The Nissan Maxima has been a pillar model for the Japanese brand for many years, so it wasn’t all that surprising that the company decided to freshen up the model for its 2012 release. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a whole lot of changes done on the car - both aesthetic and performance - to make it look different from the 2011 model.
For one, there are limited modifications done on the exterior of the car. The car’s powertrain also remains the same, which is a bummer considering that the engine has been around for the past three generations.
What we do like about the 2012 Nissan Maxima is that it’s got optional upgrades that customers can avail to for a pretty reasonable price. For only $750, you can get plenty of new goodies that can turn your Maxima into a full-fledged eye-catcher.
It’ll still carry the same powertrain, which is pretty disappointing, but hey, you can’t fault Nissan for at least trying to improve the new Maxima, even if the only thing they are offering is optional features.
Find out more about the 2012 Nissan Maxima after the jump
Not much has changed for the Nissan Maxima since last year, so this little update will be short and sweet. For starters, in 2011 Nissan offers a new rolled edge tailpipe finisher, new smoked headlights (Sport models), new dark chrome grille (Sport models), and unique shiny gray interior stitching (Sport models). Nissan is also offering two new exterior colors; Metallic Slate and Brilliant Silver.
The 2011 Maxima will come standard with many little perks including a premium audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.
Prices haven’t changed all that much either. Last year the Maxima’s price began at about $30,460. This year the 2011 Nissan Maxima’s prices start at $30,810 for the S version and at $33,530 for the SV version, both on sale now. Both models are powered by a 290-HP 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine mated to a Xtronic CVT transmission with manual and “Ds” (drive sport) modes. Paddle shifters are also available.
Improved for the 2009 model year, the Nissan Maxima premium sedan is entering the 2010 model year with a few new touches, including the fine-tuning of its color palette and available option packages. For 2010 Maxima will be offered in two trim levels: S and SV, with prices starting from $30,460.
The 2010 Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine that delivers a total of 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. All 2010 Maximas come equipped with a refined Xtronic CVT with manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima’s sporty driving character.
Revisions to the 2010 Maxima include new wheel finishes for 18-inch (Fine Silver) and 19-inch (Hyper Silver) wheels; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System is now standard on all models; a 7-inch color monitor, RearView Monitor, auxiliary audio/video input jack, iPod net and 2GB Music Server are added to the new optional Monitor Package (USB connectivity also included); DVD playback capability, streaming audio via Bluetooth technology and XM NavWeather are added to Technology Package; XM Satellite Radio becomes standard on Maxima 3.5 SV; and the previous iPod connectivity is changed to USB connectivity. Also added are two new exterior colors, Crimson Black and Ocean Gray.
Nissan today announced prices on the 2010 Maxima sedan which is now on sale. For 2010, Maxima is being offered in two different models, with prices starting from $30,460 USD for the Maxima 3.5 S and $33,180 USD for the Maxima 3.5 SV.
Revisions to the 2010 Maxima include new wheel finishes for 18-inch (Fine Silver) and 19-inch (Hyper Silver) wheels; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System is now standard on all models; a 7-inch color monitor, RearView Monitor, auxiliary audio/video input jack, iPod net and 2GB Music Server are added to the new optional Monitor Package (USB connectivity also included); DVD playback capability, streaming audio via Bluetooth technology and XM NavWeather are added to Technology Package; XM Satellite Radio becomes standard on Maxima 3.5 SV; and the previous iPod connectivity is changed to USB connectivity. Also added are two new exterior colors, Crimson Black and Ocean Gray.
Nissan unveiled today at the New York Auto Show the 2009 Maxima, a model that marks a return to the longtime Nissan flagship sedan’s roots as a commanding 4-door sports car – a vehicle that is unique in both appearance and driving feel.
For five previous generations, Maxima has been built on a front-wheel drive (FWD) platform. Yet with the new Maxima’s development team everything was open for discussion, including the benefits of front-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive (RWD). Although there are well-known advantages of RWD in terms of sporty handling, it was ultimately decided that by switching Maxima from its previous platform to Nissan’s new “D platform,” which was first introduced on the current Nissan Altima Sedan, Hybrid and Coupe, the target Maxima performance could be delivered – without giving up the added FWD benefits of lower costs, lower weight and enhanced roominess versus a RWD platform.
For 2009, Maxima again features a standard 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine, enhanced and refined to take its driving performance to new levels. The engine delivers 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque (estimated), increases of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima. All 2009 Maximas come equipped with a revised Xtronic CVT with manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima’s sporty driving character.
Nissan, in cooperation with Steve Millen Sports Cars revealed at the SEMA Show a customized version of the 2009 Maxima.
Nissan likes to think of the Maxima as its "4-Door Sports Car", so it receives the full aftermarket treatment from well-known Nissan race driver and builder Steve Millen. Modifications include engine airflow management improvements, rear roof and deck lid spoilers, custom wheels and tires and a two-tone black-and-silver paint treatment. Like any good SEMA project, many of these parts can already be purchased for your commuter 2009 Maxima.
Nissan announced that the 2009 Maxima, launched last June, will cost more due to increased raw materials costs. Effective immediately, the price for the Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV are $30,160 and of $32,860 respectively. Both models are equipped with an advanced 3.5-liter V6 and CVT transmission.
For the extra price, you will also gain extra horsepower. For 2009, the VQ-series V6 engine will deliver 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque (estimated), an increase of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima.
Nissan announced pricing on the all-new, flagship 2009 Nissan Maxima, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. The seventh generation Maxima returns to its heritage as "The 4-Door Sports Car(TM)," combining thrilling performance with premium sedan comfort, quality and amenities.
It features all-new sports styling, a driver-oriented interior and an enhanced 290hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine - offering 35 more hp than the previous generation Maxima and better fuel economy (EPA estimated 19 mpg City/26 mpg Highway versus 19/25 mpg for the 2008 Maxima).
The 2009 Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models, Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, each equipped with standard 3.5-liter V6 and intelligent Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission). Prices start at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,290 for the Maxima 3.5 S and $31,990 for the Maxima 3.5 SV.
The first production model of the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima today rolled off the assembly line at Nissan North America’s Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant, signaling the return of Nissan’s flagship to its roots as a commanding 4-door sports car.
Sporting a bold new look, as well as a more powerful V6 under the hood, the “Job 1″ 2009 Maxima was driven off the assembly line during a midday celebration attended by Nissan employees and executives.
The 2009 Maxima is built on Nissan’s new D platform that provides responsive handling and virtually eliminates the torque steer associated with high horsepower front wheel drive vehicles.
It also boasts a new Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima’s sporty driving character.
The Maxima’s 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve VQ series V6 engine is now rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, increases of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima.