power Ratings Glossary of Terms
Overall Performance and Design
Taken from the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, this measure is based on owner satisfaction with vehicle Performance, Style, Features and Instrument Panel, and Comfort.
Performance
This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's powertrain and suspension systems, including acceleration, handling stability, braking performance, and shift quality.
Style
This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's interior and exterior styling, uniqueness of styling, and exterior and interior colors.
Features & Instrument Panel
This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's stereo system, gauges/instruments, and heating/air conditioning system.
Comfort
This component of APEAL is based on owner satisfaction with the vehicle's comfort and convenience features and seats.
JD Power Ratings Glossary of Terms

For model years prior to 1999, vehicles are evaluated after four to five years of ownership. From 1999 to present, vehicles are evaluated after three years of ownership.

Overall Dependability
Taken from the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), this measure is based on long-term Mechanical, Body and Interior, and Feature and Accessory dependability.
Powertrain Dependability
Taken from the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 3 years of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations) only.
Features & Accessories Dependability
This component of VDS is based on problems reported with seats, windshield wipers, door locks, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof, and trip computer.
Body & Interior Dependability
This component of VDS is based on problems reported with exterior paint, wind noise, water leaks, interior fit/finish, and squeaks/rattles.

Free Dealer Price Quote

Get new car price quotes from dealers near you for the Nissan Maxima

Research A Car

Certain specifications, prices and equipment data have been provided under license from R. L. Polk & Co. ("Polk"). © 2009 R. L. Polk & Co. All Rights Reserved. This information is supplied for personal use only and may not be used for any commercial purpose whatsoever without the express written consent of Polk. Polk makes no guarantee or warranty, either express or implied, including without limitation any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose, with respect to the data presented here. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.