Exterior

The Maxima was redesigned for 2009, and I noticed quite a few design elements that appear to have been pulled from the Infiniti line. From the outside, the hood looks bowed toward the center and flares up a bit on the outer edges; I've noticed the same molding on Infinitis. As you buckle in and look over the hood you notice these large, sculpted bulges - muscular, really - which add to the sporty ambience of this not-so-ordinary sedan.

Likewise, the Maxima's profile is accented with chrome door handles and chrome trim around the windows. I like chrome for the added sparkle it delivers. A girl needs to feel glamorous, and you'd be surprised how quickly a little chrome can brighten the day.

All too often, a car's rear end gets short-changed on design and style. This isn't the case with the Maxima. Dual exhaust pipes, a sharply clipped booty, a spoiler and - of course - a little more chrome work tie the entire car together perfectly; there are no loose ends.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On

    See also:

    Glass
    Glass When cleaning the rear window, it may be easier to clean if the inside high-mounted stop light (if so equipped) is removed first. Be careful when removing the high-mounted stop light t ...

    Brakes
    If the brakes do not operate properly, have the brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer. Self-adjusting brakes Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting brakes. The front and rear disc-type brakes ...

    Locking with power door lock switch
    Door lock switch To lock all the doors without a key, push the door lock switch (driver’s or front passenger’s side) to the lock position 1 . When locking the door this way, be certain not t ...