Nissan Maxima Car Review

HerCar Rating: Model Reviewed Nissan Maxima ST-S 3.5 litre auto petrol $37,990* Other models priced from: ST-L 2.5 litre auto petrol $33,990* HerCar 3 word summary Value executive sedan

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HerCar Review

The Nissan Maxima has been around for about 20 years. Nissan has launched several new models during this time to grab their fair share of the large sedan market. But people’s tastes have changed, with demand for large petrol guzzling sedans declining, while more functional and less thirsty vehicles are appearing on the driveways of suburbia. So Nissan have launched their all new Maxima with a spritely, reasonably fuel efficient, 2.5 litre petrol engine as well as a 3.5 litre petrol; for those who enjoy the feeling that 185kW can deliver.

There’s not a huge difference visually between the old and new model. The big improvements include the reduced road noise, smoother ride and better handling. There are 3 models to choose from (all petrol and auto). There’s the 2.5 litre ST-L priced from $33,900*, the mid spec ST-S starting at $37,900* and the top of the live Ti selling for $46,990*. The car will be available from dealerships in early June. Our review focuses on the 3.5 litre ST-S.

Driver Comfort
The big comfy leather seats are the first indication that your drive will be refined and comfortable. The great head room means that even the tallest people will feel comfortable too. The front occupants also benefit from heated seats, which are a real treat on sub 10 degree days. The driver seat is electrically adjustable 8 ways, while the front passenger seat is also electrically adjustable, but only 4 ways. Both the cruise control and audio buttons are located on the steering wheel, which I think should be mandatory on all cars-for both convenience and safety reasons. You can also use your Bluetooth phone hands free with controls also being located on the steering wheel.

Safety
All of the Maxima models come with a great list of standard safety features including 6 airbags, ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The ST-S also comes with rear parking sensors while the Ti comes with a reverse parking camera.

Storage
There’s a huge glove box and centre console box, which doubles up as an armrest. You’ll also find 2 cup holders in the centre front and 2 more in the rear incorporated into the centre armrest. There’s a sunglasses holder in the roof and a small coin holder in the driver’s door. The front door pockets are a little small, good for books, but not much else. There are also door pockets located on the back of the driver and front passenger seats.

The boot is enormous. There’s room for 2 large suitcases, plus odds and ends or 2 golf club sets or several week’s worth of grocery shopping. For those with longer luggage, like snow skis or planks of wood from your Bunnings visit, there a really nifty hatch that goes from the boot through to the middle of the rear seat.

Entertainment
The ST-S comes with a 6 stack CD player and 6 speakers as standard. If you’re wanting a little more from your entertainment system, the Ti has a Bose 6 stack CD player with 11 speakers with a DVD and satellite navigation system and 7 inch monitor!

Rear Passenger Comfort
You’ll easily get 3 adults in the rear seats or 2 child restraints with room for a small child in the middle. While the head room is great, the legroom is not as generous. There’s also an air vent to keep your passengers warm/cool. This feature is often overlooked by some manufacturers and greatly appreciated by your rear passengers.

Green Factor
Given there’s not a diesel option; the best you’ll do is get 100kms from 9.5 litres from the smaller engine in the ST-L. You’ll chew through a little more in the 3.5 litre ST-S and Ti, approximately 10.2 litres per 100kms.The 3.5 litre as a greenhouse rating of 5 out of 10, which is just OK.

Overall View
The Nissan Maxima is a very pleasant drive. The 3.5 litre offers plenty of power with smooth acceleration. It’s a comfortable drive both around the city and the freeway. It’s not the world’s most exciting car, but it is good value for money, well equipped and is a vast improvement on the previous model.

Test Drive Tips
1. You push a button to start the car

If you’re considering buying this car you might also like to test drive the Honda Accord, Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Holden Commodore.

Features of Model Reviewed  

* Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Nissan dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: April 2009

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye