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2010 Nissan Maxima Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2010 Nissan Maxima Sneak Peek
The 2010 Nissan Maxima should see no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Two trim levels are available: 3.5 S and 3.5 SV. 3.5 SVs can further be equipped with a Sport or Premium package that features upgraded equipment such as 19-inch wheels, woodgrain or faux carbon fiber interior trim, heated leather seats and steering wheel, and power rear sunshades. All are powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manual shift gate and optional paddle shifters. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery is standard on SV and optional on S models. Nissan's dual-panel tinted moonroof is also available; a conventional sunroof is standard. Other optional equipment includes satellite radio with real-time traffic information, a 9.3 Gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files, rear seat climate and audio controls, a rearview camera, keyless entry and starting, an iPod interface system, heated and cooled front seats, and a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Nissan Maxima.
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2010 Nissan Maxima Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Requires premium gas
Handling Noise
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
6 6 6

Acceleration is strong from a stop, and Maxima has reserves of power at the ready for highway maneuvers. The CVT furnishes seamless, timely shifts to deliver ample power at any speed.
Fuel Economy

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
5 5 5

No opportunity to measure. Maxima requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
6 6 6

The ride is firm, but not overly so. Maxima is composed and comfortable in most situations. SVs with 18-inch wheels handle small bumps with ease, though larger road imperfections jar. There is no discernible difference in the SV Sport with its 19-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
7 7 7

Steering is firm, direct, and responsive to the car's speed. Maxima is more nimble than many midsize sedans. The brakes are strong and responsive, but the pedal can be touchy. Some slight torque steer is noticeable during brisk acceleration.
Quietness

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
5 6 5.5

Around 4500 rpm Maxima emits a throaty, sporty note. The CVT drones loudly at cruise in SV, but is more muffled in SV Sport because of that model's extra sound dampening materials. Both suffer from moderate wind noise and tire thrum.
Controls

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
6 7 6.5

Maxima's controls are clear and logically placed. SV's large center-mounted trip computer screen is a waste of space if navigation is not ordered. SV Sport's navigation system is easy to use as climate and most audio functions are separate. SV Sport's iPod interface system makes easy work of controlling the device through the stereo system.
Details

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
6 6 6

SV's soft-touch plastic surfaces are just OK in appearance, which is disappointing given Maxima's upscale pretensions. SV Sport's "piano key" faux carbon fiber trim imparts more of a sporty flair. Both models' seats are nicely accented with quality-looking red contrast stitching.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
7 7 7

Maxima's seats are very comfortable and supportive. SV Sport is equipped with a thigh extender for more support. Headroom and legroom are generous for those under 6 ft. SV's standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel is awkward because it requires two-handed operation.
Room/Comfort (rear)

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
5 5 5

Legroom is adequate for an averaged-sized tester, but headroom can get tight because of the sloped roofline. The narrow center position is not suitable for adults or even large children. Doors open wide enough, but entry and exit are still hampered by narrow floor-level passages.
Cargo Room

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
3 3 3

Maxima has a wide-opening trunk and a moderately low liftover height. SV's 60/40 split seats feature a one-touch button operation on one side, but require the pull of a trunk tether to lower the other. SV Sport has a fixed seatback with a not-so-useful ski pass through. Maxima's interior storage spaces are decent and include a large, wide glovebox, deep center console, and small scattered cubbies.
Value within Class

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
5 6 5.5

Maxima fills a space between the more sedate Altima and the sportier, premium-level G35 from Nissan's Infiniti division. Drivers looking for a midsize sedan with a sporty flair should put Maxima on their shopping list. Its need for premium-grade gas and torque steer due to its front-wheel-drive design blunt its value.
Total Score

3.5 SV 3.5 SV Sport Class Average
61 64 62.5
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
61
Average Score
62
High Score
64
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2010 Nissan Maxima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2010 Nissan Maxima Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 109.3
Overall Length, in. 190.6
Overall Width, in. 73.2
Overall Height, in. 57.8
Curb Weight, lbs. --
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.2
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. --
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.8
Rear Head Room, in. 36.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /214
Horsepower @ rpm. 290 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 261 @ 4400
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
CVT automatic 19/26
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan
Coming soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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