Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Part 1: Design Review

From a design standpoint, the 2009 Nissan Maxima represents a bold re-think of the Maxima formula. Where the last generation car lacked the purposefully aggressive look of a true sports sedan, the new car is a no-excuses attempt at resurrecting the magic of earlier Maximas.

Nissan calls the design theme of the new Maxima, "Liquid Motion." And it makes sense once you've had a look at the car's fluid lines. You can even see this design language from inside the car, as the view from the front seats is of beautifully sculpted, flowing undulations that define the hood and fender peaks.

The most noticeable thing about the design of the Maxima is how much wider the car appears to be. It is in fact wider than the car it replaces and shorter in wheelbase and overall length as well. The width is even more pronounced thanks to its "coke bottle" shaped surfacing. Typically, a car with a coke bottle shape has fenders that flare out beyond the width of the rest of the body. The flowing flares look similar to the shape of an old glass coke bottle, hence the name. But in the case of the Maxima, it's partially an optical illusion, as the fenders are pulled out nice and wide mostly at the shoulder line - which then narrows toward the center of the car. The width differences overall are pretty minimal, although it appears to have more of a coke bottle section then it actually does due to the creative use of that shoulder line.

You can see this clever surface treatment best in side view, where the shoulder runs into the doors and creates some interesting and unusual shapes as the fenders and doors meet. It is also in profile that the car's slightly more compact dimensions are most noticeable, with its shorter wheelbase accentuated by the great looking 19-in. wheels fitted to our sport package equipped car.

Beyond the interesting curves of its body, the Maxima features other unique elements. There are hints of Nissan's flagship GT-R in the Maxima's design, as well as suggestions of the company's new 370Z. So clearly the design's focus is very much on "sport."

At the front we see the 370Z's influence in the "boomerang" headlights which are similar to those found on the latest version of the company's sportscar. The lights are inset and tapered back into the front fenders, giving the car a mean stare. We also find simple, clean graphics that look similar to those on the iconic GT-R flagship. Again, all intended to underline the sporting attitude of the Maxima's design.

Around the back are dynamic looking taillights that are similar in shape to the headlights, although not quite as bold. There is some nice surfacing as the rear fenders and the sweeping C-pillar intersect and flow into the trunk, with the trunk-mounted spoiler detracting slightly from the otherwise nicely integrated elements. At the bottom of the rear bumper are subtle blisters that complete the aggressive look of the Maxima and highlight the generously sized exhaust outlets on either side.

Overall, the 2009 Maxima represents a bold, unique take on the modern sports sedan. Its ready-to-strike stare captures your attention instantly and its curvaceous body keeps your eyes entertained all the way back to its stylish taillights and dual exhaust outlets, leaving little doubt about its intended purpose.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV

Performance
- Acceleration: Engine spins up to 6400 rpm and stays there - quick enough, but zero satisfaction
- Handling: Can almost lay legitimate claim to its "4DSC" stickers... at least for a front-wheel-drive sedan
- Braking: Brakes feel good and are as effective as they should be on a sports sedan

Design
- Exterior: Much better than it looks in photos - Nissan took some chances and they worked... mostly
- Interior: Not nearly as risky as the exterior, the inside of the Maxima is still quite nicely done

Utility
- Comfort: Excellent for four adults, maybe even for five
- Space: Much larger inside than you might expect with a decent trunk to boot (pun intended for the Brits out there)

Safety
- Dynamics: Very sport oriented front-wheel drive dynamics - adjustable, which is rare for front-drive sedans
- Technology: Everything you'd expect including a stability control system that can be switched off

Value
- Price: Nudging up too closely against superior, rear-drive sport sedans when optioned up
- Mileage: Not appalling, but not exactly great either

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Styling and 4DSC stickers may get your heart pumpin', but CVT single-handedly kills this car's appeal
- Fun to spank: If the road is twisty and you play along with the "fake" shifts of the CVT, then yes, it's somewhat fun

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 3.5 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Gearbox: CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission)
Curb Weight: 3579 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.6 @ 97 mph
Top Speed: 149 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 19 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $35,160
Competitors: Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Infiniti G37, Audi A4