Picture Gallery: 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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This week I am piloting the 2009 Nissan Maxima — yet another redesigned version of this car, as Nissan had felt it had lost its edge. “In recent years, competitive vehicles have caught up with Maxima in ‘sporty’ looks and performance,” said Ian Forsyth, Director, Product and Corporate Planning, Nissan Canada Inc.
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My first impressions? Well, it does sort of remind you of the GT-R when you step back and take it in. It must have impressed the teenagers at the mall as well, as a group of them were gawking at it. Either that, or they had visions of the old Maxima commercials where their lives flashed before their eyes when they placed their hand on the fender.
The 2009 Maxima’s 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 is now rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, increases of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima.
Gone are the model designations of the past. The Maxima is available in only one model designation — the 3.5 SV. Starting at $38,700, available packages include: the Sport package for a total of $40,750, the Sport and Tech package bumps the price to $43,200, while the premium package (as my tester is equipped) goes for $41,850, and, of course, there’s the Premium package with navigation for an additional $2,100.
2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV
MSRP as tested (including destination): $43,410
For more information on Nissan and the Maxima visit Nissan Canada
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The first thing I noticed when I sat in the 2009 Maxima was the steering wheel, which seemed small. It turns out it is smaller than a typical steering wheel in a sedan, and smaller than the previous generation Maxima’s steering wheel.
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The second thing I noticed was the huge sunroof, a dual-panel example that nearly spans the entire roof of the car. This is part of the Premium package. The next item to jump out at me was the cooled seats; as I started to drive away, the cool air from below ensured that I wasn’t sweating in the black leather seats. This is also part of the Premium package.
In base form, the Maxima is fairly loaded up, including: 18-inch alloy wheels, a power glass moonroof, leather seats, heated steering wheel, keyless entry and intelligent key push button start, Bluetooth hands free, auto on/off headlights and a Bose nine-speaker stereo system; the standard features list is quite long.
The Premium package added to my tester just builds on that and for $3,150 it is not a bad deal. Other than what I previously mentioned you get: an iPod connection, rear view camera with 7-inch screen, power tilt / telescopic steering, premium leather seating, mood lighting, rear seat armrest with HVAC controls, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and more.
The Maxima really seems to be about maximum features and even though purists may rather have a rear-wheel drive layout, the front wheel drive setup of the Maxima allows for better packaging, more interior space and a lower production cost.
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“A number of product changes came directly from the Nürburgring trials, including enhancements to the braking and transmission systems,” said Forsyth. “But more importantly, it gave notice to the entire Nissan organization that the new Maxima is back solidly in the performance arena where it rightfully belongs.”
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The 3.5-litre V6 that Nissan uses in some form or another in nearly their entire lineup puts out 290 horsepower and 261lb-ft of torque in this iteration. The transmission is a CVT (continuously variable transmission), but the Maxima has what I would consider the best CVT on the market right now: it is unbelievably smooth and the VQ-series V6 engine works perfectly with it.
The Maxima’s chassis and suspension feel tight and solid. Over railway tracks, nearly no vibrations are transferred back to the driver except where you would expect - through the steering. The smaller diameter steering wheel begs you to toss the Maxima into a corner and see what it can do. The car is quite capable, and so is the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system, as I found out when I tossed it in a corner perhaps a little too quickly.
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The CVT does do a really good job of keeping the revs down; at 80km/h, the Maxima is barely idling, while at 100km/h it is still under 2,000 rpm. The result is phenomenal gas mileage for a vehicle of this size and power. Over the week I averaged 10L/100km, though for most of the week I was hovering around 9.8L/100km until I opened up the throttle a little bit a few times for some added fun as the weekend was unwinding.
Despite the Maxima’s questionable existence in Nissan’s lineup, they are selling and it is a well rounded car that is fun to drive and great on fuel with tons of passenger volume — you can’t go wrong here.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV
MSRP as tested (including destination): $43,410
For more information on Nissan and the Maxima visit Nissan Canada
May 14, 2009, 10:14:40 am Just spent 10 days driving one as a rental in AZ. An old man's car. Whiny in acceleration and not that quick, wallows in corners and just plain boring inside. Smooth and quiet at speed, 80 mph on the freeway, but more reminiscent of a Caddy than anything else. Had a sticker on the rear quarter light, 4DSC (four door sports car)! They must think they have to tell us or we won't know.
The HP is close to my 335i but there is no comparison in handling, performance or quality. There is a price difference sure but worth every penny of that difference IMHO.
May 14, 2009, 10:29:15 am Wow, I guess I'm the only one that thinks this thing handles really well. Certainly it doesn't wallow.
I think some people need to sit in the passenger seat with me for a few days, they will realize, almost all cars these days are more capable than 99% of drivers.
May 14, 2009, 11:05:14 am I miss the Racoon tail lights of the previous gen Maxima....
May 14, 2009, 11:08:47 am
I think some people need to sit in the passenger seat with me for a few days, they will realize, almost all cars these days are more capable than 99% of drivers.
For the record, my beef with the Maxima isn't that it wallows (I've never driven it), but that it doesn't seem to fit a role distinct from the Altima and the G37.
But I think your comment may miss the point that some people have made. You don't need to reach a car's handling limits to dislike the way it "feels" as it goes down the road. Am I a talented enough driver to push a Crown Victoria to its limits? No. Not at all. But that doesn't mean I'll like how it "feels" compared to a 3-Series as I drive each awkwardly at a 7/10ths pace.
May 14, 2009, 11:10:21 am The new does feel sporty though, I'll get to that in Day 3. The old one, not so much, but I guess a car is what you make of it.
May 14, 2009, 01:11:49 pm
March sales in this category
TSX (since Honda does not have a flagship car) 107
Azera 27
Amanti 9
Avalon 39
Maxima 127
I don't read to much into figuresd on a new Model introduction on the first couple of months. Its new after all.
Please don't think that I am against the Maxima. I actually prefer the looks to the G37. My 99 Maxima is still going strong. I think the new Maxima is a step back in the right direction after the last few years.
G35/37 310 vs Genesis 228
April Numbers
Maxima
Genisis 370 Base Price 37,900
G35 324 Base Price 37,900
Maxima 133 Base Price 38,900
Like I said I like the Maxima but one has to question Nissan thinking with where they position it.
May 14, 2009, 01:19:47 pm Jimmy: I'm curious about your "quality" statement with regard to your 335i since the german manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes, Audi and VW) are all worse overall compared to Nissan.
BMW (20), Mercedes(27), Audi (22) and VW (25)
Nissan (14)
Shockers: Hyundai (
May 14, 2009, 01:48:43 pm Sorry but I hate to say this but canadian sales's # do not express the success of the car as a whole. Even on nissan's website they praise the sales of the 2009 maxima in "North America". It may not be as successfull in Canada right now but it is giving nissan something to smile about in these hard economic times.
Nissan vehicles saw sales of 42,258 units in April compared with 66,318 units sold in April 2008, a decrease of 36.3 percent.
April sales of the Nissan Z sports car totaled 1,561 units in April, a 29.2 percent increase from a year ago.
Maxima sales of 3,901 in April were 62.7 percent higher than April 2008 sales of 2,398 cars.
I have to say the base price seems to suck for canadians for sure compared to the other models. It must be the american dollar since it is manufactured in the US. I also think you have to look at the options each model has also. But I think the Genesis would have the best base options of the 3.
May 14, 2009, 02:05:00 pm
BMW (20), Mercedes(27), Audi (22) and VW (25)
Nissan (14)
Shockers: Hyundai (
You are confusing "quality" with "reliability". The 335i has higher quality (as Jimmy said) but it may have worst reliability. Two different things.
May 14, 2009, 02:15:55 pm
I think some people need to sit in the passenger seat with me for a few days, they will realize, almost all cars these days are more capable than 99% of drivers.
No, you're not alone. I have driven it and found it very well buttoned down. Didn't even come close to "wallowing".
Jaeger
May 14, 2009, 03:14:29 pm
Nissan vehicles saw sales of 42,258 units in April compared with 66,318 units sold in April 2008, a decrease of 36.3 percent.
April sales of the Nissan Z sports car totaled 1,561 units in April, a 29.2 percent increase from a year ago.
Maxima sales of 3,901 in April were 62.7 percent higher than April 2008 sales of 2,398 cars.
I have to say the base price seems to suck for canadians for sure compared to the other models. It must be the american dollar since it is manufactured in the US. I also think you have to look at the options each model has also. But I think the Genesis would have the best base options of the 3.
In the US the base Maxima is more "base" you can get one that doesn't have leather ,Bose audio of Fog lights for 30.190 US 35 K Can.
The Base Canada Model is equivialant to the US SV Model.
The Sv is 32,800 us or 38,400 equivialant in Canada (only $400 difference BRAVO Nissan on that one)
If they offerd the base Maxima they would UNDERCUT the G5 and Genisis by 2K instead of being 1k more as entry level.
Not sure the thinking on that.
May 14, 2009, 05:40:28 pm I was providing my perception from 10 days of driving which finished last Sunday (10th), so very recent experience. I did many freeway miles and many in the city too at varied speeds. I am also an ex Maxima owner, two cars ago actually, last one was a G35 and now the 335i. I would take my old Maxima over the one I just drove, I think mine was a 2001.
As I said my overall impression was that it reminded me of an American car, "soft" compared to the 2001 is how I would put it.
Maybe I've been lucky with the 335i but I've had no issues with it and it's still real tight after two years.
May 14, 2009, 05:45:00 pm I think your perception is off since you are use to a 335i now, a very tight and firm suspension.
May 14, 2009, 05:53:54 pm I know the pricing isn't quite the same but would people compare this with say...a VW Passat CC? I sort of see those two as being in the same area of car. A relatively large sedan, with sporting intentions, a turn towards the "coupe" styling and sleek lines, and based on the more general mid-sized entry for that company. Does everyone thats having a problem with the positioning for the Maxima also having the same perception of a positioning issue with the Passat CC? Just curious.
If I were older...and had the money. I think it'd be between these two. Course things could change when I actually get to be the age that I think these are oriented to.
May 14, 2009, 06:27:04 pm
As I said my overall impression was that it reminded me of an American car, "soft" compared to the 2001 is how I would put it.
Maybe I've been lucky with the 335i but I've had no issues with it and it's still real tight after two years.
I think it was the weight of the car was the reason your 2001 (3180lbs) might of felt more tighter compare to the 09 max (3560lbs). my 96 5 speed was under 3000lbs handled ok but was easy to toss around because it was so light. I am sure this 09 handles better than either car, it is just heavier.
May 15, 2009, 02:14:01 am
If I were older...and had the money. I think it'd be between these two. Course things could change when I actually get to be the age that I think these are oriented to.
Automobile Magazine recently did a comparison between a CC 2.0T, a Maxima, and a loaded Mazda6 V6. I thought it was a fair comparison.
And the VeeDub won
May 15, 2009, 07:05:33 am "...they do not swoon me...". Sorry mate, but "swoon" is not a transitive verb, so this reads very oddly. Of course, you can always argue creative license!
May 15, 2009, 10:23:31 am
If I were older...and had the money. I think it'd be between these two. Course things could change when I actually get to be the age that I think these are oriented to.
Automobile Magazine recently did a comparison between a CC 2.0T, a Maxima, and a loaded Mazda6 V6. I thought it was a fair comparison.
And the VeeDub won
Interesting comments....We're starting to look around for a replacement for our '05 Max (lease is up in Sept) and the CC is certainly among the possibles at the moment.
May 15, 2009, 12:36:15 pm Is the tip in on the throttle on this Maxima really touchy!? I find with my Sentra its VERY sensitive and its difficult to leave from a stop smoothly.
May 15, 2009, 12:56:39 pm Most definitely now -- that is typically done on lower horsepower cars to make them feel fast.
May 19, 2009, 02:29:05 pm While I don't see a new Maxima (nor a Camry, nor an Accord) in my future, I do agree with James' comments.
Back in 1992, when we bought a '92 Maxima SE, we did that after comparing to the Camry and the Accord. The Max, at that time, just felt more responsive, more powerful, and seemed to be the better handler of the three. The Camry was particularly boring on all counts, the Accord only slightly less so. We had the Max until '96, and my wife still says it was one of her favorite cars. And I didn't mind it either...
Of the three again today, I would likely chose the Max.
May 19, 2009, 03:07:30 pm So after driving the maxima is the quote still valid. (in your genesis review)
"If I were in the market for a vehicle such as a fully loaded Honda Accord or perhaps a Nissan Altima or Maxima, I would just skip them, walk into the Hyundai dealership and plunk down the coin for a Genesis."
How does the maxima compare to the Genesis and G37 (my other prospective choices) in your opinion?
May 19, 2009, 03:18:14 pm Genesis still wins for luxury for the $$$ -- it is a BARGAIN
The Maxima is more sporty though.
The G37 is not the same car as a Maxima, it drives TOTALLY differently and feels different, lucky me I just dropped the Maxima off and picked up the G37 again. The G37 feels slightly stiffer. The auto transmission reacts quite differently than the Maxima's and holds revs and drives more sporting.
The Maxima is much larger though if you need the space.
All three cars are excellent, you would have to drive all three to decide.
May 19, 2009, 03:40:42 pm
The Maxima is more sporty though.
The G37 is not the same car as a Maxima, it drives TOTALLY differently and feels different, lucky me I just dropped the Maxima off and picked up the G37 again. The G37 feels slightly stiffer. The auto transmission reacts quite differently than the Maxima's and holds revs and drives more sporting.
The Maxima is much larger though if you need the space.
All three cars are excellent, you would have to drive all three to decide.
This is the kind of commentary I would love to see in a review - comparing the vehicles's attributes to both obvious and not-so-obvious competitors.
Jaeger
May 20, 2009, 07:48:06 am
The Maxima is more sporty though.
The G37 is not the same car as a Maxima, it drives TOTALLY differently and feels different, lucky me I just dropped the Maxima off and picked up the G37 again. The G37 feels slightly stiffer. The auto transmission reacts quite differently than the Maxima's and holds revs and drives more sporting.
The Maxima is much larger though if you need the space.
All three cars are excellent, you would have to drive all three to decide.
Yes I quess it comes down to the test drive and drivers preference. I prefer a sporty ride compared to a luxury ride. I have others factors such as kids and a wife that does not drive a manual and is used to front wheel drive. So it has to be front wheel drive or all wheel drive and have an automatic tranny. Does not look too good for the genesis but it is still an option since it it such a bargain. Ford Taurus SHO is another option that I am waiting results on.
I hate to say it if the new max came with a 6 speed with the 370z downshift technology all reasoning would go out the window and I would buy it in a heartbeat. Even if I had to teach the wife to drive it.