2009 Nissan Maxima review

As a consumer, I've never considered buying a Nissan Maxima. It just hasn't been on my car radar. After test-driving a 2009 Maxima for a week, it's now on my radar. In fact, I give it the maximum A-plus Mommy-rating. It's a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive, and it had enough comfort and luxury appointments to make me look forward to getting into it each day of the test drive.

The Nissan folks refer to the Maxima as a four-door sports car, and I'd have to agree. Unlike other sedans, the Maxima isn't plain-looking. Its funky headlights reminded me of the Nissan 370Z, which I adored when I reviewed it, and it gave the front end a pseudo-Volvo look.

The Maxima's spunky sport tuning made it fun to drive. Its V-6 engine is amazingly quick, but I always felt in control. The only downside to the V-6 engine is it needs premium gas.

During my time with the Maxima, I drove through one of my favorite neighborhoods that's known for its gorgeous horse farms and narrow dirt roads. The Maxima handled those roads well despite the huge potholes and rough terrain.

Between the Maxima's sporty look and fun-to-drive V-6, you're looking at one fine sedan.

See also:

Fuses
Two types of fuses are used. Type A is used in the fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Type B is used in the passenger compartment fuse box. Type A fuses are provided as spare fuses. They are ...

Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be re ...

Spare tire
When a spare tire is mounted (TEMPORARY USE ONLY or conventional), the TPMS will not function. Observe the following precautions if the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used, otherwise y ...