Hallett CarFX Project Mustang featured on Dec...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Nissan Maxima Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

In putting together this comprehensive review covering the 2009 Nissan Maxima, the experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a wide range of reviews. And to make this review the most useful to shoppers, TheCarConnection.com's editors have included their own experience driving the Maxima on challenging mountain roads in southern California.

Likes:

  • Stylish interior
  • Responsive handling and great steering
  • Quiet, absorbent ride
  • Excellent (optional) sport seats

Dislikes:

  • V-6 doesn't feel sporty with CVT automatic
  • Tight backseat headroom

Buying Tips:


If you're thinking about adding the Sport Package to the 2009 Nissan Maxima and don't mind rear-wheel drive, you should definitely look to the Infiniti G35 sedan, which is priced only slightly higher and is a better-performing, albeit less comfortable, sport sedan that packs a version of Nissan's smooth and responsive V-6 engine. Plus, it comes with the superior service of the Infiniti dealership.

Nissan's flagship sedan, the Maxima, has been completely redesigned for 2009. Built on a new platform shared with the Altima mid-size sedan, the front-wheel-drive 2009 Nissan Maxima takes a sportier and more luxurious direction than the Altima. Compared to last year's version, the new Maxima is a few inches shorter in overall length yet slightly wider.

The 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that propels the 2009 Nissan Maxima is extremely smooth, and it allows relaxed acceleration in normal driving with the automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is good with the setup, at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. The CVT also includes a manual sport mode and available steering-wheel paddle shifters to access a series of simulated gear ratios for high-performance driving; however, no manual transmission is offered on the Nissan Maxima, and the CVT doesn't allow the level of control in high-performance driving that conventional transmissions do.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima has one of the sportiest suspension calibrations for a front-wheel-drive sedan, and for 2009, the suspension gets a new geometry aimed at eliminating torque steer—the tendency for high-powered front-drivers to pull to the side on hard acceleration. Overall, the Maxima has a firm yet supple ride, allowing good handling response without sacrificing comfort. Stabilizer bars are included front and back, and in spirited driving, a new Twin Orifice Steering System also helps provide good feedback from the road, while remaining light around tight corners.

Overall, the Maxima's interior appointments have the look and feel of a vehicle with a luxury-brand badge, including a mix of matte-metallic and soft-touch surfaces along with two different grades of leather. The Super Cockpit instrument panel design in the 2009 Nissan Maxima especially stands out, and it looks like the offering in several vehicles from Infiniti, Nissan's upmarket brand. Front occupants get great seats—especially with the Sport Package—but backseat occupants will likely find headroom tight.

Two different models of the 2009 Nissan Maxima are offered—S and SV—with the SV modestly expanding the standard equipment list to include leather upholstery, fog lamps, and a Bose premium audio system, among other items. Both models have a standard-equipment list that would be fitting for a luxury car, including a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, keyless entry, an Intelligent Key entry and starting system, a six-disc changer, and steering-wheel audio controls.

The list of available options in the 2009 Nissan Maxima doesn't disappoint either, as it includes such comforts as a heated steering wheel and cooled front seats. Other technology options include a Bose premium audio system, a hard-drive navigation system with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, XM NavTraffic, XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth and iPod interfaces. Just keep in mind that most options are only available in the more expensive SV.

Especially of note in the 2009 Nissan Maxima is a Sport Package, which brings firmer suspension tuning, larger 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, upgraded front seats, and a host of other upgrades. We recommend the package for enthusiasts, despite its $2,300 price, because its superior seats and crisper handling response do not significantly affect the ride.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima has not yet been crash-tested by the federal government or the IIHS, but its body structure is similar to that of the Altima, which has fared very well in crash tests. Electronic stability control is now standard, as are front side airbags, side curtain bags, active front headrests, and anti-lock brakes.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Nissan Maxima, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2009 Nissan Maxima appeals more readily to those looking for a perky, smooth, and stylish V-6 luxury sedan than to those wanting a sport sedan. For the latter, shoppers might consider the Pontiac G8—especially in GT trim—or the Dodge Charger R/T, though neither of those cars has an interior that's as stylish as the Maxima's or offers the same level of appointments and tech options. At the opposite end of the scale, for those who might want even more comfort and interior space, there's the Toyota Avalon, although it's less exciting to drive and look at. In between, the Volkswagen Passat VR6 offers similar performance and a very attractive, comfortable interior, along with available all-wheel drive, but it's more expensive. The newly redesigned 2009 Acura TL, which at the time of this writing hasn't yet gone on sale, also promises to be a formidable rival.

The Bottom Line:

The stylish 2009 Nissan Maxima has the looks—and acceleration specs—of a sport sedan but lacks the high-performance driving feel to match.

In putting together this comprehensive review covering the 2009 Nissan Maxima, the experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a wide range of reviews. And to make this review the most useful to shoppers, TheCarConnection.com's editors have included their own experience driving the Maxima on challenging mountain roads in southern California. Likes:Stylish interiorResponsive handling and great steeringQuiet, absorbent rideExcellent (optional) sport seatsDislikes:V-6 doesn't feel sporty with CVT automaticTight backseat headroomBuying Tips: If you're thinking about adding the Sport Package to the 2009 Nissan Maxima and don't mind rear-wheel drive, you should definitely look to the Infiniti G35 sedan, which is priced only slightly higher and is a better-performing, albeit less comfortable, sport sedan that packs a version of Nissan's smooth and responsive V-6 engine. Plus, it comes with the superior service of the Infiniti dealership. Nissan's flagship sedan, the Maxima, has been completely redesigned for 2009. Built on a new platform shared with the Altima mid-size sedan, the front-wheel-drive 2009 Nissan Maxima takes a sportier and more luxurious direction than the Altima. Compared to last year's version, the new Maxima is a few inches shorter in overall length yet slightly wider. The 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that propels the 2009 Nissan Maxima is extremely smooth, and it allows relaxed acceleration in normal driving with the automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is good with the setup, at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. The CVT also includes a manual sport mode and available steering-wheel paddle shifters to access a series of simulated gear ratios for high-performance driving; however, no manual transmission is offered on the Nissan Maxima, and the CVT doesn't allow the level of control in high-performance driving that conventional transmissions do. The 2009 Nissan Maxima has one of the sportiest suspension calibrations for a front-wheel-drive sedan, and for 2009, the suspension gets a new geometry aimed at eliminating torque steer—the tendency for high-powered front-drivers to pull to the side on hard acceleration. Overall, the Maxima has a firm yet supple ride, allowing good handling response without sacrificing comfort. Stabilizer bars are included front and back, and in spirited driving, a new Twin Orifice Steering System also helps provide good feedback from the road, while remaining light around tight corners. Overall, the Maxima's interior appointments have the look and feel of a vehicle with a luxury-brand badge, including a mix of matte-metallic and soft-touch surfaces along with two different grades of leather. The Super Cockpit instrument panel design in the 2009 Nissan Maxima especially stands out, and it looks like the offering in several vehicles from Infiniti, Nissan's upmarket brand. Front occupants get great seats—especially with the Sport Package—but backseat occupants will likely find headroom tight. Two different models of the 2009 Nissan Maxima are offered—S and SV—with the SV modestly expanding the standard equipment list to include leather upholstery, fog lamps, and a Bose premium audio system, among other items. Both models have a standard-equipment list that would be fitting for a luxury car, including a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, keyless entry, an Intelligent Key entry and starting system, a six-disc changer, and steering-wheel audio controls. The list of available options in the 2009 Nissan Maxima doesn't disappoint either, as it includes such comforts as a heated steering wheel and cooled front seats. Other technology options include a Bose premium audio system, a hard-drive navigation system with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, XM NavTraffic, XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth and iPod interfaces. Just keep in mind that most options are only available in the more expensive SV. Especially of note in the 2009 Nissan Maxima is a Sport Package, which brings firmer suspension tuning, larger 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, upgraded front seats, and a host of other upgrades. We recommend the package for enthusiasts, despite its $2,300 price, because its superior seats and crisper handling response do not significantly affect the ride. The 2009 Nissan Maxima has not yet been crash-tested by the federal government or the IIHS, but its body structure is similar to that of the Altima, which has fared very well in crash tests. Electronic stability control is now standard, as are front side airbags, side curtain bags, active front headrests, and anti-lock brakes. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Nissan Maxima, also consider:Acura TLDodge ChargerPontiac G8Toyota AvalonVolkswagen PassatReason Why:The 2009 Nissan Maxima appeals more readily to those looking for a perky, smooth, and stylish V-6 luxury sedan than to those wanting a sport sedan. For the latter, shoppers might consider the Pontiac G8—especially in GT trim—or the Dodge Charger R/T, though neither of those cars has an interior that's as stylish as the Maxima's or offers the same level of appointments and tech options. At the opposite end of the scale, for those who might want even more comfort and interior space, there's the Toyota Avalon, although it's less exciting to drive and look at. In between, the Volkswagen Passat VR6 offers similar performance and a very attractive, comfortable interior, along with available all-wheel drive, but it's more expensive. The newly redesigned 2009 Acura TL, which at the time of this writing hasn't yet gone on sale, also promises to be a formidable rival. The Bottom Line:The stylish 2009 Nissan Maxima has the looks—and acceleration specs—of a sport sedan but lacks the high-performance driving feel to match. In putting together this comprehensive review covering the 2009 Nissan Maxima, the experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a wide range of reviews. And to make this review the most useful to shoppers, TheCarConnection.com's editors have included their own experience driving the Maxima ...

Other Choices:

The 2009 Nissan Maxima appeals more readily to those looking for a perky, smooth, and stylish V-6 luxury sedan than to those wanting a sport sedan. For the latter, shoppers might consider the Pontiac G8—especially in GT trim—or the Dodge Charger R/T, though neither of those cars has an interior that's as stylish as the Maxima's or offers the same level of appointments and tech options. At the opposite end of the scale, for those who might want even more comfort and interior space, there's the Toyota Avalon, although it's less exciting to drive and look at. In between, the Volkswagen Passat VR6 offers similar performance and a very attractive, comfortable interior, along with available all-wheel drive, but it's more expensive. The newly redesigned 2009 Acura TL, which at the time of this writing hasn't yet gone on sale, also promises to be a formidable rival.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Nissan Maxima from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Nissan Maxima

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Nissan Maxima near you

See the Nissan Maxima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By brian #1, Posted: 2/3/2009

    09 maxima

    this car is pretty awesome, i'm 18 years old and i'm glad to say this was the first car i bought. i work at HERTZ none of the cars here that i have to dive and move around feel fast like the 09 maxima, besides the g37 and impala ss there are the mustnags, shelbys, and the corvttes but those arent to comfy to drive. the maxima is one hell of a strong car and its a nissan so its reliable. it feels jus as fun to drive the z but jus more roomy for other fun things that can happen in the back seats for all the power the 09 has its really good on gas. this would be a good car to look into buying=]

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy