Fifteen years ago, the Nissan Maxima carved a unique niche as a genuinely sporty four-door sedan, offering an engaging driving experience without the hefty price tag or potential reliability concerns associated with European luxury brands. As the market became saturated with powerful family sedans, the Maxima’s distinct identity somewhat faded. However, with the 2009 model year, Nissan aimed to reignite the Maxima’s sporting spirit and reclaim its position. Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima live up to its “four-door sports car” billing? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review focusing on performance, driving dynamics, interior, and overall value.
Performance Prowess: Engine and Acceleration
Stepping into the 2009 Nissan Maxima after driving a less powerful daily commuter is a revelation. The heart of this sedan is its impressive engine, delivering robust power that immediately translates to exhilarating acceleration. The car launches assertively, with traction control subtly managing wheel spin to ensure a clean getaway. However, it’s the mid-range acceleration, particularly from 25 to 70 mph, where the Maxima truly shines. Flooring the accelerator results in a surge of power, effortlessly overtaking other vehicles and making highway merges and passing maneuvers a breeze. While there’s a hint of torque steer, it’s easily manageable with a firm hand on the wheel. The Maxima feels most at home at higher speeds, effortlessly cruising between 70 and 100 mph with ample passing power even at 85 mph, a speed where many cars in the sub-250 horsepower category begin to feel strained.
Road noise at these speeds is impressively suppressed, contributing to a comfortable and refined driving experience. Wind noise is more noticeable, and in the test vehicle with 30,000 miles, a slight whistle was detected from the rear, potentially a minor issue. Nissan has effectively dampened engine noise from the outside, meaning the auditory pleasure of the VQ engine is best appreciated with the windows up. Despite claims that the 3.5L VQ engine might have lost some of its smoothness at higher RPMs compared to smaller displacement VQs, this wasn’t apparent in the test drive. The engine sounds robust and willing to rev, suggesting it could sustain redline operation without issue. Enthusiasts might desire a slightly louder exhaust note to further enhance the sporty character, both inside and outside the cabin.
Innovative CVT Transmission: Smoothness and Sportiness
Before experiencing the Maxima, there was some skepticism about Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). However, the test drive proved to be surprisingly positive. In Drive mode, the CVT mimics a traditional automatic transmission, providing smooth, shift-free operation. It exhibits the familiar creep at low speeds and subtle vibration when stopped in gear. During gentle acceleration, the engine remains at a relaxed 2000 RPM, dropping to an even more fuel-efficient 1200 RPM during steady cruising, reminiscent of a Corvette in a high gear.
This contributes to excellent fuel economy. In mixed driving conditions, including highway and city cruising, a more conservative driver reported an impressive 28 MPG.
For more spirited driving, a firmer press on the accelerator pedal prompts the engine to quickly rev to 4500 RPM, gradually climbing towards redline as the car accelerates. In aggressive driving scenarios, the transmission intelligently anticipates a desire for sportier performance and holds around 2500 RPM for a short period after easing off the throttle. Engaging Sport mode, by shifting the gear lever to the left gate, further enhances responsiveness and holds higher revs. Sport mode also introduces simulated stepped gear ratios to the CVT, an artificial sensation that doesn’t necessarily improve acceleration. Despite this, simulated shifts are executed rapidly. Engine braking is also noticeable in Sport mode; releasing the accelerator results in deceleration akin to strong engine braking. While not as directly connected as a manual transmission, it’s an engaging feature and more responsive than many automanual systems. However, the standard Drive mode proved so effective and well-tuned that Sport mode felt somewhat redundant in everyday driving. For those who prefer manual gear selection, the Maxima SV offers paddle shifters. However, using the gear lever in spirited driving can detract from steering precision when maximum control is required.
Braking and Handling: Refinement and Grip
Initial impressions of the Maxima’s brakes were mixed. The brake pedal exhibits a sensitive initial bite, requiring a period of adjustment to achieve consistently smooth stops without abrupt lurching. Compared to some cars with more linear brake pedal feel, like the tester’s fifth-generation Malibu, the Maxima’s pedal requires significantly less pressure for the same braking effect. However, the ultimate braking power is substantial, with the ABS engaging only under hard braking near the limit. A slightly less aggressive initial brake bite, coupled with more rapid deceleration in the lower pedal travel range, might improve modulation and usability, making it easier to access the car’s full braking potential. The ABS system, however, is notably more refined and effective than in older vehicles, although perhaps not as seamless as systems in high-performance cars like a Porsche Cayenne. Overall, braking performance is strong and consistent, despite the initial pedal sensitivity.
Grip levels were not fully explored during this road test, as the base Goodyear RS-A tires offer more traction than the engine can readily overcome on dry pavement. Even with full steering lock and wide-open throttle, the traction control system intervened only momentarily. Disabling Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability control (which also disables traction control) resulted in slightly quicker launches from a standstill. Handling remained stable and predictable even with VDC disabled, as the driving conditions and style did not push the car to its handling limits. Drivers seeking truly aggressive, hooliganistic driving dynamics might consider disabling VDC, but for most situations, leaving it engaged is recommended for enhanced safety and stability.
Steering and Dynamics: Balancing Sport and Comfort
Drivers accustomed to the weighty steering feel of dedicated sports cars might find the Maxima’s steering initially lighter than expected. The heavy, substantial steering feel found in sport-packaged BMWs at low speeds is absent in the Maxima. Maneuvering in parking lots is effortless, comparable to a large sedan. However, as speed increases to around 40 mph, the steering firms up noticeably, though it remains slightly lighter than some enthusiasts might prefer. This lighter weighting can impart a slightly artificial eagerness to turn in during slow corners. Handling feel improves as cornering forces increase, with long, sweeping high-speed curves proving to be the Maxima’s sweet spot, where the steering becomes more communicative and the car feels settled and composed. Highway stability is excellent, contributing to relaxed and confident long-distance driving. While the Maxima might not feel as overtly agile or sporty as a Nissan G37, this seems more related to perception than actual chassis limitations. The spacious cabin and long hood create a sense of size that encourages a more deliberate driving style. For ultimate backroad thrills and intimate driver engagement, more focused sports cars might be more suitable.
Interior and Comfort: Premium Feel and Space
The interior quality of the Maxima is impressive, rivaling or even surpassing that of a circa-2007 Infiniti FX35. It elevates the Maxima above some competitors in its class, creating a noticeably more premium ambiance. The test Maxima featured leather accents and comfortable cloth seats with a suede-like finish. While lumbar support wasn’t readily apparent, the seats proved comfortable even on longer drives, a significant positive for drivers with back sensitivities. Choosing cloth over leather is a viable option, although the cloth material may be prone to attracting lint.
Front seat side bolstering is notably more supportive than in some larger sedans, offering a snug and secure feel without being overly restrictive. The low beltline allows for comfortable arm placement on the window sill, and the center armrest is well-positioned. Rear seat space is generous, easily accommodating adults. Even with the driver’s seat adjusted for a six-foot-tall occupant, there’s ample knee and headroom in the rear.
Features and Value: Well-Equipped Base Model
The base Maxima S trim level is surprisingly well-equipped, offering a strong value proposition. Standard features on the S model include a sunroof, power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, a folding rear seat, and an auxiliary stereo input. Much of the Maxima’s appeal lies in the well-equipped base model. While the higher SV trim offers optional upgrades like larger wheels and advanced technology features, none of these are essential to enjoying the core driving experience of the car. With rear-wheel-drive competitors entering the market at higher price points, the Maxima S strikes a compelling balance of features, performance, and value for the enthusiast buyer.
Styling and Design: Distinctive and Upscale
The Maxima’s styling is more impactful in person than photographs might suggest. The exaggerated “Coke-bottle” shape of the side profile and flared fenders are visually appealing, giving the car a muscular yet refined appearance that belies its size, similar to how a tailored European suit flatters a sprinter’s physique. While it might not evoke the same passionate desire as a sports car like a Mustang or BMW M3, the Maxima possesses a classy and upscale aesthetic that surpasses mainstream sedans like the Honda Accord. The bold front grille, while distinctive, is arguably less controversial than some of Acura’s design choices. Minor styling quirks, such as the rear detailing, are not significant enough to detract from the overall design. Visibility is somewhat compromised by thick A and C pillars, but not to a degree that significantly impairs driving. The subtle “Vettish” front wheel arches add a touch of sporty aggression from the driver’s perspective.
Conclusion: A Unique Blend of Sport, Style, and Value
Prior to this test drive, the Nissan Maxima was not on the tester’s personal car-buying radar. However, after experiencing its blend of performance, comfort, and style, it earned a place as a top contender. The Maxima occupies a unique position in the market. While other V6-powered sedans, including Nissan’s own Altima, might offer a similar level of premium features at a slightly lower price, none quite match the Maxima’s combination of speed, distinctive styling, and sporty character.
Luxury brands offer incremental improvements in performance and sportiness, but typically at a significant price premium, often exceeding the $30,000-$35,000 price range. The most direct competitor to the Maxima is arguably the front-wheel-drive Acura TL. However, the Maxima arguably surpasses the TL in driving dynamics and styling, while the TL’s advantages are primarily in available technology features and a higher price tag. Even the Hyundai Genesis, while offering rear-wheel drive, presents a less compelling package overall, particularly in terms of styling. For buyers seeking a sedan that delivers a compelling blend of driving fun, interior space, and distinctive style within a budget under $30,000, the 2009 Nissan Maxima S stands out as one of the most compelling options available, reaffirming its position as a four-door sports car for the real world.
