Review: 2010 Nissan Maxima Features, Listed Prices, Invoice

With its strong V6 engine, responsive steering, high build-quality cabin, upscale feature availability and excellent crash test scores, there's a lot to like about the 2010 Nissan Maxima.

Redesigned for the 2009 model year, this new Maxima generation shares its front-wheel-drive architecture with the sporty Altima, but possesses better handling due to its reduced length and width. And inside, the Maxima offers an attractive design and top-notch materials. Overall, the 2010 Maxima offers an appealing value for the dollar, and depending on the features chosen, can get a car buyer as much as some luxury sedans priced thousands more.

Trims, Standard Features And Options:

The 2010 Nissan Maxima competes in the entry-level luxury sedan segment and is offered in two trims: S and SV.

The Maxima S is already very well equipped with standard features that include full power accessories, keyless entry and ignition, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 18 inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, a tilt and telescoping steering column, a trip computer, 8-way driver power seat, 4-way passenger power front seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer with an auxiliary audio jack and Bluetooth.

Standard on the Maxima SV is all of the above, plus leather upholstery, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, integrated turn signals in the exterior mirrors, a driver-seat thigh-support extender, power lumbar support and foglamps.

The SV can be outfitted with either the Premium or Sport packages. Both packages include heated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery and trim, driver memory settings, paddle shifters, a driver-side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated exterior mirrors, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, rear bucket seats and xenon headlights.

However, the Sport package also adds a sport-tuned suspension, 19 inch wheels, metallic interior trim accents and a rear spoiler. The Sport package also offers high-performance summer tires as an additional option.

And the Premium package also includes a ventilated driver seat, a 7-inch LCD screen, a dual-panel sunroof, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, a rearview camera, automatic up/down rear windows, wood trim, a power rear window shade, a 2GB music server (replaces the 6-disc CD changer), an audio-visual auxiliary audio jack and a dedicated iPod interface.

There's also a Technology package that includes a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, 9.3GB of digital music storage, a 7-inch LCD screen with DVD playback, a single in-dash CD player (replaces the 6-disc version) and streaming Bluetooth audio.

In addition, the Monitor package adds a color monitor, a rearview camera , a 2GB music server, auxiliary audio/video inputs and a USB port. Lastly, the Cold package includes a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and exterior heated mirrors.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering all 2010 Maximas is a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It's mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that also features six simulated "gear" ratios selected through steering-column-mounted paddle shifters (a package option on SV models).

In performance tests, the Maxima SV went from a standstill to 60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 2010 Maxima is 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all 2010 Nissan Maxima models include antilock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints. In addition, a rearview camera is an available option on SV models.

In government testing, the Maxima was awarded the highest possible score of five stars for both front and side-impact protection for driver and passengers.

Interior:

The 2010 Maxima boasts a modern, attractive, well-designed and upscale cabin. The interior is comfortable and consists of the kind of high-quality materials found in higher priced luxury sedans. And when the Premium or Sport packages are included, the cabin is every bit as good as its more expensive Infiniti G37 sibling. In addition, its optional iPod interface is considered one of the best available.

Cabin space is also ample and comfortable with seats that are both soft yet supportive. And the trunk has a wide opening for easier loading of larger suitcases or golf clubs and can accommodate up to 14.3 cubic feet of cargo.

Drive:

The Maxima's strong V6 engine, well-suited CVT, exceptionally precise steering and solid grip gives it a lot better handling than one normally expects from a family sedan. While certainly not engineered as a sports car, it's definitely a very good sport sedan with a "fun-factor" that will likely please most drivers. At the same time, the Maxima provides a compliant ride that handles the bumps and rough spots well when simply driving around town or cruising down the highway. Opting, for the Sport package, however, understandably reduces this smooth feel a bit with its tighter suspension.

Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Maxima Prices:

Nissan's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.

They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.

Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.

How To Buy A New Maxima At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Nissan Maxima, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Prices:

2010 Nissan Maxima:

3.5 S: listed price: $30,460, invoice price: $27,903
3.5 SV: listed price: $33,180, invoice price: $30,389

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