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…read more 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.
