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:

    Gasoline containing oxygenates
    Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol with or without advertising their presence. NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of which the ox ...

    Heated steering wheel (if so equipped)
    The heated steering wheel system is designed to operate only when the surface temperature of the steering wheel is below 68°F (20°C). Push the heated steering wheel switch to warm the steer ...

    Sliding the moonroof
    To fully open the moonroof, push the switch toward 1 . To fully close the moonroof, push the switch toward 2 . To open or close the moonroof part way, push the switch in any direction while the ...