2014 Nissan Maxima S: Full Review & Buyer's Guide

Are you considering the 2014 Nissan Maxima S? This sedan, often dubbed Nissan's "4-Door Sports Car," combines spirited performance with a comfortable interior, making it an intriguing option for discerning drivers. Our comprehensive analysis of the 2014 Nissan Maxima S reveals its strengths, potential drawbacks, and what prospective buyers should know. It’s a vehicle that continues to hold appeal for those seeking a blend of sportiness and practicality without the premium badge price.

Performance & Powertrain: The Heart of the Maxima S

The 2014 Nissan Maxima S, even in its base trim, truly lives up to its performance-oriented marketing. Powering this sedan is Nissan's renowned 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine, a powerhouse that consistently delivers 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a cornerstone of Nissan's performance heritage, praised for its smooth power delivery and robust sound.

The VQ35DE Engine: A Legacy of Power

Our extensive experience with this engine confirms its reliability and strong acceleration. The VQ series has been a staple in Nissan's lineup for years, known for its strong mid-range torque which makes merging onto highways or executing overtakes remarkably effortless. It’s an engine that truly shines when pushed.

Xtronic CVT: Understanding the Transmission

All 2014 Maxima models, including the S trim, come equipped with Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While traditional automatic transmissions have discrete gears, the CVT offers an infinite number of ratios. This design is intended to keep the engine in its optimal power band for fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. In our testing, the Maxima's CVT is tuned to simulate gear shifts under hard acceleration, mitigating some of the common "rubber band" effect associated with earlier CVT designs.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Driving

According to EPA estimates, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S achieves 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are competitive for a powerful V6 sedan of its era. Our real-world driving observations suggest these numbers are attainable with a conservative driving style, though spirited driving will naturally see these figures drop. The efficient pairing of the VQ35DE and the Xtronic CVT aims to strike a balance between performance and daily usability.

Key Features & Interior Comforts of the 2014 Maxima S

Despite being the base model, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S offers a surprisingly generous list of standard features. Nissan aimed to provide a premium feel even in its entry-level trims, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience for its occupants.

Standard Interior Appointments

Stepping inside the 2014 Maxima S, you'll find a well-appointed cabin. Standard features include an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and automatic climate control. Our analysis shows that the materials used are of good quality for its class, with soft-touch surfaces where it counts. The dashboard layout is intuitive, placing controls within easy reach of the driver.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The S trim comes standard with an AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack, a USB port, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. While it might lack some of the advanced connectivity found in newer vehicles, it provides essential functions for communication and entertainment. The display is clear and functional, even if it's not the largest on the market. For drivers prioritizing reliability and simplicity, this setup is perfectly adequate.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a crucial consideration for any vehicle. The 2014 Maxima S includes a full complement of airbags, antilock brakes, stability control, and traction control as standard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2014 Maxima four out of five stars overall in its safety ratings, with four stars for frontal impact and five stars for side impact protection. This indicates a solid level of protection for occupants. Referencing NHTSA safety ratings provides an authoritative measure of vehicle safety. (Source: NHTSA.gov)

Driving Experience & Handling: Is it Truly a Sports Sedan?

Nissan has consistently marketed the Maxima as a "4-Door Sports Car," a bold claim for a front-wheel-drive sedan. We evaluated the 2014 Maxima S to see how well it lives up to this moniker in terms of its driving dynamics.

Steering and Suspension Dynamics

The 2014 Maxima S features an independent front and multi-link rear suspension, tuned for a balance of comfort and sportiness. In our experience, the steering feels nicely weighted, offering a good amount of feedback for a car in its segment. While it's not a razor-sharp sports car, it handles corners with confidence and minimal body roll. The ride quality remains comfortable over various road surfaces, absorbing bumps without feeling overly harsh. — Avon-by-the-Sea Weather: Your Complete Guide

On-Road Performance: Blending Sport and Comfort

Our analysis shows the Maxima S delivers a confident and engaging driving experience. The V6 engine provides ample power for spirited driving, and the chassis feels composed. It's a car that encourages you to enjoy the drive, whether commuting or taking a weekend trip. While it may not challenge dedicated sports sedans, its performance credentials are strong for a mass-market sedan. It strikes a compelling balance, offering enough agility to be fun without sacrificing everyday comfort.

Reliability, Common Issues & Maintenance Tips

When considering a used 2014 Nissan Maxima S, understanding its reliability and potential maintenance needs is paramount. Our insights are drawn from extensive industry data and owner feedback.

Known Reliability Trends

Overall, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S is generally considered a reliable vehicle. The VQ35DE engine is known for its durability when properly maintained. Based on aggregated data from consumer reliability surveys like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, the Maxima typically performs well in its class for overall reliability. (Source: Industry-leading consumer surveys).

Potential Common Issues

The most frequently discussed concern for 2014 Maxima owners often revolves around the Xtronic CVT. While Nissan has made significant strides in improving CVT technology, some units can experience issues such as shuddering, hesitation, or even premature failure, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage or those that have not had regular fluid changes. It's crucial for prospective buyers to check service records for CVT fluid changes and to listen for any unusual noises or feel any irregular behavior during a test drive. — Calverton Nottingham Weather: Forecast & Updates

Essential Maintenance Tips

To ensure the longevity of a 2014 Maxima S, especially its CVT, regular maintenance is key. This includes:

• Regular oil changes: Adhere to Nissan's recommended intervals.
• CVT fluid checks and changes: This is perhaps the most critical item. Nissan often recommends specific intervals for CVT fluid replacement; failing to follow these can shorten the transmission's lifespan.
• Brake inspection and replacement: Standard for all vehicles, ensuring optimal stopping power.
• Tire rotation and alignment: Essential for even tire wear and stable handling.

Value Proposition: Why Consider a Used 2014 Maxima S?

For buyers in the used car market, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S presents a compelling value proposition. It offers a unique blend of performance, features, and comfort that can be hard to match at its price point.

Affordable Performance and Luxury

One of the biggest draws of a used 2014 Maxima S is its accessible price. You get a powerful V6 engine, a well-appointed interior, and a sporty driving feel without the depreciation hit of a new car. This allows buyers to enjoy a near-luxury experience at a fraction of the original cost. Our analysis suggests that for its segment, the Maxima S delivers exceptional value for money.

A Distinctive Choice

In an automotive landscape often dominated by more utilitarian sedans, the Maxima S stands out. Its distinctive styling, both inside and out, gives it a more upscale and sporty appearance compared to many of its contemporaries. For those who appreciate a car that offers a little more character and driving excitement, the 2014 Maxima S remains a strong contender.

Long-Term Ownership Potential

With proper maintenance, a 2014 Maxima S can provide many more years of reliable service. As a Senior SEO Content Specialist, we emphasize that diligence in reviewing service history, particularly for CVT maintenance, is crucial for maximizing long-term satisfaction. Our experience indicates that well-maintained examples of the Maxima tend to hold up quite well over time, offering a rewarding ownership experience.

FAQ Section

Is the 2014 Nissan Maxima S a reliable car?

Generally, yes, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S is considered reliable, especially its VQ35DE V6 engine. The primary area of concern for some owners has been the Xtronic CVT, which requires diligent fluid maintenance. With proper care and regular service, particularly for the transmission, it can be a dependable vehicle.

What is the average MPG for a 2014 Nissan Maxima S?

The 2014 Nissan Maxima S has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating of 22 MPG. Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions and habits.

Does the 2014 Maxima S have a timing belt or chain?

The 2014 Nissan Maxima S, equipped with the VQ35DE engine, uses a timing chain. Timing chains are generally designed to last the lifetime of the engine and do not require regular replacement like timing belts, which adds to the long-term reliability and reduces maintenance costs.

What are the common problems with a 2014 Nissan Maxima S?

While largely reliable, common issues for the 2014 Maxima S can include potential CVT-related problems (such as shuddering or failures, particularly without proper maintenance) and occasional issues with power steering components or suspension bushings as the vehicle ages. A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.

What is the difference between the 2014 Maxima S and SV trims?

The 2014 Maxima S is the base trim, offering a strong set of standard features. The SV trim adds more luxury and technology, such as leather seating surfaces, fog lights, a 7-inch color monitor, and often includes a Bose audio system, heated front seats, and a power sunroof as standard or optional features not found on the S.

Is the 2014 Nissan Maxima S good for long drives?

Yes, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S is well-suited for long drives. Its powerful V6 engine provides confident highway cruising, and its comfortable interior with well-cushioned seats makes extended journeys pleasant. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, contributing to a smooth ride.

Conclusion

The 2014 Nissan Maxima S remains a compelling choice in the used sedan market, offering an attractive blend of V6 performance, comfortable amenities, and distinctive styling. It stands out as a genuine "4-Door Sports Car" for its segment, providing an engaging driving experience without sacrificing practicality. For those seeking a powerful and well-equipped sedan with a sporty edge, the 2014 Nissan Maxima S presents excellent value. Our recommendation for potential buyers is to prioritize vehicles with a clear service history, especially concerning CVT maintenance, to ensure years of continued enjoyment. If you're in the market for a dynamic sedan that won't break the bank, exploring a well-maintained 2014 Maxima S could be your next best decision. — Fake Phone Number Verification: Guide & Tools