MotorWeek Road Test: 2009 Nissan Maxima

[USA4July1776]

I notice a lot of hispanic douche bags driving Altimas and Maximas for some reason...

[KDogggRock]

@MRSLVREALTOR: You should try the BBB Autoline. I used it for a 2010 new Honda Civic EX that had a suspension that rattled over roughy urban roads. After 6 mo of hearings, they ruled in my favor. The tantrum the Honda reps threw was priceless. I sold the car shortly afterward.

[MRSLVREALTOR]

NISSAN CORP. DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT. Bought a 2009 Max. brand new it pulled to the RIGHT SO BAD if I let go of the stearing wheel it pulled across 3 lanes of trafic In less then 5 Sec. Brought this to Nissan Corp. atten. they said it met there " Plans & Specifications" Moral of the story: Driving the car one day & hit a grove in the road The car PULLED INTO A BRICK WALL! I've owned more then 5 Nissan's in the past & Nissan has lost my Biz. NISSAN DOESNT CARE ABOUT OUR SAFETY!

[iggibars]

@MRSLVREALTOR, Why didn't you take it to an independent shop? It's kind of your fault for driving a car that i truly as unsafe as you claim it to be.

[MegaMaster456]

@MRSLVREALTOR WELL DUH! YOU LET GO OF THE WHEEL!

I had one and it works FINE!!

[iiMGorgeousBabii]

@MRSLVREALTOR If you don't like Nissan why would you own 5 of them? I think you might be a Honda douchebag trying to hate on Nissan because they don't have Vtec lol

[occckid123]

how does the new versa has more legroom in the rear and more trunk space!

[money1234354]

I want this car. Can someone give me the money to buy this car.

[dustinmcclelland15]

That car is big... just big

[ambientflier]

"We found the paddle shifters actually slowed things down"

Duh. It's a cvt. Fake-shifting it defeats the purpose.

[2mmaaxx]

مشاء الله تبارك الله

والله انك موتر يالمكس

[torontostablaguy]

i wana be the guy who sits in the front and rear seats and puts the luggage in the trunk. am i weird?

[jsiszero]

CVT on a sports sedan? fail.

[Stevenhiggles]

I will never know y they call this a sports car. It IS sporty and sexy as hell. Beautiful car. However. My altima when it was still stock could take it from a dig and roll. I have a 07 3.5 CVT. Nissan. Bring back the six speed, and MAKE the maxima RWD.

[abram7117]

@Stevenhiggles Same with me(test drove 09 & 04), these are nothing more then a high-end grocery getter/fancy family sedan. Nice cars but their no sportier, faster or funner to drive then a Typical V6 family car.

[Ciper83]

Very nice; I just wish it was a bit more affordable.

[jsnevels2]

With cvt 0-60 is about 5.8 now imagine that maxima wth a 6spman.... That wouls be so sick...

[97I30T]

Ummmmm......Where's the six speed manual? I'm tired of car manufacturers not offering stick shifts anymore!

[tietie1424]

Boy John Davis is getting old....

[TheTallMan35]

That road they used for slalom testing was in serious need of repaving. I saw almost as much grass as asphalt.

[AwsomeInventor]

i have a 2000 maxima SE, never had a problem and its still a rocket!

[VIRAJ818]

I love the Maxima!!!!

[Tryinitonmyown]

I bought a new loaded SV 2010 a month ago. It's fantastic!

[tom11zz884]

The Styling on the New Maxima is great..much better than the ugly new Acura TL....However, the Maxima interior sucks compared to the new Acura TL

[97I30T]

@tom11zz884 I agree and Acura also offers a 6-speed manual tranny on the TL. Nissan has no excuse to not offer one on a SPORTS SEDAN. it's bullshit

[hegotjokes06]

@97I30T I believe the reason they only offer a CVT transmission is so the Maxima wont take away from the Infiniti G sells, since they are both so comprable; in fact the Max has a larger interior.

[97I30T]

@hegotjokes06 Yeah that makes sense. Plus the G37 is RWD instead of FWD, it's a much more appropriate car for a manual transmission. The Maxima is also a good deal larger than the G37 as well, so that explains why the interior is larger.

[tom11zz884]

Nissan needs to make a maxima coupe..but i;m sure they are afraid it would canibalize 370z sales.

[lions208436]

Everything is good about the Maxima except the CVT. Get rid of the CVT and ditch the FWD, and you have a winner. This car has all kinds of potential, but as much as I want to like it, the Maxima falls short. Still a deal considering its upper name plate Infiniti, and much better then an IS250 or even a 328i.

[streeturchin2000]

The best maximas by far are 2004-2005

[svtcarboy]

@streeturchin2000 Highly disagreed. The early 1990's SE and the current SV Sport are the best ones. I would buy a current Maxima if it offered a manual and a folding rear seat in SV Sport trims.

[streeturchin2000]

yea, it sucks that they are not manual, but the newer maximas are starting to become more of a car that some kid buys, and literally claims it to be a " four door sports car" when the old ones, such as the beautiful 2004, have their own personal style, and havent become a car to follow the rest of the japanese companies such as lexus.

[svtcarboy]

@streeturchin2000 Guess it's a matter of personal taste. The 2004 model is hideously ugly in my eyes - bad enough to be the Aztek Award winner for 2004.

However, I need a folding rear seat and I won't buy an automatic (or CVT).

[streeturchin2000]

@svtcarboy yea, i kinda take what i said back anyways. the 2009 and stuff does look really freakin nice. but idk, it surprises me u would think the 04s were ugly. idk ha i love it. rele nice to work on. ill put up a vid once im done. im not doing any major mods to it, seeing as im roling 175 thousand miles

[batman5270]

i own a 2005 maxima and love it , wish i could have this one lol , go go maxima

[7477238]

Oh I wish there was a 6 spd manual transmission available. The previous Gen Maximas with the manual transmissions were absolute monsters, tons of torque steer but always makes me smile. I hope they add a 6spd in.

[Johncarson9113]

The over all purpose of the Maxima was not to make it a substitute to the Infiniti G37 luxury sedan. The Maxima although it prices at $30,000, it gives the driver the space and feel of being in a larger sedan opposed to the G sedan, it was built on the same width and size as the larger Infiniti M sedan ($46k), the Maxima is not an alternative to the Infiniti G it is a preference against its viable compitors like the Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Camry etc.

[BearsDkills]

@Johncarson9113

toyota Avalon.  Not camry.

[Johncarson9113]

@BearsDkills Yes, you are correct. I meant to say Toyota Avalon, I almost forgot it was part of the toyota range. Thanks ;)

[BearsDkills]

@Johncarson9113

;-)

[tremer88]

same color im gonna get

[ThousanWhite]

This car is gorgeous IRL. A bargain Infiniti G

[kolbpilot]

Nissan has always played (in various stages) second fiddle to Toyota. But people who knew better knew there wasn't much between the two. Nissan has a real opportunity, what with Toyotas' current woes, to win over alot of business. The Maxima is somewhat large, but has to be to face the competition. And Nissan always knows how to give the customer horsepower.

[4MATICbenz]

I hate the front end styling.

Im also disappointed with the lack of RWD or AWD, and the fact that there is really no justifiable reason to purchase this over the Infiniti G37 (which is an all-around better car).

[john03j]

only knock on this car.. not RWD... should have been without question!

[ThePurdude]

is it just me or does the road during their 0 - 60 test seem to be going downward?

[ElDiablo458]

@alexanderocks That's why they made Infiniti. lol

[bambam4LSU]

I just purchased a 08, with 25000 miles 12/19/09 still smells new from the leather,, never smoked or eaten in looks new,, its an SE whatever that means,, gotta love the heated seats,, sunroof with 5 settings, 6 speed gear box, XM radio, keyless, and other things I havent figured out yet.. Oh the reason a maxima cause I own a 1997 with 197000 miles and its NEVER been in the shop.. for major repairs.. brakes, CV joints, oil, batt., O2 sensors, things like that,, but NEVER left me stranded....

[Xbox360Player350]

SE = sport package. My Maxima's an SE too.

[worldspiritda]

We have a 2009 sv and I think the cvt is not bad. I think that maxima was not meant to be pure sport car(something really difficult to understand for some people); it is a sporty sedan. In my opinion if you want a pureblood sport car stop thinking about what maxima is not and get a 370z, subaru sti, lancer evo, 135i, mustang, camaro or whichever rwd or awd with manual transimission you prefer. Maxima is very good at the sporty sedan range, that´s all it is.

[hazemvirus]

maxima is good but im just tired of the FWD and the torque crap it FWD cars do but they say this car doesnt suffer like any other normal FWD, you have the car, did that happen to you?

[worldspiritda]

Well, it has a bit of torquesteer but it´s not very noticeable. Where I live altitude is 2240meters a.s.l. and engines without turbo loose a lot of punch. I believe that at sea level torquesteer would be stronger. I have a gti dsg (the maxima is of my mom) and I think it has more torquesteer than the maxima. But it is turbo, lighter and first gear "relation" is smaller than cvt´s smallest range.

[hazemvirus]

thanks, im just asking because im thinking of G37 Coupe sport or G37XS sedan while my dad want me to get the maxima and i test drove the maxima and it was great but im just fed up with the FWD especially in the winter

[urstruly83]

I have a RWD G35 2008 and its TERRIBLE in the snow!!!! I want an AWD now

[nissanaltimaka24de]

Get the G37X sedan if you alreday havent! It's an AWESOME car i got one, and the AWD and 7 speed gear box i be killin V8's. I think the Maxima is an awesome car but CVT aint the best tranny i had an 07 Altima with CVT before the G37 and it wasnt really my cup of tea lol. But if you live up north you will LOVE the G37's AWD, i went thru snow like i was in a Hummer lol

[hazemvirus]

i know G37X is good but as you know they will get full redesign next year so i think its worth waiting the 9 months

[7477238]

The CVT transmission might be a seamless transmission however, this is what ruins the driving feel of this newest generation of Maximas. Nissan please make a 6spd manual w/clutch option available, this is what the Maxima is all about.

[hazemvirus]

you see, i would have got it if it was a rear wheel drive, im sick of front wheel drive and the torque lose and in the friggin winter it sucks alot

[ThousanWhite]

I think this car is the bees knees

[coandcaiv]

this car is pretty forgettable inside and out...nissan could of did alot better

[gfedtyhfs]

I have a 2010 SV and while the CVT provides smooth driving and decent fuel economy, it totally takes away from this being a true sports sedan; it just doesn't provide the feedback and performance a regular automatic transmission does; if you want a true sports sedan get a G37 sedan; get the maxima if you want a smooth riding, comfortable, and decent handling entry-luxury sedan!

[proudjatt78]

LMFAO COMPARING THIS TO HONDA! WTF!!

[coandcaiv]

its ok to be jealous..you are inbred after all right?

[andreakatickles1]

i was once a maxima owner until they redesign in 2000 which was the worst look. i then went to the lexus gs and owned by 7th gs wihich is a 460. Once u go LEX u will never go Max. lol. this new design maxima looks real good. check out MIDDLESEX DANCERS ON YOU TUBE. Blessings, Earl

[itcowboy2]

seems to be some haters on here. Maybe a little jealous I guess? Anyways, I love my new Maxima...I have owned BMWs, Hondas, Subarus..and this new Nissan blows the doors off of all of those other cars.

Comparing this to a Honda?? LMFAO!! Please!

[EpiDemic117]

i'd rather not compare. Instead admire all on their pros. This car looks sexy.

[amer1cancer2753]

They market this as a Sport Sedan and it is as fast as a Honda Accord EX-L V6 and Mazda 6i Grand Touring. Ridiculous. $30,000 on this car, and that won't get you leather.

[k757]

I owned a '08 Accord EXL V6 and my '09 Maxima is heads above it in all categories. The closest Honda offering to the Maxima is the Acura TL. And for the leather and price tag comment... I bought the S trim (cloth trim) and had the dealership install leather, I paid $28,400 +TTL.

[amer1cancer2753]

Right......

[boringlecture]

Nissan should just get rid of Infinity and stick with making better maxima's like this, plus save money

[lamyaty]

WOW! i totally want this car.

[lilshane93]

It seems like anyone who likes the Maxima always says that it needs somthing more. Like S and SV 3.5 badges, RWD or AWD, and of course, the manual transmission.

[xmechman93x]

maybe if they were RWD they could put that....but they arent....

[EpiDemic117]

essentially infinity's are rear weal as well as the 350z. So Nissan gives you quite a variety to choose from. I'm a fan of the infinity's exhaust sound.

[jlsmith4606]

We just upgraded from the 2007 maxima to the 2009 and it was definitely worth it. I love everything about it, especially now that they added the L.E.D. tail lights and the auto lock. It has a nice rumble from the engine when you accelerate making it feel like a sports car but it also has a luxury feel to it as well.

[johnsenkenn]

@jlsmith4606

So you toke advantage of Government cash for clunkers.

[jlsmith4606]

@johnsenkenn first of all the 07 wasn't a clunker, second of all got a lot for the 07 and got the 09 for a good deal fully loaded, so what the issue

[johnsenkenn]

@jlsmith4606

Ha....ha.

[4MATICbenz]

This is a really great looking car! It performs well, and there's plenty of good luxury features.

One major gripe, though. That CVT tranny seems like it sucks. Nissan needs to put a 6-speed manual on this

[vikingbase]

They say nobody buys manuals... but us. Funny Cadillac makes a four door manual but not Maxima???

[LASpurs]

I bought one today with the Sports package, I'm sooo happy to be getting rid of my G35 Coupe.

[ComfortablyxNumb59]

really? damn lol, I love Nissan.. and I obviously love Infiniti. Especially the G35s!

[LASpurs]

Yep, I had a G35 Coupe for over 3 years and the new Maxima pisses all over it from a great height. I have had 3 Altimas, a older Maxima and a Murano on top of the Infiniti (I used to work for Nissan corporate) and this is by far the best Nissan I have driven. Absolutely stunning car!!

[Captainbob25202000]

@LASpurs i like the maxima..but i liked the 3.5 altima as a more laid back car.

but old nissan's continue to be still the creme de'la creme

[ComfortablyxNumb59]

Nissan should really work on an AWD platform for the SV, as well as a new 6 speed manual transmission. It would be a godcar lol

[drummerblade]

YES! I have an idea: the 2010 Maxima SE-R Spec-V. It would have AWD, a 6 speed MANUAL transmission, and a turbocharged V6 producing 320+ hp. Nissan should also get the parts from NISMO and they should offer suspension upgrades and stuff like that. I would buy i can like that in a second!

[ComfortablyxNumb59]

DUDE, that would be sweet lol. Since they changed the trim levels to S and SV.. SV-R perhaps? I would buy it even without the turbo, it's making 290 as it is! I just love the feel of shifting a manual tranny, I feel like I have more control of the car. An AWD system and a 6 M/T would have me in debt as soon as it debuted. The only problem is that the Infiniti G37 Sexdan sales would plummet because the Max is prettier lol. But the 4DSC is in dire need of AWD and a 6 speed at least!

[drummerblade]

oh hell yeah but it should have at least 10 more horsepower. i hope to god tht someone in nissan comes up with it. that is my idea of a 4DSC

[ComfortablyxNumb59]

I love my '97 SE!

[1352ccZX14]

'98 SE here!

[sohailkhanpakistani]

i want to kill nissan for not putting a 6spd tranny in there

[dbonanno]

why would you care, it's not a sports car. i mean it's FWD, for christsakes!

[ComfortablyxNumb59]

The FWD platform is not considered a traditional sports car, but that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't capable of being a sports car. Most FWD's are made to be daily driven to get around better in all weather conditions, but there are performance FWDs. I agree that RWD's have a better powertrain balance, are a bit more fun, and are a better place to start looking for performance, but there is absolutely no reason why a properly tuned FWD (even some stock) can't perform as well as a RWD.

[hadabenz]

I am so pitiful for Nissan to hear that the Manual Trans Nissan Maxima only went 2% of the sales.... that's how bad their sales were... I still think this car is still best to be driven with a 6speedmanual

[NIGHTMAREuki]

i wish nissan would remake 5.5 gen, with some updates, that car would be a king of the road for sport sedans with 6sp.

[QueenzKing1228]

damn these people know everything

[fireliar90]

I've always had a love for maximas because a maxima was my first car. I like the new design personally. Im planning on getting one, and good, since so many people dislike it I'll be one of the few to have one on the road xD

[redboyj15]

Don't count on that buddy lol...where i live I see these Maximas everywhere. They look very attractive in person, like nothing else on the road.

[fireliar90]

oh man i finally seen one in person in a parking lot. holy shit nice and the headlights stick out so much

[fembotzcanada]

while i do not like the new styling of the maxima, and sales show that many others agree, i am happy that it is still a nameplate that is recognized. i also do not like when critics say that the design is light years ahead of the often maligned 6th gen , which i own. i love the way the 6th looks, far better than this new one, and, with a few enhancements ( i have a roof spoiler on mine ) it looks great. no problems with it as yet, led taillights also make it unique. still turns heads.

[redboyj15]

While I agree that the 6th gen Maxima is attractive, I'd have to say that this new gen is even more so. Though many disagree with me, few would argue that the new gen is FAR more distinctive, especially in person.

[coreydl2008]

Oh geez an alternative to the A6? Hah.

[coreydl2008]

It's JUST ugly. Bleh why did they ruin it.

[XxSteevo93xX]

lol these start at 30 grand

[Averye61]

Look here who ever doubts the maxima are just jackasses they just dont want to admit that all maximas are faster than all altimas so get it straight. and get some car sense

[alafura227]

weird, car and driver got 5.8 to 60,

[Averye61]

Why r day always saying some about the altima faster than maxima. The maxima has and always will be faster than the altima.

[aluminum666]

Who the hell cares,they are both from the same company,created by the same people and are 2 totally different classes of sedans.If you are gonna bad mouth a car atleast know the facts people.Being a young car enthusiast since I was about 1 1/2 years old (literally) and having much knowledge of cars and the companies they come from.Nothing bothers me more than a car critic with an opinion but has little or no facts about the car.Opinions are just like asses,every1 has 1 and I dont wanna see yours

[aluminum666]

And though both the NEW Nissan Maxima and Altima are nearly the same size and share the same D platform,the altima is very different from the Maxima in many ways.The Maxima is more upscale and does have more power than the altima.Instead of spewing opinions like a bunch of young boys in the playground look up the FACTS

[TheNewMrCool]

Actually because at various points since 2002, the Altima WAS quicker than the Maxima.

With the 09 Maxima, that's no longer true.

[thealpz]

They said that the altima is faster than the maxima because up until the 09 the V6 version of the Altima was faster than the maxima

[nissanaltimaka24de]

The 09 Altima is faster than the 09Maxima with a 6speed manual. Not to mention Altima is bigger interior room and way more sportier than the Maxima. CVT is GAY on top end pulls, trust me i know i drive an 07 Altima 3.5SE CVT, imma bout to trade it for a 06 SE-R 6 Speed which will still kill tha Maxima

[TheNewMrCool]

The Maxima last offered a manual in 2006, so that part is not true. The new Maxima is capable of 5.8 seconds 0-60, which the 07+ Altima 3.5SE 6MT can only match assuming you launch PERFECTLY.

[nissanaltimaka24de]

I know 06 was the last year Maxi was maunal option, and i'm talking about top speed and handling tha Altima will kill the Maxima cause the Altima has a manual option while the Maxi is only auto CVT, even thp th Maxi has 20 mope hp that Altima manual will still be faster on top

[Averye61]

YOU GAY BITCH

[nissanaltimaka24de]

Shut up stupid cuntface. You argueing about and Altima Vs Maxima both just about the same. But the Altima is more sportier than the Max. i has a 6 speed option and that matted with the VQ IS better than the Max, i would know my father own's a Nissan dealership

[Averye61]

you lyin all maximas are faster than altimas. point blank period.

[TheNewMrCool]

You need to pull out some tests to analyze. The 2009 Max was the first to be quicker than a V-6 Altima since 2001.

[Djspictomylu]

Wtf... no manual, disapointing for nissan!

[aznkomplex]

I heard there will be a manual model SR i believe not too sure

[maxboya]

This car is the fastest 4 door sports car ever made

[importfan380]

huh no its not.

[deezomaxima]

Nah, I'd say it was the first Japanese sedan to set the tone for all of the fast Japanese sedans out today.

[arwblink1822]

technically the g8 pontiac is the fastest sedan and that new concept lambo lol.. but maxima is fast none the less

[deezomaxima]

But what i'm getting at was when the 3rd Gen came out, it was the only Japanese 4 door sports car.

[mhtl48]

I got one; this car is NICE!

[hirudold]

Sports Sedan? With Macpherson Strut upfront like a shitty Camry how could anyone calls it a sports sedan?

The only FWD sports sedan from nissan in recent history was the P11 Primera/ Infiniti G20, which comes with independent multilink suspension up front.

[GeniusCreator811]

drive one and you will see why its called the 4DSC

[cougar1233]

The 6 cylinder Honda accord coupe is faster than the Maxima . Motor trend rated Honda accord coupe at 0-60mph at 5.8 seconds. and the quarter mile at 13.9 seconds

[arwblink1822]

? wtf are you talking about they just geared it shorter to get the 5.9 0-60 time and btw they do 14.5 quarter miles and thats the manual.. an automatic v6 g35 2003 and those maximas manual are fuckn sick looking cars take the maxima over an accord any day

[Bsmith120]

I LOVE Maxima's but I dislike the CVT.

[mao12345]

Someone explain to me how paddle shifters are supposed to work with CVT transmissions when I thought CVT's don't use discrete gear ratios, so just what exactly happens when you up/downshift.

[piancu]

Japanese boat on wheels

[dukviper90]

why do u say that? Its considered the best handling front wheel drive sedan.

[dukviper90]

i am trying to love this beauty but the fact that it has a cvt makes it harder.!

[MADVQ]

rubbish !

[1tristan1henderson]

Nice to see the Maxima back to it's sporty heritage, but I still love my 3rd Gen. the true and original 4DSC.

[smartkid1985]

welcome back maxima, we missed you!

[8MunchenBayern8]

wtf is up with those lobster claw headlights

[Lumryan]

Is the CVT really fun to have in a car?.. It doesnt "eat" some of the fun?..

[cheemooo]

I should add they should have given this car a parking brake in the center console not on the left side floor or te drivers cockpit. That thing makes me feel nervous of crashing and having my left leg severed. Way better if the parking brake were on the center console!

[JohnZDeLorean]

The rear reminds me too much of a Toyota Yaris.

[cheemooo]

If nissan would have given it rear wheel drive, a manual, a light weight sport package and chassis stiffiner with extra big breaks the car would have been perfect with its beautiful styling, they could have done much better!

[jaymum23]

The only reason they didn't is because then it would be a G35.

I think that this 7th gen. Max is perfect for what it is. For the 8th gen., I think they will move to the type of RWD platform that you are talking about. By that time, the G37 sedan will be so upmarket that a RWD Max wouldn't be competition

[Attesa45]

no americans cars with poor gas economy

[occckid123]

u get a chirp off the line. Then u get wheel spin at around 30+ mph. As soon as the maxima gets off the line it is quicker. The cvt doesnt help it get off the line but at passing speeds it's fast!

[bballplaya123678]

the 2009 nissan maxima has more horsepower than a TL and better handling and if u want to spend about 5,000 more for a g35 go ahead waste ur money

[jaymum23]

A comporably equipped 2008 G35 will NOT cost more than this Maxima. The G37 WILL cost more, and it will also have 40 more horsepower, better handling, better brakes, and a marginally better interior (they upgraded the materials for 09 because the Maxima's is, quite frankly, better than the 08 G's).

The Maxima is in the perfect niche now, occupying the space which older G35s used to in both equipment and price. Now the G37 sedan is free to be a value-priced 335i killer. :)

[blkguynlex]

For the money of a loaded Maxima Id easily take a G35 Sport or the 09 Acura TL SH-awd. Both are better cars.

[cheemooo]

Acura could never be better than nissan. Sure they might offer more standard features, but Honda cars are flimsy every honda/acura I have ever owned and driven that I didnt own felt flimsy and cheap, they become rattle traps quick and the materials fall apart, they start to feel loose around 50 k miles, there delicate like a flower so delicate if you drive them vigourously youll break them. I have a 98 nissan maxima gle and its still as solid as a new car I am amzed by nissan build quality!

[davewhodavedunn]

Premium gas should not even be considered when coming into 2009 with the poor economy and high gas prices....

[davewhodavedunn]

I want to see you guys do a review of the 2008 toyota avalon and the 2009 hyundai sonata limted v6,no one has done one of te v6 on the net...