First Impressions

Marketed as the “4 Door Sports Car”, the Nissan Maxima has donned many looks and personalities in its lifetime. Now, 2016 kicks off generation eight, and hopes of steering the Maxima back towards its edgier roots. And, edgy certainly would be one way to describe the new design. Borrowing much from Nissan’s Sport Sedan concept, and the latest Murano, Maxima rocks a long and sleek profile, sharp, aggressive nose, and floating rear pillars.

But where the exterior tries-perhaps too hard-to be modern, the interior does so in a more “classic luxury” kind of way.  There’s new technologies, sure, and a new look, but it all comes together as a good mix of more understated premium quality.

PATRICK LUCAS: "So the rather extreme design that everyone saw in pictures doesn’t quite live up to that in person…it’s still a good looking car… the interior is definitely where it’s at though… lots of soft materials, very comfortable, a good place to spend some time.”

JOHN DAVIS: Now as to the “4 Door Sports Car” part, we’re still not quite ready to go along with that. The sole engine choice is a 300 horsepower 3.5 liter V6, and the sole transmission, a CVT. Hardly ever a sporty choice, Nissan programmed “steps” into their CVT’s software, and so under heavy acceleration, the changing ratios mimic the stepped gear changes of a conventional automatic. But when puttering around town, it’s still an over-revving CVT.

Handling was lively, though, and the car felt very solid; not at all hollow, like some wannabe luxury sport sedans today. On sale now, the 2016 Nissan Maxima starts around $33,000.