DESCRIPTION

Pros:

• More than just a sedate family sedan
• Build quality is top-notch
• Responsive handling and steering
• Attractive interior design
• Superb iPod integration

Cons:

• Optional packages are not very flexible
• CVT takes away the sporty edge of the V6
• Not enough headroom for tall people seated in the backseat

Ruling: The Nissan Maxima is a very good and solid sedan. It is plenty powerful, handles relatively well, has lots of room, and a plethora of high tech amenities.

The 2011 Nissan Maxima continues is 4-door sports car tradition combining an energetic 290 hp V6 engine with an exciting ride and true passenger comfort. As the flagship of Nissan's sedan lineup, Maxima continues to exemplify the Nissan brand with its unmatched combination of style, performance, comfort, technology and value.

For 2011, Maxima adds two new exterior colors (Brilliant Silver and Metallic Slate) and an available Sport Package option. Revisions include new rolled edge tailpipe finisher; new smoked headlights (Sport models); new dark chrome grille (Sport models); and unique shiny gray interior stitching (Sport models).

The 2011 Maxima features a standard 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Chassis engineering teams worked together to achieve their goal of setting the Maxima up with virtually no torque steer during acceleration and a level of agility that makes the car fun to drive without compromising ride comfort.

Inside the Maxima, comfort and convenience features include a standard moonroof, 8-way power drivers seat and 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted controls, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD6/MP3 audio system with eight speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and available USB connectivity.