The 2009 Nissan Maxima made is debut in the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Coded A36, it is built on the Nissan D platform. The same platform as the 2nd generation Murano SUV and Quest minivan. It is positioned as a midsize high-performance sedan.
In an era where car makers including Nissan managed to make interior space large with small exterior dimensions i.e. Tiida/Versa, somehow they have managed to do the reverse with the 2009 Maxima. It has slightly less headroom, legroom and width than Altima.
Perhaps it is part of the plan to make give is sporty pretensions of a 4 door sports car which is entirely plausible since it has a 290 hp rated 3.5-liter V6 engine. The mechanical parts has all the current goodies plus a bit more. Let’s see, continuously variable valve timing CVTCS) on intake and exhaust valves, drive by wire, multimode Xtronic CVT, optional paddle shifters, ABS and EBD as standard.
Interior wise, too many to mention everything here but there are powered and heated seats, heated steering, Sat-Nav, Bluetooth phone link, satellite radio and more. For the premium model, you can get dual panel moon roof with electric retractable sunshades. The central console however has an ATM feel to it. One would expect cash to come out with the correct buttons pressed.
With such a huge amount of power and torque, the X-CVT still manage to cope well. And if you worry about torque steer, fret not. By using an ingenious movable coupling in the steering gear, the Nissan Maxima now is almost completely devoid of torque steer. And it is good for a sprint to 60 mph in 5.8s, although weighing in at 3,556 lbs!
All in all, the Nissan Maxima 2009 is a well sorted car. Steering is accurate and nicely weighted, throttle response is immediate and the chassis feels right. Prices start from $29,000.
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