The 2011 Nissan Maxima has been dubbed by many as the 4-Door Sports Car. It is definitely a luxury car that comes with sporting edge. However, there are those who complained that there were a lot of things sacrificed to give way to a better performance. However, you will still like the fact that this model made sure that user and passenger comfort are highly-regarded.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan | Base Price: $31,750.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 26 hwy |
| Length: 190.6 in. (484 cm) | Width: 73.2 in. (185.9 cm) |
| Height: 57.8 in. (146.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3540 lbs (1605 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.6 in. (14.2 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.2 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.5 liter |
| Horsepower: 290 HP | Max RPM: 6400 RPM |
| Torque: 261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Transmission: Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds | 1/4 Mile: NA |
| Option:3.5 SV | MSRP: $34,450; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:3.5 SV Sport | MSRP: $36,550; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:3.5 SV Premium | MSRP: $37,750; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy |
Performance
Under the hood, you will find that this model comes with a strong V6 engine which can give you as much as 290 horsepower and torque of 261 pound-ft. It has a capacity for 3.5 liters as well. It sports a continuously variable automatic transmission that comes with a suspension, steering style and brakes that are custom-made for sporty driving. Some even reported using this model to as much as 60 mph below 6 seconds.
In terms of fuel economy, EPA estimates reported results for the 2011 Maxima at 19 mpg city/26 mpg for highway plus 22mpg combined.
Interior & Exterior
The exterior styling of this model has been getting a lot of good reviews. The wide stance gives an aggressive look. The fenders are bulging and muscular. This model will surely give you stares and second looks on and off the road which is just what you should expect from luxury and sports cars.
This vehicle also boasts of a rolled-edge tailpipe finisher, dark chrome grille as well as smoked headlights. The wheel wells are also flared. And the tires are on eye-catching alloys.
When it comes to the style and design of the interior, this baby has really much to boast about. This model is equipped with an upscale interior complete with high quality materials and high tech features.
The interior is made up of premium leather, a “Eucalyptus Wood-Tone” trim and a matte-metallic bright work.
The front seats of the Maxima are comfortable. However, there are still those who had some problems with the rear seats. For instance, there are those who are okay with them but others think that the sloping roofline design of the vehicle interferes with passenger comfort.
As for the interior features, this model comes with standard high tech features like Bluetooth, push-button ignition, remote windows control and trunk release control, dual-zone automatic climate control, and navigation and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.
Safety & Reliability
The manufacturers of this model also made it a point to guarantee user and passenger safety. As a matter of fact, this model got a top score in the crash tests for front and side impacts. It also got a five star overall rating.
Among the safety features which are considered a standard for this model are the airbags for the side curtain as well as the front-side. This model also boasts of stability and traction control. Similarly, it is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, active restraints for the head, and anti-lock brakes. The latter is also mated with electronic brake force distribution.
But when it comes to reliability, the Maxima received a modest score of 6.0 in a total of 10 in the Predicted Reliability rating by the J. D. Power. This also comes with a basic warranty covering 36,000 miles or 3 years as well as a power-train warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Pros & Cons
There are actually a lot to like about this model. For one, it has precise steering that is very much necessary for a sports car. It also comes with a string V6 engine which gives it an excellent performance on the road. This is supplemented with great interior styling with highly advanced technological features.
On the other hand, there are still those who were not satisfied with this model. For instance, some say that it lacks the brand cachet that is implied by its cost. Still, others say that the optional equipment are put into expensive packages.
The Competition
If you want other options, perhaps you can look into its competitors like the Honda Accord (MSRP $21,380; 23 city / 33 hwy), Toyota Camry (MSRP $20,195; 22 city / 33 hwy), and the Audi 4 (MSRP $32,500; 22 city / 30 hwy).The Infiniti G-37 (MSRP $35,800; 19 city / 27 hwy) as well as the BMW 3-Series (MSRP $34,600; 18 city / 28 hwy) are also considered competitors to the 2011 Nissan Maxima.
Overall Rating
70 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Nissan Maxima is no longer primarily a sport sedan; think of it as comfortable and refined first, with its sportiness a bonus, and you’ll be happy.”Car Connection
“Generally comfortable, though Maxima has trouble coping with highway bumps and expansion joints. There is no discernible difference in the SV Sport with its 19-inch wheels.”Consumer Guide
“Precise steering; strong V6; high-quality interior with high-tech features; excellent iPod integration.”Edmunds
