The steeering wheel is a three spoke design, through which the instruments are readily visible. Nissan’s new “Daylight Illumination” electroluminescent gauges are bright and eye arresting, and the tachometer is rotated so that redline is at the straightup 12 o’clock position. The driver’s seat has a manually-operated thigh support extension and the side bolsters offer good lateral support during sporty driving. The seats can be had with both heating and colling as well.

Naturally, comfort and convenience features include a standard moonroof, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted controls, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD6/MP3 audio system with 8 speakers, and an available interface system for iPod are all standard equipment. Options include a rear view camera, a hard drive based storage system for music and navigation, Bluetooth hands free phone operation, and a dual panel moonroof.

All of this adds up to an extremely well-equipped car that is an absolute delight to drive. Earlier we alluded to the fact that save for one aspect the Maxima might well be the consummate affordable sports sedan, thoroughly worthy of the 4DSC label. That one aspect is the transmission. Nissan chose to fit the Maxima with a version of its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). And while it is one of the smoothest transmission solutions extant, it doesn’t exactly scream sporty. It does have a manual shift mode, which wil allow you to select ratios yourself, and it works pretty well, but it doesn’t give the visceral feedback one expects from a sporting oriented car. However it does help the Maxima return excellent fuel economy for a car of its nature.

Still, that one ding aside, the 2009 Nissan Maxima is easily one of the most desirable four-door sedans currently being offered. If you genuinely enjoy driving, you’ll find a truly satisfying experience behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima.

2009 Nissan Maxima Specs:
Base price: $30,160
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 290 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 261 ft-lbs @ 4,400 rpm
Drivetrain: Front engine/front drive
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city / 27 highway
Curb Weight: 3,631 pounds

Source: on wheels inc

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