Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Nissan Maxima

Typically, when a car model gets as old as the 2010 Nissan Maxima, which is now in its third model year, it starts to look dated next to newer competitors. Not so with this Nissan, according to Cars.com senior editor David Thomas. The 2010 Maxima outclasses its competitors in terms of handling fun, and the car’s features and interior quality are still up to snuff. Can this large sedan accommodate both the needs of families and driver enthusiasts? Read the review to find out.

2010 Nissan Maxima Review

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2010 Nissan Maxima Video

The 2010 Nissan Maxima is virtually unchanged compared to last year’s model, so in this video we decided to see how the model holds up against the newer Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon. According to Cars.com senior editor David Thomas, the Maxima handles a lot better than the Ford or Toyota. Despite its relatively short overall length, the Maxima has a comfortable backseat, as well. Check out the video to watch David weigh all the pros and cons.

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2011 Nissan Maxima, Sentra Get Minor Price Bump, Upgrades

For 2011, the Nissan Maxima and Sentra get modest price bumps and minor trim realignments, which we detail below. The two are on sale now. 

The 2011 Maxima starts at $30,810, which is $120 more than last year’s Maxima. The base model’s amenities include a power moonroof, push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic climate control. The 3.5 SV — which includes fog lights, Bose stereo, satellite radio and leather seats — starts at $33,530, a $120 price bump from the 2010 model. 

The only revisions to the model seem to be on the 3.5 SV with Sport Package, which now has a darkened chrome grille, smoked headlights and unique interior appointments that give the trim a sportier look. The 3.5 SV with Sport Package starts at $35,610, a $170 jump from last year’s trim. Destination charge on the Maxima is $750 on all trims. 

The 2011 Sentra gets upgraded safety systems. Antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control and electronic stability control are now standard on all trims. Besides that, not much changes. Read on for a breakdown of each Sentra trim and the price increase from 2010. Models that received upgrades see minor price bumps; SE-R and SE-R Spec V pricing remains the same. Destination is an additional $750 on all Sentra trims. 

Nissan Updates Incentives for Cash for Clunkers

Now that Cash for Clunkers has a fresh round of funding, automakers who didn’t see huge sales the first time around are making sure their own incentives will lure in shoppers. Nissan launched a new sale called the Bottom Line event. There are significant cash-back offers on a number of models including $3,000 off a 2009 Nissan Quest and $2,000 cash back on a 2009 Nissan Sentra.

The program runs through Aug. 31; a detailed list of incentives is below.

Cars.com Videos: 2009 Honda Fit, 2009 Nissan Maxima and more

2009 Honda Fit: Joe Wiesenfelder takes on the Fit is Go mantra for almost a minute and then throws in the Cars.com family to get their feedback on Honda's popular sub-compact.

2009 Nissan Maxima: With its V-6 engine and good suspension, the Maxima is a premium-esque sedan that deserves a look, says Kelsey Mays.

2008 Kia Sedona: The Sedona might not be the flashiest minivan out there, but Kelsey says it’s an excellent value with an emphasis on usability and durability.

2008 BMW Z4: Kelsey says this coupe is a strong performer with a powerful engine, but he just can’t get over its “rat-like nose.”

View and share all of Cars.com’s videos via YouTube.

End-of-the-Model-Year Deals: Nissan

It's that time of year again: Manufacturers need to make room on dealer lots for new 2009 models, so the 2008s have to hit the road, and that means more incentives. We'll be highlighting deals from a number of manufacturers, along with notes on which models will change substantially for 2009.

Like many manufacturers, Nissan is offering huge cash-back offers on its trucks and SUVs — the Armada and Titan, specifically — but is also offering a good variety of cash-back deals on other 2008 models. A full list of 2008 Nissan deals from our incentives page is below:

• 2008 Altima: $1,000
• 2008 Armada: $5,000
• 2008 Frontier: $2,500
• 2008 Maxima: $2,500
• 2008 Pathfinder: $2,500
• 2008 Quest: $3,500
• 2008 Sentra: $1,000
• 2008 Titan: $5,000
• 2008 Xterra: $3,000
• 2008 Versa: $800

Those offers are available across a variety of regions we tested, but as always, be sure to use your own zip code to make sure offers apply in your region.The deals are good through Sept. 2.

The Maxima is all-new for 2009, and you can read our coverage of it here. The Frontier and Xterra receive some upgrades, but they aren't as significant. Check out the changes here.

2009 Nissan Maxima Starts at $29,290

Nissan announced pricing today for its redesigned Maxima, which we drove earlier this month. The cloth-equipped Maxima 3.5 S starts at $29,290, while the leather-clad 3.5 SV, which Nissan expects to account for the lion’s share of sales, starts at $31,990. Neither price includes a $660 destination charge. The Maxima is officially on sale today.

Nissan says the 3.5 S represents “nearly $400” more in value than last year’s base Maxima 3.5 SE, which started at $28,630 but kept items like stability control and a power passenger seat on the options list. Both are now standard. All the same, Nissan expects just 10% of buyers to get the 3.5 S, so if you don’t want leather, one might be hard to come by.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Nissan Maxima

The redesigned Nissan Maxima was a big surprise during this year's auto show season. When we saw early pictures of it, we were sure blog readers would scoff at the new design. Instead, the Maxima got some of the most positive reactions of any car that debuted at the New York show this past spring. Kelsey Mays spent some time in the Maxima and its various trims, and came away with the impression that it is a luxury-brand fighter, likening the interior to a Lexus ES 350. High praise indeed for this funky-looking sedan.

2009 Nissan Maxima Expert Review

Diesel Nissan Maxima on the Way

Today, Nissan announced it will sell a clean-diesel version of its new Maxima sedan in the U.S. starting in 2010. This is one of the first Japanese models announced for the U.S. to feature a diesel engine. Honda previously announced a diesel Acura TSX would go on sale in 2009. With regular gasoline prices rising, more diesels may be introduced, even though diesel prices are skyrocketing even higher than normal gas right now.

Nissan’s diesel — developed with French manufacturer Renault — is said to be 30% more efficient than Nissan’s popular 3.5-liter V-6 which in the 2009 Maxima returns 19/26 mpg city/highway. The current price of diesel is roughly 18% higher than gasoline, at $4.77 a gallon. New diesel versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are selling briskly, and a new TDI Jetta is slated to go on sale later this summer. 

Nissan announces 'clean diesel' SUV and Maxima (USA Today)

First Drive: 2009 Nissan Maxima

Nissan invited journalists this week to amble through North Carolina in the 2009 Maxima, a car we raved about at last winter’s New York auto show, before driving it. The sedan hits dealerships later this month, and though pricing is still under wraps, Nissan said it will likely run from about $28,000 to $34,000. Time to see if the Maxima has some bite to back up our bark.

The short answer: Yes and no, but mostly yes.