The seventh-generation Nissan Maxima can almost be called a "four-door sports car," which is what Nissan called it before the last few models became a little soft for that title.
The first Maxima arrived in 1981 as the first "near-luxury" model before there was such a market classification. It became much improved as the years passed, with the 1989-1994 model being the sportiest. The car then was redone for 1995, 2000 and 2004.
2009 Nissan Maxima
Prices: $28,595-$31,295
Likes: Nicely redesigned. Fast. Roomy. Good roadability. Supple ride. Decent fuel economy.
Dislikes: Big and heavy. Low rear seats. High trunk opening. Too-fast power windows.
The redesigned 2009 midsize model almost looks the part of an overgrown sports car, with a 1.9-inch reduction in wheelbase and nearly a 4-inch length trim. The slightly lower car has wider front and rear tracks (distance between wheels on the same axle) and flexed-bicep wheel arches covering large tires for a more purposeful look. Chromed dual exhaust outlets look sharp, but the optional rear spoiler atop the trunk looks tacked on. Bypassing it is an easy way for Maxima buyers to save its $370 cost.
Styling highlights include a "catamaran-style" hood that sweeps up at the sides and has a center bulge and curved inset at the rear. Concave sections indented in the rear bumper fascia and rocker panels below the doors reduce the visual mass of the plain body sides, besides stiffening the sold car's structure.
Despite all the changes, the Maxima looks BIG. It has the driving feel of a smaller, athletic car, although it feels heavy during quick maneuvers with its 3,556-pound weight.
The new styling gives the car a more aggressive look, especially up front, and the "super cockpit" design provides the ambiance of a sports car interior. Electroluminescent gauges are easy to read in bright sunlight, where gauges in many other cars "wash out." Standard power front seats provide good support and large controls are easily reached.
As always, since its introduction, the Maxima has front-wheel drive. That has put it at a disadvantage, compared to rear-wheel-drive rival sports sedans, which have superior weight distribution. The Altima's weight distribution is 61/39.
However, Nissan set out to make the world's best front-drive chassis with the 2009 Maxima, and clever engineering gives the car much of the feel of a rear-drive auto. Front-drive also allows advantages in weight and interior roominess.
There are a $28,595 S entry model and higher-line $31,295 SV, for which virtually all options are exclusively available.
"The S is intended to be an under-$30,000 entry Maxima in these price-conscious times, although it's well-equipped," said Nissan spokesman Brian Bockman. Both models are packed with standard comfort, convenience and safety items, such as dual-zone automatic climate controls, many air bags and traction and anti-skid systems. The SV adds such features as an upscale sound system and perforated leather upholstery.
The SV is offered with a $2,300 Sport Package that contains a sport suspension, wide tires on 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and rear bucket seats with a trunk pass-through. (A split fold-down rear seat for those who want more cargo room is in non-option-package models.) Also available for the SV is a $3,450 Premium Package, with a bunch of comfort features, Sport Package items, a dual panel moonroof and paddle shifters.
Horsepower of the 3.5-liter dual-overhead-camshaft V-6 has been increased from 255 to 290 and provides fast acceleration (0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds), with solid merging and passing abilities.
The smooth 24-valve engine is one of the industry's best. It delivers an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, which is slightly better than last year's rating despite the extra 35 horsepower and added torque. A large 20-gallon fuel tank provides an extended driving range, but premium fuel is required.
The transmission is an electronically controlled continuously variable unit (CVT) with sport and manual modes. This responsive CVT automatic is one of the best and has an almost infinitely variable number of speeds. The optional steering wheel paddles allow lightning-quick gear changes in manual mode for six preselected gear ratios.
The quick steering has the right amount of power assist, and handling is good. A supple suspension provides a compliant ride and the brake pedal has a nice feel and linear action. Stops are quick and sure with anti-lock brakes that have electronic brake-force distribution and a brake-assist feature for better control during panic stops.
The high-quality Maxima interior isn't flashy and has a decent amount of storage space, with front door pockets, large glovebox and deep center bin. Power windows are speedy but difficult to stop when they're rushing down or up. Large outside mirrors provide good driver visibility.
The quiet interior is roomy for tall occupants, but rear seats are rather low and only two fit comfortably back there. Doors have large handles and open wide for easy entry and exit.
The spacious trunk has an opening that is wide but rather high. Its lid raises smoothly on hydraulic struts and has an interior lining for a finished look. The hood also has twin struts.
The new Maxima loses none of the luxury it has acquired -- and regains its old sportiness.
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