2009 Nissan Maxima

For close to three decades, Maxima has served as Nissan's flagship in the U.S. market. Through the '90s, it was promoted as the company's "four-door sports car," emphasizing the sedan's handling talents as well as its upscale amenities. Mark Perry of Nissan's product planning group notes that Maxima "lost a step" in its prior (2005-08) generation. Now, freshly redesigning the sedan for the sixth time, Nissan again touts sports car-like qualities under the theme "Maxima reborn."

Changes for 2009

Separating Maxima from the less-expensive but similar-size Altima was a foremost goal. Lately, while the two differed in styling, dimensions and powertrains have been similar. Though the 2009 Maxima looks sharply different from its predecessors and mates, it's built on the same "D" platform as Altima and the Murano crossover wagon. Unlike many design objectives, what Nissan calls "Liquid Motion" seems almost accurate.


Dimensions have changed only slightly, including a 1.9-inch shrinkage in wheelbase and similar reduction in length; but it's 1.4 inches wider. A Dual Panel moonroof can replace the standard single-panel unit, and a rear spoiler is optional. Standard wheels are 18-inch size, but 19-inch rubber is available.


Nissan's 3.5-liter V-6 engine has gained 35 horsepower: now 290 hp at 6400 rpm. Torque output has risen by 9 pound-feet, to 261 (at 4400 rpm). Those figures assume premium-grade gasoline. Running on regular, the Maxima develops about 15 percent less horsepower, according to Nissan. For highway driving, the fuel-economy estimate supplied by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased by one mile per gallon: now 19 mpg for city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.

Xtronic CVT Experience

Maximas again use an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), but with a fresh twist for 2009. A new Ds (drive sport) mode can alter the shift pattern of the CVT's virtual "gears," offering more than 700 distinct "shift" algorithms. Electronic control delivers what Perry calls the "right gear, right time, all the time." In Ds mode, the system can even "blip" the throttle, maintaining engine speed as the car passes through a curve or corner. Paddle shifters are included with the step-up SV sedan's available Sport package.


Combining family-sedan values with a sporty nature, silence isn't invariably golden. "Enthusiast drivers [crave] some feedback," Perry advised. To accomplish this, a "sound generator" creates suitable tones while accelerating. That's right: the sound is artificial, emanating from the engine's intake manifold, not the exhaust system. To some ears, that engine snarl seems a bit out of character for a car of this caliber, though others may savor the additional sound.


In NHTSA governmental crash-testing, the 2009 Maxima scored five stars for frontal impact and also got five stars in the rollover rating. Side-impact testing has not yet been conducted.