We did a review on the Maxima last week, and rather liked it, despite the awful CVT and high-ish price point:

http://www.automoblog.net/2009/05/20/2009-nissan-maxima-review/

Nissan has simply progressively overpriced this car out of the market. It’s only a matter of time before the Versa grows, which in turn grows the Sentra and Altima leaving the Maxima behind while the TL and G35 can provide “real” choices for the $30,000+ market.

Unless you’re middle-aged and/or live in the NE (the very target group that was adamant AGAINST a RWD Maxima), I really don’t see the point of this car anymore. It’s now an almost $40,000 fully-loaded FWD car w/ a CVT without a luxury nameplate.

Again, who in their right mind would buy this over a G35?

Acceleration numbers aren’t everything. Power spread and torque output are what give the VQ the edge.

Power/torque numbers are facts that help you imagine. Acceleration numbers are the truth.

A good 3-D movie can make you feel that you are moving extremely fast, does that make it a better car than a Ferrari? A true enthusiast would trust science more than imagination.

If you guys want real fugly, look no further than the new Acura TL. Good grief.

I can’t think of anything else the current Maxima resembles. The headlight cluster is unique as are its lines in sheetmetal.

@Thorzdad

The Altima is now the affordable sleeper. The Maxima is a flagship and now goes head to head with Acura.

We picked-up a ‘91 SE 5-speed and drove that thing past 300k miles with nary a problem. And had great fun doing it. Sold it to a young couple looking for a family hauler. As far as I know, it’s still running.

We followed the ‘91 with a 5th gen. 2001 SE 5-speed. Not quite the lean-mean look of the ‘91, but it look ok. It still retained much of the 4DSC flavor that the ‘91 had. Could still haul the family as well as haul ass. We’re approaching 300k on the ‘01 now and, as I look at where Nissan has taken the model, I know this will be our last Maxima. It’s no longer an affordable sleeper. It’s just far too expensive for what it offers (or doesn’t offer)

Having not driven or even sat in it, that is all.

I rented the Maxima from Enterprise in Houston, TX. It was a lowly “S” model with a cloth interior.

Perhaps I’m not the car enthusiast that most are on this forum, but I was blown away by how FUN the Maxima was to drive. Even more so than the Mazda RX-8 I used to own.

Why? The Maxima has loads more torque… and little to no FWD torque steer! I’d rented previous Maximas and had the torque steer literally rip the wheel right out of my hands, but Nissan engineers have very impressively eliminated that.

The ride was fantastic… not too soft, not too firm. PERFECT. When I wasn’t having fun it rode as quietly as most luxury cars. It was very well put together (the leather-equipped models look and feel much better, especially with the thigh supports extended). Wish the wood trim was available without the premium package, as I have no interest in the big sunroof or rear climate/audio controls.

And I think the styling is stunning, although the headlamps could have used some work. Interior (at least the light colored leather one) is equally so. VERY comfortable driving position too, I like the way I could tip the seats back.

When I was going easy on the gas I was getting at 25-26 mpg in Houston traffic. When I thrashed it, mileage dropped to about 22.

I took an evening and test drove the Hyundai Genesis six-cylinder. It’s obviously not as tossable, but it was better than I expected. The Genesis blew me away as well. Looks like I’ve got a tough choice to make…

I have to give Nissan kudos for managing to differentiate the Maxima from the Infiniti G35. Even though one is FWD and the other RWD, loaded Maximas were/are still competing in the same price range for many of the same buyers.

The previous generation (’04-’08) Maxima was an abomination- whether intentional or not, Nissan had created an Avalon/Lucerne-wannabe that didn’t even appeal to that market segment. The Altima was cheaper, more athletic and much better looking! My mom had a ‘97 Maxima SE that was the epitome of what a Maxima should be, a real 4-Door Sports Car!

After the ‘07 Altima redesign, I fully expected the Maxima to be taken out back, blindfolded and put out of its misery. I’m very happy to see that it’s been given a new lease on life!

I was theorizing about looking for the fob some miles down the road. Could have happened.

That’s strange. My Versa won’t start unless the key is inside the vehicle (front or backseat) and if the key looses signal w/ the car (Valet might have in pocket) a red “Key” light flashes rather annoyingly on the dash.

If one can’t figure out what the deal is in 175 miles, they probably have other, more serious issues to worry about. And have you ever driven a Nissan w/ intelligent key? There is a physical key within the fob in case the battery dies.

Drives fine until you open up the gas cap and notice the decal telling you performance requires premium fuel.

The really aggravating thing was the keyless ignition system that requires the key fob thingie to be within x number of feet to start the engine. Seems harmless enough but you are SOL if you and the valet forget about the thingie. About 175 miles SOL if you try to start the engine again after a stop.

I also presume the thingie has a battery in it to power the transmitter. Unless it is solar powered, that is going to go down eventually. Chances are it will not be when you are in front of a Battery Plus, Radio Shack or Nissan dealer that is open.

Most of us have enough stuff to keep up with and bring. I do not need another one. I know where my keys are. The thingie either is a royal PIA, in my opinion and by itself is reason not to consider buying a Nissan so equipped.

Wonder what Cobb will call Stage III? (Scalded Cat Back)?

These days, feeling is important. Facts be damned! It is important that it felt fast, regardless of how fast it was or was not. No?

JEC, you ARE kidding right? If not, no sale sir.

Like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Nissan Maxima is always been popular.

I have great respect for this Nissan product.

They always like putting a full view sky window on their Nissan Quest and Nissan Maxima.

Which I think is very cool.

I dunno. My Spec. B feels OK: not too much lag up the hills around here. I suppose that it could be better but, I have driven far more expensive cars with far, far worse turbo lag.

The torque seems fine too.

Torque steer is non-existent in the roo, however. ;-}