subject: The Nissan Maxima A Versatile Car [print this page] The first thing that strikes you about the Nissan Maxima is its refinement and smoothness, with very little intrusion from any source on quiet conversation in the comfy cabin. It feels and looks well built and sits solidly, almost heavily, on the road.
The engine is a delightful unit, although it doesn't pull the car off the line with any degree of urgency, and is perfect for comfortable cruising.
It is not a car designed to push hard along a country road. Although it maintains its line as requested by the direct and well weighted steering, the body roll and lack of seat support -- especially with the leather trim -- detracts from the experience.
The inside is very well finished and everything falls easily to hand and foot. There is lots of storage and space for occupants, and the car has plenty of equipment. The Maxima builds substantially on the attributes of its predecessor and does it with the added benefit of some visual appeal. It has also been given a substantial power boost, courtesy of the 500cc bigger, 3.5-litre V6, Three-quarter, side and rear views are its best vantage points, because with big tall headlights book-ending a wide grille, the front end visage makes the motor look skinny. It's hardly a radical design, but it certainly makes it more contemporary.
The shape pitches the car into a broader potential market that may get Europhiles looking at it, as well as those who want solid, reliable and affordable Japanese prestige.
Inside, there is a greater departure from the traditional and it works nicely in conjunction with a cabin that delivers a very comfortable, quiet and refined ambience.
There is no doubting the Maxima is a comfortable car to drive and ride in. It has a suspension tune that has deliberately eschewed any degree of 'sportiness', in spite of what might be hinted at by the more dynamic visual design.
