Maxima wins back its star power

It’s been a tough decade for the Maxima, which saw its star power fade as its field of competitors grew. Nissan took note and rather than write off its one-time superstar it jumped on a complete overhaul, which debuted with this year’s model. Now called a “four-door sports car,” the Maxima shares the Nissan D platform with its siblings the Altima and Murano.

Although there’s a lot to love with the Maxima, I can’t warm up to the “sports car” moniker. Maybe it’s the size, but the car moves more like a sedan to me — an agile, muscular one, to be sure. The car cruises smoothly along highways with ultraresponsive breaking and handling and no shortage of power.

The car looks the part of the athlete, too, with a large, sculpted hood and cool, modern lines. The two trim levels add to the style with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, heated/and cooled seats, and what many reviewers note is the best iPod integration system available.

Personally I found the comfy seats, easy-to-use, close-to-the-driver dials, and levers and front storage areas extras to love.

There’s no doubt Maxima is a car full of power thanks to its 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. It effortlessly keeps the pace in highway traffic making you feel secure and comfortable as you cruise along. One downside, of course, is that it’s important to keep an eye on the speedometer because it’s easy to cruise right ahead of the pack. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and snug yet well-designed cockpit are just some of the indicators that this is a driver’s car.

But many driver’s cars leave the passengers crammed in seats eerily reminiscent of the cheap seats on discount airlines. Not so with the Maxima, which has provided a well-designed, roomy cabin with plenty of passenger-friendly extras, including back seats that are as comfortable and spacious as the front seats — really — and dual-zone temperature control with plenty of rear vents.

Plus, you won’t go broke at the pump. The Maxima has a very respectable Environmental Protection Agency rating of 19-mpg city and 26-mpg highway.

As you’d expect, the car has a host of safety features including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags.

With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $30,160, the Maxima has plenty to offer those who want to have a sedan that’s fun to drive.

Watch for a Diesel model and more in 2010.