Is the 09 the Best Maxima Ever???

[bk2k3max]

Now that I have my 09 SV to go along with my 03 SE and all my friends have seen both of these versions as well as past versions (one of my friends has an 06) they asked me to ask you all this question.

They all rang in unanimously that the 09 is the Best Maxima Ever and by far one of the most beautiful cars on the road today.

I've had numerous drivers in Honda Accords, Malibus, Camaros and all other kind of cars trying to catch up to me from afar then slow down to drool over my car.

What do you guys think? Is this the Best Maxima Ever to date????

[f550maranello2]

97 is the best to date... thread closed

[SuperStasiu]

Originally Posted by f550maranello2

97 is the best to date... thread closed

lolz yeah okay 00-01 FTMFW

[f550maranello2]

stasiu spokojnie kurde.....

[STARR]

Originally Posted by bk2k3max

I've had numerous drivers in Honda Accords, Malibus, Camaros and all other kind of cars trying to catch up to me from afar then slow down to drool over my car.

What do you guys think? Is this the Best Maxima Ever to date????

Being the 1st to have a car with a brand new design you will have more then a few try to catch a glimpse, I use to get that with my fathers ES350 but it ended rather quick now that you see them pretty often.

I don't think it matters what others think, you bought the car my 06 is a great car but I don't think I see myself in a 7th Gen

[NYPD-Arnold]

As a former 5th gen owner...yes. It definitely is.

[rick sambora]

If each new model is to be considered an improvement over the one that it replaces, then it surely is the best maxima to date. I think it makes a strong case for the above stated claim. From a creature comfort point of view, I think it beats all previous maximas. Hell, it even beats most of its competition. From a styling perpsective, its definitely up there with the best of the designed maximas. From a power standpoint it has more ponies to boast then anyother gen. Handling has also improved. I dont care if its the best or not, I am just hapy that Nissan has atleast made an attempt to revive the legend. The maxima had definitely strayed from its elements. It wil probably take another gen to recapture everything a maxima was, but this is by far the closest that ithas gotten in a while. Forget the comparison and enjoy it.

[zero2sixtyZ]

If there was a 6MT, then maybe.

[BluFlame]

in 95, a 5speed max was smoking any non-turbo 300zx in stock form, see if you can come close to a 350z with your 7gen?
that shows you how dominant 4gen was, and how average 7gen is.

[DConrad2004]

I think so.Wish the horsepower was tweeked up some for the new gen.Sat in one at the dealer and it was beautiful.

[MaximusMorpheus]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

If there was a 6MT, then maybe.

my sentiments as well...

[lightonthehill]

I have been holding out in order to get a feel for the reliability of the new 7th gen. So far only one or two folks here have had anyhing 'happen', and I'm not sure we have had even one serious reliability question yet. If the '09 proves to be reliable, then everything else is there, and I will say YES, this will be the best Maxima yet.

This '09 is so very far advanced over the two 1985 Maximas I drove (and loved) for years, and when everything is considered, is leaps and bounds above my 5th and 6th gen Maximas.

Those still clinging to the performance of the 3rd and 4th generations need to understand that, even though the '09 weighs hundreds of pounds more, has more room, and a ton more features, it still scoots along at somewhere between 5.8 and 6.1 in the zero to sixty. I don't remember any of my many Maximas beating that.

When we add the fact that the Maxima has moved into the near-luxury area, and gas is prohibitively expensive, there are many things far more important than whether this car 'beats such and such a car 0 to 60'. That would not even be in the top dozen things I would look at. For instance, handling would be vastly more important than elapsed time for me, and test drivers seem to feel Nissan finaly nailed the handling with this '09.

So, tentatively, I say this '09 will be the best Maxima ever built.

[TeH BawNeY]

Originally Posted by SuperStasiu

lolz yeah okay 00-01 FTMFW

<3

[ChrisMan287]

Originally Posted by BluFlame

in 95, a 5speed max was smoking any non-turbo 300zx in stock form, see if you can come close to a 350z with your 7gen?
that shows you how dominant 4gen was, and how average 7gen is.

I have to agree. .
4th gen. > 7th gen.

[TeH BawNeY]

Originally Posted by BluFlame

in 95, a 5speed max was smoking any non-turbo 300zx in stock form, see if you can come close to a 350z with your 7gen?
that shows you how dominant 4gen was, and how average 7gen is.

um lol the z generally runs about a 14 flat stock. most 02 5th gens could run 14.5 stock and with very minor mods ive seen my friend's run 14.2.

and now the 7th gen has 290 hp opposed to the 255 the 5.5 gens had. the power to weight ratio is better on the 7th gen. if the 5.5s were running 14.5s i have no doubt a 7th gen could hit low 14s maybe 14 flat. and considering the zs running 14s are average to above average drivers, most people probably cant even run that 14 flat because they arent that good with stick.

anyone can hop in a 7th gen and floor it. so basically your wrong, a 7th gen will most definitely keep up with a z any day if not take it.

[phatty99]

they just keep getting better

[irish44j]

Originally Posted by bk2k3max

by far one of the most beautiful cars on the road today.

It looks okay, but that is a huge stretch. Pretty much everything from Europe looks better. The 7G Maxima is the best-looking car NISSAN has right now, for what it's worth.

Originally Posted by bk2k3max

I've had numerous drivers in Honda Accords, Malibus, Camaros and all other kind of cars trying to catch up to me from afar then slow down to drool over my car.

That's because it's a new car that they probably haven't seen before. Just because they want to see it doesn't necessarily mean that they're "drooling" over it. Besides, look at the cars you named....Accord - Boring; Malibu/Camaro - POS. They probably thought you had the new Camry with TRD package, lol...

I note that you don't say any BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, or Audi drivers are trying to catch up with you to see the car (probably because their cars look better).

Originally Posted by bk2k3max

What do you guys think? Is this the Best Maxima Ever to date????

I would be tempted to say "yes" since it is more modern, faster, and better-equipped than previous Maximas. That said, no manual transmission means NO 4DSC, which means NOT the best Maxima ever....

During the 1st-5th gens of Maxima, the Max was faster and more powerful and more stylish than its competitors by a mile. Back when Camrys and Accords were all 4-bangers, the Max had the V6 and was much more luxurious.

But now the Max is nothing special in its class. Accords and Camrys have similar (slightly lower) power numbers and handle just as good, and are just as luxurious.

[lightonthehill]

Originally Posted by irish44j

It looks okay, but that is a huge stretch. Pretty much everything from Europe looks better.

Matter of opinion. Most testers so far seem to disagree with you, and like the fresh new aggressive and muscular 'coke bottle' look of the '09 Maxima. I certainly prefer the Maxima styling.

Originally Posted by irish44j;

I note that you don't say any BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, or Audi drivers are trying to catch up with you to see the car (probably because their cars look better).

BMW and AUDI - Not in the Maxima's price range or class. These cars stay in the repair shop anyway, and repairs on these babies are expensive. I personally am not especially taken with their styling, and deplore their lack of reliability.

Lexus - I hope you are kidding. They look sort of OK for a mush-rider, but the image of Lexus drivers around where I live falls five notches below Avalon drivers. Lexus drivers have replaced the old-time Cadillac drivers who never seemed to know where they were going or how to get there.

Infiniti - You're getting closer here, but the G35 styling is getting long in the tooth, and the Infinitis above it are not in the price range or class of cars competing with the Maxima.

Originally Posted by irish44j;

I would be tempted to say "yes" since it is more modern, faster, and better-equipped than previous Maximas. That said, no manual transmission means NO 4DSC, which means NOT the best Maxima ever....

You must keep in mind that the purpose of the Maxima has been redefined by Nissan. It has a double-mission in that it has to be sporty and still be Nissan's luxurious flagship. The manual tranny, as much as we love it, is entering its last days as a more efficient option. It was no more efficient than the CVTs of the 2007/8 Maximas, and is less efficient in both accelleration and fuel economy than the redesigned CVT in the '09 Maxima. This gap will continue to grow. Manuals will eventually be a plaything special ordered by drivers unable to let the nostalgia of the past disappear.

Originally Posted by irish44

During the 1st-5th gens of Maxima, the Max was faster and more powerful and more stylish than its competitors by a mile. Back when Camrys and Accords were all 4-bangers, the Max had the V6 and was much more luxurious.

But now the Max is nothing special in its class. Accords and Camrys have similar (slightly lower) power numbers and handle just as good, and are just as luxurious.

You missed the fact the Maxima has been taken upscale to near-luxury. It is now in a class well above the Camry and Accord, which are competing with the Altima, which Consumer reports and other mags say is better than Camry and Accord. Those are cars in the $20K to $30K range. The Maxima is now in the $30K to $38K range, with better apointments, options and handling than the Camry and Accord.

Have you really looked at the '09 Maxima very closely? It almost seems as if you are talking about the 6th gen Maxima. This '09 is a very special car.

[irish44j]

Originally Posted by lightonthehill

Matter of opinion. Most testers so far seem to disagree with you, and like the fresh new aggressive and muscular 'coke bottle' look of the '09 Maxima. I certainly prefer the Maxima styling.

Yes, it is a matter of opinion. Most testers also DOGGED the looks of the 5th gen maxima when it came out.....

I've seen tons of 7th gens around here already. And they do look nice. Very clean look. But aggressive and muscular are not words that come to mind when I see the Camry-esque taillights, sorry.

Again though, that's just my opinion.

Originally Posted by jcalabria

BMW and AUDI - Not in the Maxima's price range or class.

did I say they were? Camaros and Malibus aren't in the Maxima's price range or class either.....nor are Accords. Those were the three names YOU threw out initially.Didn't know we were talking about price and class...

Originally Posted by jcalabria

These cars stay in the repair shop anyway, and repairs on these babies are expensive.

That is funny thing for a Nissan owner to say, considering Nissan's mediocre track record in terms of reliability. Have you actually ever owned a BMW?

Originally Posted by jcalabria

I personally am not especially taken with their styling, and deplore their lack of reliability.

opinions opinions..

Originally Posted by jcalabria

Lexus - I hope you are kidding. They look sort of OK for a mush-rider, but the image of Lexus drivers around where I live falls five notches below Avalon drivers. Lexus drivers have replaced the old-time Cadillac drivers who never seemed to know where they were going or how to get there.

Funny, that's what we say about Maximas around here. All driven by 55-year old ladies.....including 5th 6th and 7th gens (and I have a 5th gen)...

Originally Posted by jcalabria

Infiniti - You're getting closer here, but the G35 styling is getting long in the tooth, and the Infinitis above it are not in the price range or class of cars competing with the Maxima.

Price range is actually pretty close these days. Class...no. The G35 is considered a "premium" car (Infiniti is Nissan's "premium" brand)...the Maxima is not. It's just the best Nissan...

Originally Posted by jcalabria

You must keep in mind that the purpose of the Maxima has been redefined by Nissan. It has a double-mission in that it has to be sporty and still be Nissan's luxurious flagship. The manual tranny, as much as we love it, is entering its last days as a more efficient option. It was no more efficient than the CVTs of the 2007/8 Maximas, and is less efficient in both accelleration and fuel economy than the redesigned CVT in the '09 Maxima.

People don't buy MTs for fuel economy these days. They buy them for driving experience. Sorry, I cannot have a pleasurable driving experience in a car with a CVT. I don't care if it's a Z06 or Porche or Maxima.

Thankfully, most of the manufacturers who make truly sporty cars continue to offer MT (standard on most BMWs, Audis, and other performance marques).

Originally Posted by jcalabria

This gap will continue to grow. Manuals will eventually be a plaything special ordered by drivers unable to let the nostalgia of the past disappear.

And then we'll all be automotons anyhow. They'll eliminate the steering wheel and the car will follow a programmed course. They'll eliminate all the pedals and optical sensors will keep you going the right speed and the right distance from the car ahead.

It'll be like Will Smith in I Robot, where he's in the car with the girl and he pushes a button to bring out the steering wheel. She's like "what are you doing?!!?!" and he's like "I'm going to steer for myself."

If you just want a car for a-to-b comfy transportation, that's fine by me.

Personally, I like to be in control of my car rather than some computer doing so, as much as possible.

If Nissan made an MT available on the new maxima as a "special order" option, I bet a good number of people would buy it.

Originally Posted by jcalabria

You missed the fact the Maxima has been taken upscale to near-luxury. It is now in a class well above the Camry and Accord, which are competing with the Altima, which Consumer reports and other mags say is better than Camry and Accord. Those are cars in the $20K to $30K range. The Maxima is now in the $30K to $38K range, with better apointments, options and handling than the Camry and Accord.

The Maxima is a car without a class, really. The only similar car out there is the Acura TL.....

But "better handling" than Accord...that's debatable....

Originally Posted by jcalabria

Have you really looked at the '09 Maxima very closely? It almost seems as if you are talking about the 6th gen Maxima.

No, I haven't looked all that closely. I'm car-shopping in the spring and will buy something in the $30-40k range. But the 7th gen maxima was one of the first cars I ruled out, thanks to the CVT-only option.....

Call it nostalgia, call it what you want...but when I spend my money, I want something that I will enjoy. And I will not enjoy a CVT (or any automatic, for that matter).

I'm in Nissan's target demographic...right in the middle of their target for the 7th gen in terms of age and income level. Not to mention I'm a moderator on MAXIMA.ORG.

So it's pretty amazing that they've managed to completely rule out the new maxima for me because they're not willing to make an MT option on the car. I'd even pay extra for an MT if only there was one available from the factory.

Oh well...

This '09 is a very special car.

Let's not go overboard here. An M5, that's a special car. A GT-R, that's a special car. ZR-1, pretty special.

The '09 Maxima is not a "very special car." Nor were any previous Maximas. They're a 6-cyl FWD sedan with CVT. There is nothing special about that.....They're nice cars, but not "very special" by any means....

[bk2k3max]

Originally Posted by irish44j

Yes, it is a matter of opinion. Most testers also DOGGED the looks of the 5th gen maxima when it came out.....

I've seen tons of 7th gens around here already. And they do look nice. Very clean look. But aggressive and muscular are not words that come to mind when I see the Camry-esque taillights, sorry.

Again though, that's just my opinion.






did I say they were? Camaros and Malibus aren't in the Maxima's price range or class either.....nor are Accords. Those were the three names YOU threw out initially.Didn't know we were talking about price and class...



That is funny thing for a Nissan owner to say, considering Nissan's mediocre track record in terms of reliability. Have you actually ever owned a BMW?



opinions opinions..



Funny, that's what we say about Maximas around here. All driven by 55-year old ladies.....including 5th 6th and 7th gens (and I have a 5th gen)...



Price range is actually pretty close these days. Class...no. The G35 is considered a "premium" car (Infiniti is Nissan's "premium" brand)...the Maxima is not. It's just the best Nissan...






People don't buy MTs for fuel economy these days. They buy them for driving experience. Sorry, I cannot have a pleasurable driving experience in a car with a CVT. I don't care if it's a Z06 or Porche or Maxima.

Thankfully, most of the manufacturers who make truly sporty cars continue to offer MT (standard on most BMWs, Audis, and other performance marques).



And then we'll all be automotons anyhow. They'll eliminate the steering wheel and the car will follow a programmed course. They'll eliminate all the pedals and optical sensors will keep you going the right speed and the right distance from the car ahead.

It'll be like Will Smith in I Robot, where he's in the car with the girl and he pushes a button to bring out the steering wheel. She's like "what are you doing?!!?!" and he's like "I'm going to steer for myself."

If you just want a car for a-to-b comfy transportation, that's fine by me.

Personally, I like to be in control of my car rather than some computer doing so, as much as possible.

If Nissan made an MT available on the new maxima as a "special order" option, I bet a good number of people would buy it.






The Maxima is a car without a class, really. The only similar car out there is the Acura TL.....

But "better handling" than Accord...that's debatable....



No, I haven't looked all that closely. I'm car-shopping in the spring and will buy something in the $30-40k range. But the 7th gen maxima was one of the first cars I ruled out, thanks to the CVT-only option.....

Call it nostalgia, call it what you want...but when I spend my money, I want something that I will enjoy. And I will not enjoy a CVT (or any automatic, for that matter).

I'm in Nissan's target demographic...right in the middle of their target for the 7th gen in terms of age and income level. Not to mention I'm a moderator on MAXIMA.ORG.

So it's pretty amazing that they've managed to completely rule out the new maxima for me because they're not willing to make an MT option on the car. I'd even pay extra for an MT if only there was one available from the factory.

Oh well...



Let's not go overboard here. An M5, that's a special car. A GT-R, that's a special car. ZR-1, pretty special.

The '09 Maxima is not a "very special car." Nor were any previous Maximas. They're a 6-cyl FWD sedan with CVT. There is nothing special about that.....They're nice cars, but not "very special" by any means....

I just got back here to read the garbage you posted that you seem to think is an objective opinion. First of all you claim to be a Moderator here but to me it seems like you're more like a ModerHATER.

Sure I may have stretch it a bit calling it one of the most beautiful cars on the road today but that is my opinion as much as your EUROloving comparo opinions are of your beloved and buttsucking BMW's (maybe you should be a ModerHATER over there at their forums instead of here).

You think BMWs look better than the new 09 Max, they are ho-hum at best and what you get in one, you can definitely get in the other, it is basic copycat(ism) to the last detail except the engine and transmissions. It doesn't take much to make a difference in one BMW from the other just add a bigger engine and trans as you go more upscale (whoopity-doo).

At least I would agree that Audi has some nice looking cars and more originality than BMW's "make all of our cars look the same" lack of creativity.

You are the typical Eurosucker, sure they make great cars in Europe but simply because they are European they are supposed to be better<<I don't buy it.

You harp on the reliability of Maximas or Nissans in general but my friend is a BMW/Audi and European car Mechanic/Tech (for over 30 years) and he says "do not buy one of these cars, they are overrated and breakdown too much and cost too damn much to fix."<<<those are his words, not mine.

I've owned 3 Altimas previously a 93 & a 96 (still own 1 today=an 06) and I own 3 Maximas (00, 03 & 09) and I've never had any problems mechanically with any of my cars, the 93 was well over 250K miles with no problems on all original parts before I traded up and bought the 96. The 96 went well over 300K with no problems before I bought into the 00 Max, <<this car is still going strong today on all original parts and never seen the inside of a shop for no more than oil/filter/tire changes/alignments and rotations.

My 03 is over 100K with no problems and still runs like a champ (I've smoked convertible 350 Z's on highway runs with no problems), the 06 Alti I bought for my daughter is a great car and is over 70K with no maint problems and regardless of what you say about your beloved Euro model cars my friend has assured me that he has customers complaining like hell about their BMWs and Audis with everything from oil leaks and other things that require major work to fix.

Yes, Malibus, BMWs (I didn't feel it was necessary to mention them at the time) do run hard to get a glimpse of my car and they always say "damn, that car is bad ass".

I didn't mention this before because I didn't feel it was necessary, i didn't come here to boast (like you're doing about BMW and Audi), I came here to ask what people thought of the car but you just want to make comparisons to your Euroenslaved car-mind.

Your opinion is your opinion, just as mine is mine, I never went overboard to make comparisons until now but if you feel so strongly about sucking on BMW and Audi tailpipes then why don't you go over and be a ModerHATER over there.

I'm sure you would get a lot of applause over there with all the venom you spit against Nissans here.
Enjoy the Ride!!