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2009 Nissan Maxima Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

No slab-sided antiseptic styling here
Motor Trend

Designed to exude sport over luxury—and it does
Autoblog

Sporting influence also applies to the interior with what Nissan terms a 'super cockpit
Road & Track

The four-door sedan market spans the entire design spectrum, from forgettable, dull styling to head-turning good looks. With the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima, Nissan designers don't let the opportunity to create a head-turner pass them by.

For the Nissan 2009 lineup, Automobile says "the Maxima is completely restyled, and [they're] glad to say that the effort has been largely successful." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the new exterior on the Nissan Maxima is "designed to exude sport over luxury," in the words of Autoblog, and "it does so with more than a hint of the Nissan GT-R in the front end." According to ConsumerGuide, "two trim levels are available" on the Nissan Maxima, the "3.5 S and 3.5 SV," though there are no external differences between the two. Both share what Cars.com calls "L-shaped headlights and crouched-forward grille" sure to "generate strong reactions." Also on the exterior of the 2009 Nissan Maxima are fenders that "flare wide around the wheels" in a way that reminds Car and Driver reviewers "of Seventies-era IMSA racers."

High praise isn't reserved exclusively for the exterior styling of the Nissan 2009 Maxima; many reviewers love what Nissan has done with the interior as well. Road & Track reviewers report the exterior's "sporting influence also applies to the interior with what Nissan terms a 'super cockpit' approach." Autoblog loves the interior on the 2009 Nissan Maxima, claiming "Nissan nailed the cockpit" with an "adjustable steering wheel [that] offers the proper diameter" and a "NAV screen [that] is easy-to-read." ConsumerGuide also appreciates that the Nissan Maxima's "controls are clear and logically placed." However, taking the opposite side is Automobile, which feels that while "the Maxima might look convincingly like a rear-wheel-drive car from the outside," the "illusion dissipates when you're sitting behind the wheel," thanks to a windshield that "slopes far away from the driver, in the manner of a classic cab-forward, front-wheel-drive sedan."

Conclusion

The redesigned 2009 Nissan Maxima returns from styling obscurity with a race-ready exterior.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:No slab-sided antiseptic styling hereMotor TrendDesigned to exude sport over luxury—and it doesAutoblogSporting influence also applies to the interior with what Nissan terms a 'super cockpitRoad & Track The four-door sedan market spans the entire design spectrum, from forgettable, dull styling to head-turning good looks. With the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima, Nissan designers don't let the opportunity to create a head-turner pass them by. For the Nissan 2009 lineup, Automobile says "the Maxima is completely restyled, and [they're] glad to say that the effort has been largely successful." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the new exterior on the Nissan Maxima is "designed to exude sport over luxury," in the words of Autoblog, and "it does so with more than a hint of the Nissan GT-R in the front end." According to ConsumerGuide, "two trim levels are available" on the Nissan Maxima, the "3.5 S and 3.5 SV," though there are no external differences between the two. Both share what Cars.com calls "L-shaped headlights and crouched-forward grille" sure to "generate strong reactions." Also on the exterior of the 2009 Nissan Maxima are fenders that "flare wide around the wheels" in a way that reminds Car and Driver reviewers "of Seventies-era IMSA racers." High praise isn't reserved exclusively for the exterior styling of the Nissan 2009 Maxima; many reviewers love what Nissan has done with the interior as well. Road & Track reviewers report the exterior's "sporting influence also applies to the interior with what Nissan terms a 'super cockpit' approach." Autoblog loves the interior on the 2009 Nissan Maxima, claiming "Nissan nailed the cockpit" with an "adjustable steering wheel [that] offers the proper diameter" and a "NAV screen [that] is easy-to-read." ConsumerGuide also appreciates that the Nissan Maxima's "controls are clear and logically placed." However, taking the opposite side is Automobile, which feels that while "the Maxima might look convincingly like a rear-wheel-drive car from the outside," the "illusion dissipates when you're sitting behind the wheel," thanks to a windshield that "slopes far away from the driver, in the manner of a classic cab-forward, front-wheel-drive sedan." ConclusionThe redesigned 2009 Nissan Maxima returns from styling obscurity with a race-ready exterior. 2009 NISSAN MAXIMA STYLING | [9 out of 10] Motor Trend: "No slab-sided antiseptic styling here" Autoblog: "Designed to exude sport over luxury—and it does" Road & Track: "Sporting influence also applies to the interior with what Nissan terms a 'super cockpit'" The four-door ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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=]

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