CD Article: 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Reviewer Chris Chase liked the 2007 Maxima's freshened styling and new, standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) but was disappointed that a manual transmission is no longer available.  The Maxima's 255-hp 3.5-litre V6 gets top marks, but torque-steer is still a problem, he says. Its revised interior is "a more ergonomic and more attractive environment," he says.         More...

[The Mighty Duck]

Maybe I just don't notice, but I see very few Maximas on the road.  And lots and lots of G35s.  For a modest increase in price (as described), the more powerful, more prestegious, RWD car would get my vote any day of the week.  I imagine the majority of Maximas on the road are the base models, belonging to people who wanted something bigger than an Altima?

[Arthur Dent]

Is that Maxima any bigger than the Altima? The Altima SER I got a ride in seemed pretty large. I think with the Altima upsizing (and the Sentra taking the Altima's traditional spot) the Maxima has been left largely unneeded for the last generation or so.

[AVToller]

Is that Maxima any bigger than the Altima? The Altima SER I got a ride in seemed pretty large. I think with the Altima upsizing (and the Sentra taking the Altima's traditional spot) the Maxima has been left largely unneeded for the last generation or so.

Actually, the Maxima is only a tiny bit longer (194.4" vs 192.3") and a touch (71.7" vs 70.4") wider than the Altima. I didn't realize that they had become so close in size. 

[UDB]

Looks at the numbers below.  Head, Leg, Hip and Shoulder room are almost identical when you compare Altima vs Maxima.


Altima

Interior - mm (In) 
Head room (front/rear) 1036/955 (40.8/37.6) 
Leg room (front/rear) 1115/925 (43.9/36.4)
Hip room (front/rear) 1346/1384 (53.0/54.5) 
Shoulder room (front/rear) 1430/1422 (56.3/56.0)

Maxima

Head room (front) without sunroof    1019 (40.1)   1019 (40.1)   1019 (40.1)
Head room (rear) without sunroof   947 (37.3)   947 (37.3)   947 (37.3)
Leg room (front)    1115 (43.9)   1115 (43.9)   1115 (43.9)
Leg room (rear)    927 (36.5)   927 (36.5)   927 (36.5)
Hip room (front) — 3.5 5-seat    1359 (53.5)   1359 (53.5)   1359 (53.5)
Hip room (rear) — 3.5 5-seat    1392 (54,8)   1392 (54,8)   1392 (54,8)
Shoulder room (front)   1471 (57.9)   1471 (57.9)   1471 (57.9)
Shoulder room (rear)   1435 (56.5)   1435 (56.5)   1435 (56.5)

[Bullet Blue]

The Altima is the clear choice now that the Maxima is not available with a stick anymore.

[wing]

Deja vu....