NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: There are a lot of healthy size sedans on the market, and this Maxima is one of the better ones. I really like the swoopy styling with the sharp headlights and a prominent grille. It looks like a flagship four-door. The inside is a clean execution, and the black cockpit and seats are simple and sporty. The steering wheel has athletic leather gripping, which I liked.
This car has a little bit of punch, and the V6 is strong. This is a big car, but it's got enough power underhood. The CVT was nonoffensive to me. I know some have strong feelings on this subject, but the gearbox was fine, I thought. Steering has a decent feel, just a bit off-center, and it's an easy-to-direct car, though it does have a large demeanor. The chassis is comfortable yet well sprung; it's a nice balance of athleticism and relaxation.
I like big sedans. This one is solid in looks and drive character.
I liked the look of the Maxima when I walked up to it. There are nice, not-overdone bulges around the wheel wells, and those and the lines of the hood give the car a muscular look. I also liked the metallic gray color on the sheetmetal. The wheels are nice and help the car stand out some.
Inside, the materials are quality and the seats are comfortable. Especially pleasing were the seat heaters and the heated steering wheel over a very cold weekend. There is good legroom throughout and plenty of space for back-seat passengers. The HVAC and sound-system controls were easy to use and right at hand.
The trunk provided lots of room for many holiday gift purchases over an entire day of battling the crowds. A big-box-store associate was easily able to slide a 32-inch television (in its box) into the back seat, and we transported it and everything else home with no problems.
Throughout the weekend, the Maxima's V6 was strong, whether on the expressway or off the line in crazy shopping traffic. The brakes confidently slowed things down when necessary. And I liked the way this car stood out in parking lots full of four-doors. The fuel-economy number I got from my fill-up leaves a little something to be desired, but overall, this is a nice package.
These Maximas are pretty quick. I wish I had more driving to do or at least a few expressway blasts. My commute to work mostly involves slower-speed side streets.
Bonus points for heated seats and steering wheel. Once you get past the initial cold in the morning, the seats and the wheel are all you need.
I like the new-generation Maxima better than the last two or three. It has more of a boxy look; the front end is near perpendicular to the pavement. But it's a slick, curvy box. The headlights are eye-catching, as are the taillights. Out-of-the-ordinary styling doesn't bother me at all.
Base Price: $34,280
As-Tested Price: $39,090
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, continuously variable transmission
Output: 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 261 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,565 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/18.0 mpg
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