So, you're wondering if the 2017 Nissan Maxima is a good car? Let's dive right into it! The Nissan Maxima has always been that slightly sporty, kinda luxurious sedan that tries to bridge the gap between your everyday family car and something a bit more exciting. The 2017 model year is no exception. But is it a smart buy in today's used car market? That’s what we’re here to find out. We’ll cover everything from reliability and performance to comfort and features, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision. Think of this as your friendly guide to navigating the world of used Maximas. Let’s get started, shall we? By the end of this, you'll know whether the 2017 Maxima is the right choice for you. We’ll break down all the crucial aspects, including common problems, maintenance costs, and overall owner satisfaction. No fluff, just the facts you need to know. So buckle up, and let's explore what the 2017 Nissan Maxima has to offer! We'll also touch on how it stacks up against its competitors and what to look for when you're test driving one. This way, you'll be armed with all the knowledge you need to make a confident purchase. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or a seasoned auto enthusiast, this guide is designed to provide valuable insights. Let’s ensure you drive away with a car that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Stay tuned as we uncover the ins and outs of the 2017 Nissan Maxima!

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the 2017 Nissan Maxima boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces a respectable 300 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Now, I know what you might be thinking: "CVT? Really?" But hear me out! Nissan has been refining their CVTs for years, and in the 2017 Maxima, it’s actually quite good. It provides smooth acceleration and helps with fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, you can expect around 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is pretty decent for a car of this size and power. The Maxima isn't trying to be a sports car, but it offers enough grunt to make your daily commute enjoyable and passing maneuvers confident. The engine is responsive, and the CVT does a good job of keeping the power flowing smoothly. However, if you're someone who craves the feel of traditional gear changes, the CVT might take some getting used to. But overall, the performance is solid and reliable. Plus, the Maxima handles surprisingly well for a larger sedan. It's not as nimble as a sports car, but it's certainly more engaging to drive than your average family sedan. The steering is precise, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride without being too floaty. All in all, the 2017 Maxima offers a good balance of power, efficiency, and handling. It’s a car that’s equally at home cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. And with 300 horsepower on tap, you'll never feel like you're lacking in the performance department. The V6 engine delivers strong acceleration, making it easy to merge onto the freeway or pass slower traffic. So, if you're looking for a sedan that offers a little bit of excitement without sacrificing comfort and practicality, the 2017 Maxima is definitely worth considering.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2017 Nissan Maxima, you'll find a well-appointed cabin with a focus on comfort and technology. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a breeze. Higher trim levels offer premium leather upholstery and even diamond-quilted stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with most controls within easy reach. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to navigate. It includes standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other available features include a premium Bose audio system, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. One of the standout features of the 2017 Maxima is its generous amount of space. Both front and rear passengers have plenty of legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable car for families. The trunk is also surprisingly spacious, offering ample room for luggage or groceries. In terms of features, the 2017 Maxima comes well-equipped, even in its base trim. Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trim levels add features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power rear sunshade. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Maxima is a pleasant place to be. It's comfortable, spacious, and packed with features. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, the Maxima provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin adds to the sense of luxury, and the attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design. From the supportive seats to the intuitive infotainment system, the 2017 Maxima is designed to make your time behind the wheel as enjoyable as possible. And with its generous amount of space, it's a great choice for families or anyone who needs a comfortable and practical sedan.

Reliability and Common Problems

Okay, let's talk reliability. Generally, the 2017 Nissan Maxima is considered a fairly reliable car. However, like any used car, it has its potential issues. One of the most common complaints is related to the CVT transmission. Some owners have reported issues such as slipping, jerking, or even complete failure. It's crucial to have the CVT fluid changed regularly (every 30,000 miles) to help prevent these problems. Another potential issue is with the electronic systems. Some owners have reported problems with the infotainment system, such as freezing or crashing. Additionally, there have been some reports of issues with the sensors and other electronic components. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the 2017 Maxima running smoothly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly. It's also a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before you buy it, just to make sure there are no hidden problems. Despite these potential issues, the 2017 Maxima has a good overall reliability record. Many owners have reported owning their cars for years without any major problems. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues and take steps to prevent them. By keeping up with maintenance and addressing any problems promptly, you can help ensure that your 2017 Maxima stays reliable for years to come. And remember, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. So, while the 2017 Maxima isn't perfect, it's generally a reliable car that can provide years of trouble-free driving with proper care and maintenance. Just be sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions before you buy one.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2017 Nissan Maxima has you covered. It comes standard with a variety of advanced safety features, including: Forward Collision Warning, which alerts you if you're about to collide with the car in front of you. Automatic Emergency Braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision. Blind Spot Monitoring, which alerts you if there's a car in your blind spot. Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which alerts you if there's a car approaching from the side when you're backing up. These safety features can help you stay safe on the road and avoid accidents. In addition to these standard features, the 2017 Maxima is also available with a number of optional safety features, including: Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. Lane Departure Warning, which alerts you if you're drifting out of your lane. Driver Attention Alert, which monitors your driving patterns and alerts you if you're becoming drowsy. The 2017 Maxima has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave it a 5-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. These ratings demonstrate that the 2017 Maxima is a safe car that can protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash. So, if safety is a priority for you, the 2017 Nissan Maxima is an excellent choice. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and its excellent safety ratings, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're driving a car that's designed to keep you safe. And with features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Monitoring, you can avoid accidents before they even happen.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2017 Nissan Maxima comes in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The base trim is the S, which comes standard with features like an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Moving up to the SV trim adds features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a blind spot monitoring system. The SL trim adds features like a panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system, and adaptive cruise control. The SR trim is the sporty version of the Maxima, with features like a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and unique exterior styling. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim adds features like premium leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and a 360-degree camera system. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose the trim level that best suits your needs. If you're looking for a basic but well-equipped sedan, the S trim is a good choice. If you want more luxury and features, the SV or SL trim might be a better fit. And if you're looking for a sporty sedan, the SR trim is the way to go. No matter which trim level you choose, you'll get a comfortable and well-equipped sedan that's a pleasure to drive. And with its variety of trim levels and options, the 2017 Maxima offers something for everyone. So, take some time to research the different trim levels and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget. You won't be disappointed!

Final Verdict

So, is the 2017 Nissan Maxima a good car? In short, yes! It offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and features at a reasonable price. While it's not without its potential issues, particularly with the CVT transmission, these can be mitigated with regular maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. The Maxima's powerful V6 engine, comfortable interior, and generous list of features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and practical sedan. Plus, its excellent safety ratings provide added peace of mind. If you're considering a used 2017 Nissan Maxima, be sure to do your homework, get a pre-purchase inspection, and factor in the cost of potential maintenance. But overall, it's a solid and reliable car that can provide years of enjoyable driving. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive – you might just be surprised at how much you like it! And remember, buying a used car is all about finding the right balance of price, condition, and features. With a little bit of research and due diligence, you can find a 2017 Maxima that's perfect for you. Happy car hunting, guys!