Since the car’s inception as its own model in 1980, and for several years, the Nissan Maxima was advertised as a “four door sports car”. Nissan then moved away from that concept, but has now, with this “seventh generation” (2009 – 2010) Maxima, returned to the “4-door-sports-car” moniker.
But is it really a four door sports car?
As a bona fide, born and bred “car guy”, and having rented the Nissan Maxima on three separate occasions, twice for two weeks and once for a long weekend, I have to say, “Oh yes, it is!” I specifically requested the new Nissan Maxima because of it’s very fun to drive factor. It has real quick, responsive power from a 3.5 liter V6 engine, rated at 290 HP, mounted over the front-wheel drive. The Nissan Maxima boasts a far superior, seamlessly shifting, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which I personally love, especially with the optional paddle shifter. It does handle like a sports car and looks good doing it! They have definitely improved the breed of the Maxima in this present seventh generation.
The Nissan Maxima, manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee, received the highest “5 Star Rating” for front and side impact from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With its power and handling prowess, this 4-door “family car” makes it a “4-door-sports-car” for a family man on a budget who really desires to drive a sports car, but also wants four doors and a safe environment for his family. Plus the trunk, featuring 14.2 cubic feet of cargo room, is very spacious and has easy accessibility, too. Standard is a 60/40 fold-down rear seat-back with lock, which is replaced with a trunk pass-through feature on both the Sport and Premium Packages.
List prices start at $30,460 for the 3.5S model, and $35,210 for the 3.5SV with Sport Package – certainly you could stop there and have a sweet ride at a somewhat reasonable price. The package includes some nice additions that really enhance the “sports car” part of the picture. With the top Premium Package, and most of the available options, you can easily go up to $40,000, but there goes the budget!
For my money, were I to buy a brand new vehicle, the 2010 Nissan Maxima with the Sport Package really fills the bill! A true 4-door-sports-car, indeed!
I’ll take mine in Winter Frost white with tan leather, please.
(Source: Wikipedia and the Official Nissan Maxima website)
