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2012 Nissan Maxima

Style, luxury, and performance sum up the 2012 Nissan Maxima. This is a car that has the outward appearance of a four door sedan and the heart of a sports car. In fact it has been touted as the sports car with a back seat.

The 2012 Maxima gives excellent acceleration but also delivers a very smooth and quite ride. This is a car that more then gives you your money’s worth with a starting price of over $30,000.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $32,420.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75L) MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.6 in. (484.1 cm) Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm)
Height: 57.8 in. (146.8 cm) Width: 73.2 in. (185.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3556 lbs (1613 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 14.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC Displacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 290 HP Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Transmission: X-tronic CVT
Available Trims & Engine
Option:3.5 SV MSRP: $35,120; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:3.5 SV Sport Package MSRP: $37,220; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:3.5 SV Premium MSRP: $38,420; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Engine

The 3.5 liter V6 and 290 Horsepower with 261 ft per lb torque is standard. With variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder, you get plenty of power for passing and for merging into traffic. The chassis is very well engineered and provides for a great road hugging experience when you hit the corners.

Performance

This entry level luxury vehicle gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highways. Now top it off with four wheel disc brakes, electronic brake distribution and traction control along with a continuously variable transmission and speed sensitive power steering and we have one great car for the price.

Exterior

From the dark finished sports grille to the rear spoiler this car is a beauty. With its luxurious sculpted Body and fender appearance, The 2012 Maxima comes in a choice of 9 exterior colors.

The power sliding moon roof and duel mufflers with chrome tipped finishing as well as the heated outside mirrors are just the beginning of the luxurious exterior features. Add the 18 inch aluminum alloy dark silver colored wheels and rear combination lights as well as the metallic trim and all that is left to say is WOW! This is one great looking vehicle.

Interior

The interior of this gorgeous car is superb. Comfort and convenience are paramount in this roomy interior. The ample leg room is provided for an extra comfortable ride. The wrap around dash design keeps all controls close to the driver and the quality materials and electronics are comparable to those found in the Infiniti G.

The thick leather wrapped steering wheel is similar to the steering wheel featured in the BMW 328i (MSRP $34,900; 23 city / 33 hwy).

The well bolstered front seats are comfortable for long distance driving. The drivers seat features eight way power and lumbar support. The stylishly comfortable rear bucket seats are like those in the Mercedes Benz CLS (MSRP $73,800; 16 city / 25 hwy).

The wide glove box and deep center console along with an acceptable trunk space are great. If you need more ample trunk space then you may want to check out the Lincoln MKZ (MSRP $36,645; 17 city / 25 hwy).

Some of the standard features you will find in the Nissan Maxima are Bluetooth, dual zone automatic climate control, steering wheel automated controls for audio and cruise control and push button ignition.

Safety & Reliability

The safety features standard with the Maxima are anti lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, front-side and side curtain airbags and active head restraints.

Nissan backs the 2012 Maxima with a 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty and a 5 year/60,000 power train warranties. You also will receive 5 years corrosion perforation coverage with no mileage limitations.

Pros

  • Great exterior styling
  • Luxurious interior
  • Power and performance
  • Nice handling
  • Mid-range price
  • Great features and options

Cons

  • Needs premium gas
  • Back seats are not as comfortable as they could be.
  • Head room in the back seat is not as ample as in most comparable vehicles.
  • Optional equipment is too expensive.

This car is for the enthusiast that loves comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan but has a bit of a wild side that craves the power and handling of a sports car.

I would buy this car because you get a lot of bang for your buck. The warrantees are great and the performance and safety features are certainly attractive. The price is great for what you are getting. Over all, this car provides luxury at a value price.

Competition

Other makes worth looking at include the Acura TL (MSRP $35,705; 20 city / 29 hwy) and the Toyota Avalon (MSRP $33,195; 19 city / 28 hwy).

Overall Rating
71 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Nissan Maxima is a great pick if you want a stylish, sporty, comfortable, and lavishly trimmed sedan; serious sport-sedan enthusiasts should look elsewhere, however”Car Connection

“Generally nimble, though non-Sport Package models feel a bit ponderous in fast corners. The brakes are strong and responsive, but the pedal can be touchy. Some slight torque steer is noticeable during brisk acceleration.”Consumer Guide

“The highlight of the Maxima is its smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V6 that gives it very quick acceleration and 22 mpg overall, but on premium fuel.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you’re seeking a car that offers the style of a luxury sedan with the heart of a sporty coupe, the 2012 Nissan Maxima Sedan will tickle you pink.”KBB

“Precise steering; strong acceleration; high-quality interior with high-tech features; excellent iPod integration; more features than similarly priced luxury sedans.”Edmunds

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