Occasionally you come across those cars that are practically perfect in every way. That car for me was the tester last week: The 2010 Nissan Maxima.
I had just swapped out of a Chevrolet Corvette GS and was rather disappointed to be dropping down into the "4-Door Sports Car." But I shouldn't have been. While not much compares with the utter glee of driving a 'Vette, the Maxima is an everyday driver with plenty of fun and comfort ensconced under the sheet metal.
The test car was an up-level SV model with a base price of $33,180. I know, a little bit steep for a Nissan. But this front-wheel-drive car was fully equipped with leather seats, traction control, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, push-button start, keyless entry and power moonroof. And with that, I wouldn't need much more.
The test vehicle added the Monitor Package (think USB connectivity, rearview monitor and 2 GB flash music box); Cold Package (think heated front seats and steering wheel); and the 5-piece floor mat and trunk mat set. As tested price for the test vehicle was $35,180, including destination.
Too rich for your blood? Check out the base S model, which comes with a lot of the same standard features as the SV, and has a starting price of $31,440. Some of the luxe features you might miss: leather seats, Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio and power lumbar support. But the important stuff (like the zippy engine, push button start and moonroof) is still included.
One of the reasons why I like the Maxima so much is that it's not only attractive but also very responsive on the road. Combine that with the functional back seat, exceptional trunk space and standard Bluetooth, and you have a respectable business car and fun every-day driver rolled into one.
The Maxima comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower. That is more than enough grunt for aggressive city driving and highway passing maneuvers. Plus the ride and handling is sporty and stiff, which makes even the boring rush-hour commute a little more fun.
There was a flurry of conversation regarding the continuously variable transmission (CVT) on my twitter account during the test week as one of my tweet buddies wanted to know if I actually liked this transmission. I give you a resounding yes. It was smooth yet aggressive and provided seamless, glitch-free power. No burps, blips or stutters. Coincidentally, the only car that still has a geared transmission in the Nissan lineup is the Versa with an optional 4-speed automatic.
I do have to admit, however, nice as the CVT is, I would love to see a manual transmission option on this car. I mean, really, a sports car without a stick shift? Where's the fun in that?
My test period was brief but sweet and entailed a lot of city driving. Thus, my fuel economy wasn't nearly as good as I think it could have been. I spent a lot of time sitting in traffic and not enough time on the open highway. So, my final mileage rang in at 18 mpg, which is just outside the EPA city estimate of 19 mpg. Highway mileage is estimated at 26 mpg, and judging by my real-time mileage when I did hit a patch of open road, I suspect you could do much better than that with a light foot on the accelerator.
The interior of the Maxima is both luxurious and intuitive. The leather seats in the SV model are plushy comfortable and nicely adjustable, the steering wheel audio controls keep your hands on the wheel, and all the gauges and controls are within easy reach.
My favorite thing about the Maxima, however, is the exterior design. Far from conservative or boring, the overall design is swoopy and sporty. The flared rear fenders lend credence to the "4-Door Sport Car" tagline and is a pleasant change over the long boring lines of many other midsize cars currently on the market. The boomerang shaped headlights and curvaceous hood lines complete an already attractive package.
While my heart ultimately aspires to own something more along the lines of the Z or GT-R, I have to admit the Maxima is a nice compromise for someone who needs something a little more practical-and a little less expensive.
Now about that manual transmission. ...
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