Nissan has long touted the Maxima as a four-door version of the company’s Z sportscar. In fact, early versions carried the moniker “4DSC” on the rear windows to let cognoscenti in on the secret that this sedan was really a “4 Door Sports Car” in camera. But as Maxima morphed through subsequent iterations, its styling lost the hard edge of the original.
Pros:
- The Maxima returns to its sports sedan roots
- Well appointed interior and creature comforts
Cons:
- Be ready with a strong grip to handle the torque steer
- Yearning for a firmer suspension setup reminiscent of true 4DSC performance
- elephant-ear sized shifter paddles behind the steering wheel
The introduction of the 2011 model, however, indicates that the tide has turned at Nissan. The old 4DSC decals are once again affixed to the rear windows, and if you watch Nissan’s current TV ads for Maxima, you’ll see a prospective customer transforming the car he wants (370Z) into the car he needs (Maxima) by wrenching the sedan body out of the Z shape with just a couple of big heaves.
The real world transformation, however, isn’t quite that simple. The Z is a front-engine, real-wheel-drive two seater with quick reflexes and light weight. The Maxima is front-engine like the Z, but front-wheel-drive instead. Though it uses a slightly detuned (290hp), smaller 3.5 liter version of the Z’s 3.7 liter V6 for power, it still produces enough torque (261 lb-ft) to snatch the steering wheel out of your hands when you stomp the throttle if the front wheels are turned. This is antithetical to 4DSC behavior, as the Maxima performs a series of torque-steer induced tank slappers before you finally get course direction straightened away.
That caveat aside, the Maxima comports itself with admirable composure, not only on smooth roads, but over potholed irregularities. The all-season Goodyear RS-A tires are adequately sized for a good compromise between comfort and grip at 245/45R18 all around. While the suspension could stand to be a bit firmer for true 4DSC performance, your passengers won’t be complaining about a lack of ultimate grip since they’re so well looked after by the interior. Nissan’s made-in-USA (Smyrna, GA) Maxima is an imposingly well constructed vehicle, from its finely tailored waffle-weave headliner to its elegantly stitched premium leather seats. The handsome pebble- grained instrument cluster matches the similar material covering the dashboard and upper door panels. Eucalyptus wood-like accents look rich and unobtrusive.
The driver’s seat features 3-position heating and ventilation, the rear seats slouch invitingly, and a double length sunroof covers the length of the cabin. Although the rear windows only decline halfway, the reason must be that Nissan refused to allow the 4DSC sticker to disappear from view. Also to that end, they have equipped the driver’s compartment with elephant-ear sized paddles to control shifts of the 6-speed CVT automatic gearbox.
The steering wheel is thick and enticingly tactile, with perforated leather pistol grips covering the area most used. The 160mph speedometer, flanked by the 8,000rpm tachometer (redline:6,500) add to the performance buzz. While Maxima expertly mimes the Z car, what it really does best is to carry 4 (or 5 in a pinch) expeditiously, comfortable and spaciously. In that regard, it has few peers at any price.
2011 NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5 SV
ENGINE: 3.5 liter DOHC, 24 Valve V6
HORSEPOWER: 290hp
TORQUE: 261 lb-ft
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19 City MPG, 26 Highway MPG
PRICE AS TESTED: $38,060
ENGINE: 3.5 liter DOHC, 24 Valve V6
HORSEPOWER: 290hp
TORQUE: 261 lb-ft
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19 City MPG, 26 Highway MPG
PRICE AS TESTED: $38,060
