2011 Nissan Maxima Review and Prices

Styling: The midsize four-door sedan receives some minor styling changes. The 2011 Nissan Maxima is available in just two trim levels, S and SV. The 2011 styling changes apply to SV models with the available Sport Package. SVs with the Sport Package are the most popular Maximas by far and 2011 versions get a new “dark” chrome grille trim, chrome door handles, and smoked headlight lenses. All 2011 Maximas get a new finish on their exhaust-pipe tip, and there are three new exterior paint colors choices. None of these tweaks disturb the the 2011 Nissan Maxima handsome lines. It’s a square-shouldered and distinctive, though the tail lacks the self-assurance of the rest of the design. Inside, the 2011 Maxima is sophisticated and sporty. The cabin carries elements of Nissan’s premium Infiniti brand, particularly in its arrangement of some controls on a horizontal shelf mid-dashboard. For 2011, SV models with the Sport package gain unique gray stitching on the seats and a new metallic finish on the center console and the center stack -- the part of the dashboard that holds the audio and climate-system controls. Maxima and Nissan’s less-expensive Altima sedan share this midsize platform and 109.3 inch wheelbase (wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles) But Maxima looks nothing like its sibling. Altima’s audience, however, stretches from four-cylinder family-car buyers to V-6 sport-sedan strivers. Maxima more tightly focuses on older, more affluent drivers interested in personal expression. Thus, Maxima sacrifices some rear-seat and trunk room to indulge the driver and front passenger.      

Mechanical: Maxima’s more than a styling exercise: it’s got plenty of power. Unchanged for 2011, its 3.5-liter V-6 puts out a robust 290 horsepower and its continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers near-seamless response. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which shifts through a defined set of gear ratios, a CVT uses a belt-and-pulley arrangement to furnish a rheostat-like blend of power. The advantage is a more precise balance of engine output, acceleration, and fuel economy. Not all CVT powertrains work as effectively as this one, though Maxima still suffers the odd CVT sensation of the engine revving ahead of the actual pace of acceleration. Nissan makes no change to the 2011 Maxima’s suspension, which offers a nice trade between a comfortable ride and nimble handling. A diesel engine option had been rumored, but that turned to out to be untrue -- there is no diesel for 2011. The 2011 Maxima continues its front-wheel-drive layout, which puts the weight of the engine over the wheels that drive the car. Front-wheel drive aids traction in slippery weather, but it can’t match the better weight-balance of rear-wheel drive for sporty handling. Nonetheless, Maxima is grippy and capable by any reasonable standard, and it doesn’t suffer from torque steer – the unruly pulling to the side that afflicts many powerful front-wheel-drive cars during rapid acceleration.

Features: Nissan keeps it simple, with just two trim levels. The 2011 Maxima base 3.5 S version and the uplevel 3.5 SV both come with traction control and an antiskid system, 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated audio controls, keyless access and starting, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof. The 3.5 SV, however, is clearly the top dog in terms of content, with exclusive leather upholstery, Bose audio, mirror-mounted turn signals, and other features. Only the SV is available with optional Bluetooth connectivity and a USB iPod interface, a rearview camera, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a 9.3GB audio hard drive.