2011 Nissan Maxima
Has the Nissan Maxima been the true “four-door sports car?” When we think of “sports-car” like saloons, we think of the more upscale models like the BMW 335i, Audi S4, and the Mercedes-Benz C350. Wait, isn’t the Infiniti G37 more in line with the Maxima with its 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower? Well, yes, you can say that the G37 is a four-door sports car to be in class with the Maxima, but at least the G37 doesn’t have that [wimpy] CVT transmission. But, we’re not talking about the G37 right now; so let’s get back to the Maxima.
The Maxima, like its doppelganger from Honda, the Accord, used to be classified as a midsized sedan back in the 1990s, but like the Accord, the Maxima has grown up throughout the years, and it is now classified as a full-size sedan to compete with the Toyota Avalon and the [now full-sized] Ford Taurus. Of course, the Maxima would not really compete with the more upscale Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series like the Ford Taurus would as far as engine size goes, but the Maxima’s 3.5-liter V6 engine might put out the type of pep that would maybe catch up with the Germans or even the Americans such as the Buick LaCrosse.
I was a bit turned off by the interior of the 2011 Maxima with all the “plastic”-style leather for the dashboard, and the wood trim was not even “wood,” like how Ford did it on the Taurus and how Toyota did it with the Avalon. The navigation system was not even up to par with Ford’s SYNC system, but at least it is a LITTLE bit better than the navigation system on the Toyota Avalon (Avalon’s navigation is still on a DVD). Well, at least a USB port for an iPod or MP3 player is optional along with a 9.3 GB music box.
Performance on the Maxima? Now, that is one of the upsides to it. If you get the SV trim, you will have the optional Sport Package with a CVT transmission with paddle-shifters (horrible combination, if you ask me), a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded 19-inch wheels and tires. Speaking of tires, the 19-inch Goodyear Eagle RS-A’s tend to be a bit noisy at high speeds, and handling is not really up to par even at a V-rating. The 3.7-liter V6 produces 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft. of torque. A 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds is very good for a front-wheel drive near luxury sedan with that much power.
One of the downsides to the Maxima is, as with other Nissan model (except for the 370z) is the CVT transmission, which is operated by a pulley rather than gears. Even with the paddle shifters, the car would not really sound right with the V6 engine roaring down the 5 freeway to San Diego.
