2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV

Nissan enhances performance on its popular luxury sedan

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Maxima

Nissan redesigned the mid-sized Maxima for 2009, shifting the sedan’s focus from luxury to sport. While the Maxima is known for supple performance, the new car is targeted more specifically to driving enthusiasts.

A revised V6 engine has 35 more horsepower than the block it replaces. A continuously variable transmission with sport mode provides powerful acceleration, while minimizing torque-steer on the front-wheel drive platform.

Engineers enhanced the car’s torsional rigidity with a standard strut brace and front and rear stabilizer bars. Aluminum suspension components minimize unsprung weight. Lower engine mounting and a wider track make the car more stable at speed.

All grades come with standard keyless entry and start, a moonroof, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seats, dual-zone climate controls, steering wheel controls, power windows and door locks. Read the rest of this entry »