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:

    Frontier in the Market
    The Frontier is the right-size truck for an urban environment, and with the available V-6 engine it offers decent capability, too, with a large 6,500-pound maximum towing capacity and a 1,541-poun ...

    Securing the load
    There are tie down hooks located in the cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used to secure cargo with ropes or other types of straps. Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb ...

    INTERIOR
    Storage is at a premium in the Rogue. Truthfully, it's a problem in many small cars and SUVs. The Rogue has two cupholders in the front row. There's a slot next to the cupholders to house your cel ...