What I liked about the Nissan Maxima:
- Lots of power
- Great handling
What I didn't like:
- Awkward styling
- Mediocre visibility for short drivers
- Less-than-optimal ride
Loyalists who have been driving Maximas for years
Who should not buy the Nissan Maxima:
The rest of us
Details and specs:
- Body style: 4-door sedan
- Seating capacity: 5
- Trim levels: S, SV
- Price range (including options): $29,950 - $38,320
- Base engine: 3.5 liter V6, 290 hp @ 6400 RPM, 261 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
- Optional engine: None
- Premium fuel required? Yes
- Transmission: Continuously-variable automatic transmission
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway/22 combined
- Where built: United States
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side (torso) airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Optional safety equipment: Rear-view camera
- Major standard features: Power windows, locks, mirrors and front seats, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, sunroof, 6-disc CD changer
- Major options: Bose stereo, dual-pane sunroof, heated/cooled driver's seat, heated steering wheel, rear view camera, hard-drive-based navigation system and music server
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles roadside assistance
Best rivals:
This test drive was conducted at a manufacturer-organized press event. Accommodations, meals, test vehicles and fuel were provided by Nissan.
