2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV (820)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV that is largely unchanged from the prior year. I have not reviewed the Maxima for some years so the look and feel was a welcomed re-visit where I found I was instantly attracted to this car.

I like the broad wide stance and the rear end is bold but well balanced with the rest of the car. It truly is a very lovely 4-door sedan with a truly elegant profile – but then all views are attractive to me. Interestingly enough as I did research and read user reviews it was nice to see they all gave it a 10.0 rating. Bo Derek got the same billing in the movie titled the same number.

Ok, so a 10 isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and you can be sure the process of finding the right car is similar to finding a mate and both are serious business. Ratings and reviews give a lot of comfort to support our need to commit this kind of commitment of money for transportation.

Speaking of “10”, don’t you just miss Dudley Moore movies?

One buyer had this to say: We considered BMW 335i, M-Benz C350, Infiniti G37, Lexus 250 but purchased the Maxima because we felt it had a higher quality interior than BMW and M-Benz. Maxima is fast yet rides smoothly. Maxima and Infiniti share components but Maxima is easier on the wallet. Maxima is by far a better overall value.

Obviously my sentiments are echoed here and the overall consumer review and opinions were substantially the same and that is why the overall rating of buyers gave it a 10.0.

Opinion:

Consider the facts: Non-American car makers employ 52% of all US auto workers. If GM had been allowed to fail, the automotive industry would have been better for it. The free market forces would have taken hold of the situation and the only difference would have been GM cars would be made by more efficient car makers.

Chrysler is another example of how ownership changes have only improved the brand. German owned Daimler was the greatest contributor to improving the Chrysler lineup in quality and innovation.

Handling & Performance:

Maxima has good fuel economy numbers, and a solidly comfortable road sedan with more than adequate power. Some criticize the front wheel drive’s torque steer but I did not find that to be a problem.

Styling:

Exceptional styling with an elegant look that is at the top of my list for good looks in this  mid-size class.

Fit and Finish:

Very nice.

Cost:

Good MSRP pricing for a standard equipped model. You will need to add about $4,000 for the sport and technology packages.

Conveniences and comfort:

A lot of good standard equipment, and I found very little that I couldn’t live without among the Options.

Consumer Recommendation:

LaCrosse, Accord, Azera and Passat are my picks for closest competition for the Maxima.

Recognized Competition:

Nissan Maxima $31-33,000, Acura TL $35-43,000, BMW 3 Series $33-51,000, Buick LaCrosse $26-33,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Azera $25-30,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-25,000, Mazda 6 $19-29,000, Saab 9-3 $29-45,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Volkswagen Passat $27,915, Volvo S60 $33-36,000.

Good News:

Top of my list in class, better than fair fuel economy, solid ride, great styling and it is made in the USA.

Bad News:

None noted.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 290 horsepower V6 engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, front wheel drive, speed sensitive power steering, electronic throttle, independent suspension with stabilizer bars, 4-wheel power ABS vented disc brakes with brake force distribution, 18” alloy wheels, front, side and side curtain air bags, traction control, dynamic control, tire pressure monitor, Child LATCH system, security system with immobilizer, 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, 4-way power passenger seat, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, leather seats, steering wheel and shift knob, tilt and telescopic wheel, cruise control steering wheel audio and cruise controls, Bose audio with 6-in-dash CD changer & MP3/WMA CD playback with 9-speakers, XM Satellite, speed sensitive volume control, Bluetooth phone system, multi function trip computer, climate control, intelligent key with push button start, power windows & locks, auto on/off halogen headlights, fog lights, manual folding power mirrors and UV reducing solar glass.

Gas Stats:

$2.99/ Gal avg. July 9, 2010

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

19 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $33,180.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2010 – An Automotive Love Affair

Related Posts

No Comments Yet.

Leave a comment

English EN Spanish ES