Cars at a Glance
2009 Nissan Maxima
by Dave Stall
 
2009 Nissan Maxima

I must be showing my age, when it comes to domestic cars I'm a Chevy Guy, when it comes to Japanese imports I'm a Toyota Guy.  But as I get older and cars get better my brand loyalty is starting to blend into the other makes.
Take the 2009 Nissan Maxima, ok it is a nice four door sedan but when you get closer it has a style all its own, look down the side of the car and you get a hour-glass look.  In fact when you slide behind the steering wheel you will notice that you can see the ends of the fenders, I liked it!
I think Nissan has passed Toyota in styling and performance and they have done it with the Maxima and a few other models.  But let's talk about the Maxima.
You get a healthy 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 261 pound foot of torque at 4,400 rpm.  You get continuously valve timing on valve timing on the intake valves and electronic continuously valve timing on the exhaust valves.  In laymen terms the engine is smarter than we are and tries to burn as much fuel efficiently as it can plus gives us gobs of horsepower.
You get one transmission an Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and paddle shifters on the steering wheel for that manual mode feel.  This is the latest in fuel economy transmissions that will never shift if you keep your foot in it, kind of like a golf cart but with a lot more potential.  You get fabulous four wheel independent suspension that will give you a great ride on the open road and help you through the twisties if you s desire.  Seating is excellent, well bolstered and with enough adjustment to make grandpa happy.
Once behind the wheel you will find everything you need as close as your finger tips, climate controls, sound system cubby holes galore and if you have to sit in the back seat that is not a bad thing, plenty of room and comfort.  Need trunk space?  No problem the Maximum will give you all you can handle.
When it comes to standard features I don't have enough room in this article to list them all but one that stands out is the dual pane sunroof, XM radio, back up camera, heated mirrors and I haven't even gotten to the safety features, front airbags, side airbags, side curtain air bags, vehicle dynamic controls, traction controls, crumple zones to help protect the occupants, energy absorbing steering wheel, steel beams in the doors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
If your looking for a great four door sedan and your looking to pay around $29,290 plus options tax and license then the Nissan Maxima needs to be on your shopping list and right now Nissan is kicking back $2,500 plus a $500 bonus, stop by any of the Mossy Nissan stores for more information, at least drive it and see if I was on the money!