Acura
CL
Owner report available
Nissan
Maxima
Owner report available
Acura CL vs Nissan Maxima
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan Maxima comes out ahead of the Acura CL on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
CL
Overall
Owners of the Acura CL broadly praise the car's durability and long-term reliability, with many reporting high mileage examples still running well. The manual transmission models, particularly the Type S, are held in high regard as fun and dependable. However, the automatic transmission, especially in V6 models, is widely criticized as a serious weak point that owners say will eventually fail.
Best version to buy
The 2003 Acura CL Type S with the 6-speed manual transmission is the consensus best version, described as "bulletproof" and fun to drive. Owners specifically praise the manual transmission as avoiding the automatic's failure issues.
Known issues
- Automatic transmission failure: Frequency: very frequent. Owners across multiple discussions report that automatic transmissions, especially in V6 models, are prone to failure and should be avoided. Manual transmissions are not affected.
Maxima
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation, with a clear consensus that reliability and owner satisfaction declined significantly after the early 2000s. Owners of late 1990s and early 2000s models (e.g., 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003) report extremely high satisfaction, describing these vehicles as "amazing," "bulletproof," and capable of reaching very high mileages (260,000-300,000 miles) with only basic maintenance. These generations are frequently praised for their engaging drive, solid build quality, and low cost of ownership.
Best version to buy
Late 1990s to early 2000s models (specifically mentioned: 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003). These are consistently highlighted as the peak for reliability, build quality, and driving enjoyment.
Known issues
- Catastrophic CVT failure: Premature failure often before 100,000 miles, characterized by slipping, jerking, loss of power, and high operating temperatures. Considered a severe safety risk. Frequency: very frequent (2013+ models).
- CVT reliability concerns: General anxiety about long-term durability, transmission "whine," and expensive repair costs ($6,000+ for a rebuild). Frequency: very frequent.
- Jerky acceleration and shifting: Especially noted in 2016 and 2022 models, with stuttering during gear simulation and unresponsive throttle. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Acura CL is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Nissan Maxima, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Acura CL are a dealbreaker, the Nissan Maxima is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura CL or the Nissan Maxima?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Acura CL than the Nissan Maxima. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Acura CL or the Nissan Maxima?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Acura CL is classed as a Coupe, the Nissan Maxima as a Sedan, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura CL or the Nissan Maxima?
The EPA rates the 2003 Acura CL at 20–21 mpg combined and the 2023 Nissan Maxima at 24 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura CL or the Nissan Maxima?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan Maxima than the Acura CL. See the known issues comparison above.