The 2012 Nissan Maxima, as reviewed by Car and Driver, was a front-wheel-drive sedan that attempted to bridge the gap between mainstream family transport and entry-level luxury. While praised for its potent 290-horsepower V6 and upscale cabin, the review highlighted the CVT’s impact on its "4-Door Sports Car" aspirations.
In the landscape of 2012, Nissan faced a significant challenge: how to market a flagship sedan that shared its platform with the more affordable Altima while competing with the prestige of Acura and Lexus. To understand the 2012 Nissan Maxima, one must look at it through the lens of Car and Driver’s rigorous testing standards, which prioritize steering feel, chassis balance, and powertrain engagement. For the 2012 model year, the Maxima (part of the seventh generation, A35) received a mid-cycle refresh that refined its aesthetics but left its controversial mechanical heart—the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)—untouched.
The 2012 Refresh: A Question of Identity
For 2012, Nissan introduced several cosmetic updates to keep the Maxima relevant against increasingly aggressive competition from the Hyundai Azera and the Buick LaCrosse. The most notable changes included a new front grille with a more "shulpted" look, updated taillights, and new 18-inch and 19-inch wheel designs. Inside, the cabin received new trim finishes and lighting colors.
Car and Driver’s analysis of these changes often pointed to the Maxima’s struggle with identity. Nissan branded the car with "4DSC" (4-Door Sports Car) logos in the window glass, a callback to the beloved Maximas of the early 1990s. However, by 2012, the car had grown larger and heavier. The refresh did little to change the fundamental "D-platform" architecture it shared with the Altima and Murano, leading critics to wonder if the Maxima was truly a sports sedan or simply a high-trim Altima in a more stylish suit.
Performance and Powertrain: The VQ35DE Legacy
The heart of the 2012 Maxima was the legendary VQ-series engine. The 3.5-liter DOHC V6 produced 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. In Car and Driver’s instrumented testing, this translated to a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.8 to 6.2 seconds, depending on the trim and weather conditions.
The Engine
The VQ35DE was a bright spot in the review. It was noted for its smooth power delivery and a distinctive, growling exhaust note that suggested performance. The engine felt "punchy" in the mid-range, making it an excellent highway cruiser and capable of effortless passing maneuvers.
The CVT Constraint
The primary point of contention for Car and Driver was the Xtronic CVT. While Nissan’s CVTs were among the best in the industry at the time, they were inherently at odds with the "Sports Car" moniker. Enthusiast drivers generally prefer the crisp, predictable shifts of a traditional automatic or a dual-clutch transmission. The Maxima’s CVT, despite having "Ds-mode" (Drive Sport) and paddle shifters that simulated six fixed ratios, often resulted in a "rubber-band" effect where engine RPMs would soar and hang during hard acceleration. This disconnected feeling was a major hurdle for the Maxima in head-to-head comparisons with rear-wheel-drive rivals like the Infiniti G37 or the BMW 3 Series.
Interior Craftsmanship and Ergonomics
Car and Driver frequently noted that the 2012 Maxima’s interior was "Infiniti-lite." The material quality surpassed that of the Toyota Avalon or Honda Accord of the same era. The driver-centric "cockpit" layout was designed to envelop the pilot, with a high center console and well-bolstered seats.
Trim Levels: S vs. SV
The 2012 Maxima was offered in two primary trims:
- S Trim: The base model, which still included features like a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless ignition.
- SV Trim: This added leather-appointed seats, a Bose premium audio system, and fog lights. Most Car and Driver test vehicles were the SV trim equipped with either the Sport Package or the Premium Package.
The Sport Package was particularly relevant to the review's performance focus. It added a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, smoked-appearance headlights, and a rear spoiler. More importantly, it included a large reinforcement brace behind the rear seat to improve chassis rigidity, though this came at the cost of the fold-down rear seat functionality.
Driving Dynamics: Handling and Ride Quality
On the road, the 2012 Maxima exhibited a split personality. In standard form, it was a comfortable, quiet long-distance cruiser. However, when pushed on a winding road—the natural habitat for any car claiming the 4DSC title—the limitations of its front-wheel-drive layout became apparent.
Steering and Grip
Car and Driver noted that the steering was relatively heavy and precise for a large sedan, but it lacked the nuanced feedback found in pure sports sedans. Torque steer—the tendency of a powerful front-wheel-drive car to pull to one side under hard acceleration—was present but reasonably well-managed by Nissan’s engineers. On the skidpad, the Maxima typically registered around 0.85g of lateral grip, a respectable figure that placed it ahead of most family sedans but behind the leading sport sedans of 2012.
Braking
Braking performance was consistent with the class. In various tests, the Maxima required roughly 170-180 feet to stop from 70 mph. The pedal feel was described as firm, providing confidence during spirited driving, though repeated hard stops would eventually lead to some brake fade due to the vehicle's nearly 3,600-pound curb weight.
Technical Specifications: 2012 Nissan Maxima SV
The following table summarizes the key specifications as recorded during the era of the Car and Driver review.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5L V6, 24-valve DOHC |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT with Manual Shift Mode |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 - 6.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 132 mph (governed) |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 19 City / 26 Highway mpg |
| Curb Weight | 3,565 - 3,620 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.2 cubic feet |
Market Positioning and Competitors
In 2012, the Maxima occupied a "tweener" position. Its MSRP often landed between $32,000 and $40,000, depending on options. This put it in direct competition with:
- Acura TL: Offering available All-Wheel Drive and a more sophisticated image.
- Volkswagen CC: Boasting European styling and a more engaging dual-clutch transmission.
- Chrysler 300: Providing a rear-wheel-drive platform and the option of a V8.
- Hyundai Azera: Which focused more on rear-seat luxury and features for the price.
Car and Driver pointed out that the Maxima’s biggest rival might have been within its own showroom. The Nissan Altima 3.5 SR offered the same engine and similar performance for several thousand dollars less. The Maxima’s justification lay in its superior interior materials, more aggressive styling, and the "prestige" of the flagship nameplate.
Reliability and Ownership in 2026
From the perspective of 2026, the 2012 Nissan Maxima is a fourteen-year-old used vehicle. Its legacy is defined largely by the long-term durability of its components, which has been a mixed bag for owners.
The CVT Concern
The most significant long-term issue for this generation of Maxima is the Xtronic CVT. While many units have reached high mileage with proper maintenance, there were widespread reports of premature failure, leading to class-action lawsuits and extended warranties in the years following its release. In 2026, any prospective buyer should insist on seeing service records for CVT fluid changes (ideally every 30,000 to 50,000 miles) and check for signs of slipping or "whining" noises during a test drive.
Engine Longevity
The VQ35 engine itself is remarkably robust. It is common to see these engines exceed 200,000 miles if the oil is changed regularly. Common 2026-era issues include worn engine mounts, failing alternators, and occasional oil leaks from the valve covers or timing chain gallery gaskets.
Interior Wear
The high-quality materials Car and Driver praised in 2012 have generally aged well, though the leather on the driver's seat bolster is prone to cracking, and the dashboard materials in some units may become "sticky" or degrade if the vehicle was frequently exposed to high heat without sun protection.
Summary of Car and Driver’s Perspective
Ultimately, Car and Driver viewed the 2012 Nissan Maxima as a car that promised more than it could mechanically deliver. It was a "4-Door Sports Car" in aesthetic and engine power, but it was a "Premium Executive Sedan" in its chassis behavior and transmission choice. The review concluded that while it was a stylish, well-built, and fast car, it didn't quite capture the visceral magic of the Maximas of yore.
For those looking at this car in 2026, it remains a distinctive choice. It offers a more spirited driving experience than a contemporary Toyota Camry, and its styling has aged better than many of its rivals. However, the shadow of the CVT and the reality of its front-wheel-drive limitations remain the primary caveats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the 2012 Nissan Maxima have a manual transmission option?
No, the 2012 Nissan Maxima was exclusively equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While it featured paddle shifters on higher trims that could simulate manual gear changes, a true row-your-own manual gearbox was not available for this generation (A35).
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Maxima?
The most frequent complaints involve the CVT, including shuddering, hesitation, or complete mechanical failure. Other reported issues include premature wear of the front suspension components (struts and control arms) and failures of the steering column lock mechanism, which can prevent the car from starting.
How does the 2012 Maxima compare to the Infiniti G37?
The Infiniti G37 of the same year was built on a rear-wheel-drive platform (the FM platform) and offered a more traditional 7-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. While the Maxima shared an engine family with the G37, the Infiniti was a true luxury sport sedan with superior handling and balance, whereas the Maxima was a premium front-wheel-drive sedan.
Is the 2012 Nissan Maxima good on gas?
By 2026 standards, the 2012 Maxima is not particularly fuel-efficient. It requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) to achieve its rated 290 horsepower. The EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway is significantly lower than modern turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid competitors.
What was the "Sport Package" on the 2012 Maxima?
The Sport Package included a stiffer suspension tune, 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a trunk-lid spoiler, HID xenon headlights, and a unique grille finish. Inside, it added metallic-link trim, paddle shifters, and a rear-seat chassis reinforcement brace that prevented the rear seats from folding down.
Practical Recommendation
If you are considering a 2012 Nissan Maxima in the current used market of 2026, prioritize vehicles with a documented history of CVT fluid services. While the "4-Door Sports Car" marketing may be an overstatement, the Maxima remains a comfortable, quick, and relatively luxurious sedan. For the best driving experience, seek out an SV trim with the Sport Package, but be prepared for a firmer ride and the lack of a folding rear seat. Always perform a pre-purchase inspection with a focus on the transmission and cooling system to ensure the vehicle’s longevity.
For more technical data and original safety ratings, you can consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for crash test results and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for historical safety evaluations of the 2012 model year.
