All You Could Ask For in a Sedan: Nissan Maxima

You want the practicality of a mid-size sedan.

You want the performance and styling of a sports car.

No problem.

The Nissan Maxima is the choice for you.

The Maxima, which was redesigned for the 2009 model year, comes back strong in model year 2010 with some new color and option choices.

In a field that includes worthy competitors such as the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Chevrolet Malibu, the Maxima brings its strong-performing engine, well designed interior and exterior and impressive list of options to show why it merits serious consideration.

The Maxima's engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and is rated at 19 mpg city, 26 highway by the EPA. That power plant is linked to a continuously variable transmission that can be switched to manual mode, should you want to engage in some performance driving.

For 2010, Maxima lets you choose from three options packages.

With the Sport package, you'll get a rear spoiler, heated seats and rearview mirrors, high intensity xenon headlights and a sport-tuned suspension.
Pick the Premium package and you can include a moonroof and front and rear power sunshades.

The Tech package offers a 9.3 gb music hard drive, XM satellite radio, a navigation system with voice recognition and a seven-inch touch screen color monitor.

The back seat is available in two formats: a fixed bench with center armrest pass through that allows you to haul long pieces of cargo or a 60/40 split bench that gives fold-down access to the trunk.
But it's on the road where the Maxima will really shine.

Whether you're accelerating onto a busy freeway or tossing through some twisty country roads, the Maxima's power and agility are sure to impress you.

Plus, this is no tiny car -- it's quite roomy -- but it handles nearly as easily as a compact.
The four-wheel vented disc brakes are responsive and firm.

Coming standard on the Maxima is vehicle dynamic control with traction control.

You can get 18- or 19-inch wheels.
If you're thinking about safety, no worries, so was Nissan: the Maxima gets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s top marks for front- and side crash safety.
Nissan has priced the Maxima in the range of about $30,500 -- $33,200.

The Maxima presents a great choice for those who want the comfort and practicality of a mid-size sedan, and the exciting looks and performance of a sport coupe.