2011 Nissan Maxima
Just the view over the hood sets the stage for the 2011 Nissan Maxima. It remains a fast, impressive-looking sports sedan with only minor trim changes. All models receive a new tailpipe finish design, and the Sport Package has new darker trim items. These may be minor changes, but add to the attraction of this quick, refined car. With its elegant profile and large proportions sitting on flashy 18 or 19 inches alloy wheels the sporty flair of the Maxima is much in evidence.
The cabin blends ample, adult-sized front seats with great support and soft cushioning. The big comfy rear bucket seats are stylish and look cool, however note the small center position is a tad awkward the standard 60/40-split rear seats can fold down for large cargo, but the optional bucket rear seats just a center pass-through for longer objects.
Driving Impressions
Standard features on the Maxima include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, fog lights, LED tail lights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, power sunroof, trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity, garage door opener, garage door opener, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, Intelligent Key access system with pushbutton start, auto up/down front windows, tilt and telescopic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power-adjustable heated leather seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cargo net, six-CD/MP3 2 GB Music Box stereo with auxiliary input and USB port, security system and tire pressure monitoring system.
The Sport Package adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, auto-dimming driver’s side-view mirror, auto-tip-in-reverse mirrors, driver’s side memory, metallic interior trim accents, column-mounted paddle shifters, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, premium leather seats with unique stitching, xenon headlamps, XM Satellite Radio, and rear spoiler. The rear seats are buckets for four-passenger seating, and the fixed rear seat includes a fold-down rear armrest and cargo pass-through.
The Premium Package uses 18-inch alloy wheels and adds auto up/down on all windows, really cool eucalyptus wood-tone interior trim, fold-down rear armrest with climate and stereo controls, heated and cooled driver’s seat, power rear sunshade, premium mood lighting, rear-view monitor and dual-panel power sunroof with power sunshade.
The Sport Package can be further optioned with a Tech Package that adds rear-view monitor, navigation system with voice recognition, XM NaviTraffic and 9.3 GB Music Box; the Premium Package can be optioned with a Navigation Package that adds the voice-activated navigation system, XM NaviTraffic and Music Box.
The 2011 Nissan Maxima is motivated courtesy of a sweet- sounding 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 hp and 261 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that can be overridden by six simulated “gear” ratios selected via shift paddles on the steering wheel (if optioned on.
Standard safety equipment for every 2011 Nissan Maxima includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active head restraints.
The standard 60/40-split rear seats can fold down for bulkier items, but the optional bucket rear seats offer just a center pass-through for longer objects.
On the road, the lightV6 and competent suspension make the Maxima a supremely enjoyable car to drive hard and fast. In particular, the Maxima’s steering is nicely calibrated for pin- sharp handling.
The Maxima’s 3.5-litre, multivalve, V6 engine dubbed a VQ35 generates lively acceleration and can power the Maxima from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds. This relatively quick dash fits with what Nissan calls a “4-door sports car”.
The power is transmitted via an automatics with a manual mode transmission optimized for the sporty driving. Steering wheel paddles allow you to manually change gears however this is an option. Critics of the CVT transmissions will be pleasantly surprised by the Maxima’s. It’s extremely smooth. Responsive and has no discernable lag. Despite its sporting pretensions, the Maxima still delivers a serene comfortable ride. Downsides are few on this car and are outweighed by just how much of a bargain this car is in the performance and equipment you get for the money. Think hard however as the spec and ride inch the Maxima close to Infiniti territory. .Well worth a before you spend much moola on an Acura, Lexus or German competition.
2011 Nissan Maxima priced from $39,800 – $42,300
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