burlapp car

Yes it is….

By  •  Published:  •  Last updated:


I am driving the new Nissan Maxima this week.

So if you have any questions, go ahead.

So far… OK.
Not as good as the Infiniti G37. And the Maxima, with similar equipment, is just about $2000 less…

Conversation 14 comments

  1. Ugghhhh, that thing is sure uggggg.

    For a car at this price, an extra $2k is nothing. Buy the G37. Evidently that’s what most people are doing. I’ve only seen maybe two Maximas in person that were under five years old. These things are not selling since the G was introduced.

  2. The Maxima is a pointless vehicle. It isn’t a true luxury vehicle, and it isn’t a sporty vehicle.

    If you want to spend that much money, just pony up and get the G37 which is much better. If you need or want FWD get the Acura TL. With both you will get a better dealer and ownership experience and you won’t be driving a Nissan.

  3. I think the reason some people are buying Maximas instaed of G37s is because they need the room. I’m 6 ft. 2 and also carry my over 6 feet friends in the back seat. My friends and I can’t comfortably fit into a G37, as much as I love that Infiniti.
    Vince, I think the Maxima’s front driver’s seat (with the thigh extension) is VERY comfortable. What do you think?

  4. I am interested in handling, quietness, and the CVT, particularly how the latter behaves when you floor it.

  5. I hope this will be a good used car value in a few years…assuming the CVT holds up.

    What is the interior space comparable to? The old TL?

  6. The CVT has “held up” for almost 15 years in Europe and over 5 years or more here. Every Year they improve on the industries best CVT and within 2 years, it will be The world’s best transmission period. Wake up dummies! It’s that sleepy ass attitude that has left Honda, toyota and everyone else in the dust on CVTs, all of which are in talks with Nissan to Lic. this worldclass technology.

  7. Hey Vince,
    what I want to know may sound simple but actually be difficult…
    …sort of a detailed general impression >> which segment & what shopper is the Maxima best suited to?

    in other words:
    WHAT IS IT?

    in yet different words (& ulterior motive):
    Could this be a re-start of a premium/bit-nicer category?
    …in the Maxima’s specific case = a premium/bit-nicer family-sedan? OR. . . ?

    THANKS!

  8. Vince, I am curious to hear whether you would have preferred a regular transmission versus the CVT. Sporty or not, it is a looker.

  9. You are right. I think this is a very good looking car.
    And the CVT is great. Just like in the Murano.
    I think Nissan does great with the CVT and the V6.
    It is more responsive than the 7 speed from Infiniti.

    It’s just too bad the CVT sucks when paired with their 2.5 Liter, like in the Rogue.
    I don’t understand why.

  10. i actually prefer the looks of the Maxima to the G37. i wish we got the US Maxima instead of the awful JDM Teana

    it would be better with a 6sp auto… but then i haven’t driven a CVT before so maybe it’s not as bad as i imagine

  11. if you drive this current year rogue, there is no “sucking.” Nissan has retuned it and all 4 cyl models with cvt. They have a great off line acceleration and while driving , if you tromp it, she goes!

  12. love this thing. A standout in the crowd. Come to think of it, there is no crowd. Toyota and honda don’t build such a car. I actually drove this (in Pearl white , dual sunroofs with black leather) and then an acura. The Maxima is hands down the surprising winner. I was shocked , but it’s the truth.

  13. “Vince Dumas said…
    The CVT has “held up” for almost 15 years in Europe and over 5 years or more here. Every Year they improve on the industries best CVT and within 2 years, it will be The world’s best transmission period. Wake up dummies! It’s that sleepy ass attitude that has left Honda, toyota and everyone else in the dust on CVTs, all of which are in talks with Nissan to Lic. this worldclass technology.”

    Explain to my why this “worldclass” technology has had so many problems in friends and coworkers Nissan products? A friends Murano CVT with less than 60K on it failed, and a coworkers Altima CVT failed with less than 40K.

    Nissan refused to cover the Murano’s CVT under warranty or even as a goodwill repair eventhough ALL scheduled maintainence had been done at the Nissan dealership and it was proven that the vehicle was not abused. The $5,500 (not including labor) expense was only covered by Nissan after legal action was taken.

    That reliability is certainly not “worldclass”.

    CVTs are obnoxious transmissions which haven’t been proven yet. This is made more apparent by two people who I directly know. Nissans customer service is awful as well.

    I’ll stick with a proven technology from a reliable and proven car manufacturer.

  14. “Thumbs down to Acura? said…
    love this thing. A standout in the crowd. Come to think of it, there is no crowd. Toyota and honda don’t build such a car. I actually drove this (in Pearl white , dual sunroofs with black leather) and then an acura. The Maxima is hands down the surprising winner. I was shocked , but it’s the truth.”

    I’d much rather have the Acura, even with the goofy front end…

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *