Test Drive: 2009 Nissan Maxima
You can't truly appreciate the Nissan Maxima until you drive it a good 30 minutes. At first blush it really doesn't seem to stand out in a crowd of other entry-level luxury sedans. But once you've been behind the wheel for a while, you'll understand what the fuss is about.
Through the decades, the Maxima and its ancestors have taken their share of honors, but it lost some of the excitement as the luxury sedan field became more crowded. Rather than watch its once shiny star fade, Nissan overhauled the car for 2009 and based it on the Nissan D platform, which is shared with the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Murano.
Maybe it's the size, but I didn't feel the sporty ride I expected from Nissan's build up. Having said that, the car cruised along smoothly at highway speed had ultra-responsive steering and braking, and plenty of power. Although Nissan insists the Maxima is a sports car, it's clear why many automotive writers rank it as a family sedan. Again, that's not a negative - it's just different than what I expected.
Call it whatever you wish, the bottom line is that the Maxima handles beautifully. Some reviewers gripe that the CTV makes the car feel as if it's in first gear, but that wasn't the ride I felt. I found the Maxima not only easy but fun to drive.
2009 Nissan Maxima Exterior
Nissan dubs the Maxima's exterior style 'liquid motion,'? and it is a sleek, sporty and especially muscular look that sets it apart. Of special note is the sculpted hood and large, and the asymmetric head and tail lamps, which give the car a funky, modern look.
The Maxima comes in two trim levels. The S level includes 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control a sunroof and The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels. The base model S has a host of standard features including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
2009 Nissan Maxima Interior
You won't find a lot of very fancy dials and luxurious extras in the cabin, but it's very roomy and well equipped. Other auto reviewers give the car high points for what they call some of the best iPod integration systems available and the comfortable heated/cool seats. That combined with the comfortable seats, well placed dials and levers, and extra storage areas give the Maxima a lot to love.
The SV can also be equipped with Premium or Sport packages which step up the standard features with a driver seat manual thigh-support extender and power lumbar support, leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker Bose stereo upgrade.
The Premium Package has a lot of extras including a dual-panel sunroof, rearview camera, and a cooled driver seat.
A metallic interior trim, a spoiler and other extras are included in the Sport Package.
2009 Nissan Maxima Performance and Handling
There's no doubt that Maxima is a car full of power thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 hp. Plus, you won't go broke at the pump. The Maxima earns a respectable EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Braking, acceleration and steering are smooth and steady. As you'd expect, the car has a host of safety features including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Called a four-door sports car by Nissan, the Maxima boasts five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
With an MSRP of $30,160, the Maxima has a lot to offer those who are looking for a serious, yet sporty, sedan.