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:

Brightness button
To change the display brightness, press the button. Pressing the button again will change the display to the day or the night display. If no operation is performed within 5 seconds, the disp ...

DOOR position
When the switch is in the DOOR position 2 the map lights will illuminate under the following conditions: - ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position — remain on for about 15 seconds. ...

FM-AM-SAT radio operation
When the radio band select button is pushed while the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position, the radio will come on at the channel last played. The last channel played will also come on ...