The
2011 Nissan Maxima is a luxury sedan that's also fun to drive due to its refined, powerful engine performance. Equipped with a 3.5 liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower coupled to a continuously variable transmission, the Maxima still has the ability to thrill while treating you to an ultra-luxury interior. With the sport package, dampers, springs, paddle shifters, and 19-inch wheels are added.
Great for families, the Nissan Maxima offers plenty of room for people and cargo and features luxury items, such as automatic climate control, an eight-speaker stereo system, power front-seats, leather, a navigation system, a backup-camera, and a moon roof. Higher-end safety equipment complement Nissan Maxima's other standard features. Fuel economy ratings are in the 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway range.
New for 2011
For 2011 the Nissan Maxima SV sport package gets a facelift. It now has smoked headlamps in lieu of clear lenses, a "dark chrome" grille, special gray interior stitching, and new metallic interior trim. The Maxima palette is extended to include three new colors: Metallic Slate, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White. Finally, the rear fascia gets a new tailpipe finisher.
Essentials
Engine: 3.5L V-6
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: S Sedan, SV Sedan
On the Outside
The 2011 Nissan Maxima's exterior is designed to exude power and speed, which can be seen in its prominent hood, sculpted fenders, wraparound headlamps, and 12-LED tail lights. 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler can be added for additional flash.
From the Inside
Designed to combine a sports car cockpit with the roominess of a sedan, the Nissan Maxima's interior space is high tech but practical. Among the premium features available are leather-trimmed seats, navigation system, and 9.3GB music hard drive.
Driving Performance
The 2011 Nissan Maxima's only engine continues to be a 3.5-liter VQ-series V-6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque routed to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission. A front strut/rear multi-link suspension is standard. The optional sport package adds paddle shifters, firmer suspension, and 19-inch wheels.
Safety Equipment
Standard on every Nissan Maxima are front, front-side, and side curtain airbags. In addition, front-seat active head restraints, stability and traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system are also standard.
Gas Mileage
3.5 S, 3.5 SV: 19 mpg city/26 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Attractive curves
- Powerful V-6 engine
- Optional paddle shifters
Minuses
- Not terribly sporty
- CVT is iffy for xome
Rating
Lots of promise, may not be the best value
People Who Like the 2011 Nissan Maxima Also Like
- Acura TSX V-6
- Hyundai Azera
- Lexus ES
- Volkswagen CC