Up Close: 2009 Nissan Maxima

Nissan calls its latest Maxima a four-door sports car, a description that once graced previous generations of the car. I’ll have to wait until I drive one to see if that’s true, but after poking around in the all-new car at the auto show today I can say it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if Nissan simply called the car a full-blown luxury sedan. Cabin quality is palpably better than in the latest Altima — not a quality-lightweight itself — and the leather seats would feel at home in any Infiniti product. Both the front and rear seats have considerable side bolsters to hold you in during turns, but their cushioning is forgiving enough that I didn’t feel squeezed. (That also postpones my diet — woot!)

The dash combines the Altima’s wraparound panels with the center controls and navigation system from Infiniti’s G and M sedans. Cabin storage is abundant, with a decent-sized center console and a huge glove compartment. One complaint: Like in the Rogue, the compartment’s cover opens right onto passengers’ shins. The dashboard materials are low-gloss and soft to the touch.

I wish I were as jazzed about the exterior as I am about the interior. The rear is the one high point — it looks much better in person than the pictures show, and I can see bits of the Altima coupe and Mercedes S-Class. Up front, though, the grille seems too low and wide, and the lower air dam looks a bit busy. Oh, and don’t get me started on those headlights.

Our gallery of live and manufacturer photos is below.

Related:
2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Nissan Maxima

Comments

[07 max]

I have to say I am impressed I was worried that the Maxima was going to be replaced by the Altima. It really look nice and the upgrade interior is sweet, along with the bold new stance . I can't wait to read the road test reviews and see it in the dealerships.

[PS]

I like the back, even though it looks like the yaris. The front is not too attractive, but better than the previous generation and it will probably grow on me. The interior is extremely nice.

[nissanfanatic]

i have to say i am not impressed. as a nissan fanatic this is a hideous vehicle. whatever happened to the 1994-2002 nissan maxima that was light, powerful and fun to drive? the interior looks like it was made with rubbermaid parts and it doesn't look like luxurious and it might as well be a nissan avalon. the designs aren't what they used to be. if this keeps going on i will most likely not buy a nissan made product. my first new car was a 2004 accent and i just bought a 2008 sonata. i guess hyundai here i come!

[D]

I like it, looks nothing like the current model, & looks alot diff. than Altima!! Nice taillights!

[J]

What's with the headlight? Out of odd ideas to stand out already?
The grille is vertical, great for increasing drag.
The back side looks like it is widened halfway through the body, what's with that fat ass look?

I got to say the interior does look good though, but the exterior is just not my cup of tea at all.
BTW, are they still equipping their vehicles with CVT? Come on, give us a break already!

[Tom L]

"woot!"

I didn't know this was used outside World of Warcraft and other online games. Awesome, glad to see I fit in here (no I don't play WoW but I do play Call of Duty 4).

[Jerry M]

Well I was waiting for a redesign that said, "I gotta have this car!" Instead I got wtf. As an 07 maxixma owner, my car just got nicer looking.
Even if this thing goes like hell, it is FUGLY.
Sort of like having an ugly wife that can cook.
BMW here I come.

[J]

Jerry,
I personally think this one looks a little bit better than the 04 and on model.
Like a D+ vs a D grade.
The best looking ones have to be the 01 - 03.

[George]

It is not a good idea to put the turn signal under the headlight.
You should not have to rely on the really small indicator on the mirror.