Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison
6269 messages, Last post on May 02, 2008 at 8:51 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
|
I just got back from a business trip in which I was pleasantly surprised to be handed the key (fob actually) to a brand new Maxima (SE model). I am used to getting a base Impala or something equally as dull. Anyway, I haven't driven a Maxima since '06 before I bought my Avalon. First off the interior though improved is no where near the Avalons. Its smaller and the overall feel just isn't there for me. Not that it is awful, I just feel the Avalon is nicer. As for the drive I immediately noticed that it is significantly stiffer than my Avalon. The car is much flatter in curves and the steering is great. The trans was a CVT which is just ok for me. Much better than the CVT in the Ford 500 because the VQ engine has enough power to make it work. I still would prefer a traditional 5/6 speed. One thing Nissan has improved through the tranny and computer programming (I would guess) is the torque steer issues. This car had some but not nearly as bad as prior years. So... the verdict? I still would pick my Avalon over the Max by a slim margin. Although the Max is a better handler it still is a big heavy FWD car that suffers from the same set of problems as my Avalon. My Avalon feels faster (probably is by a few tenths) and is quieter on the road. The CVT is just plain weird, especially went stomping on it at around 55 and the engine hits redline and just stays there. The car continues to pull strong, but you are just waiting for a shift that never happens. However, there was a manual mode and I guess I could get used to it. Having said all that, I am now anxiously awaiting the '09 Maxima. With more power and a much better interior it could serve as a replacement for my Av. Currently its a nice ride, built well, and there is nothing bad I can say about the VQ. Its a tick noiser than the 2 GR in my Av but at least it sounds good. Overall, MPG was a tad over 21 (per the computer) and included a mix of city/hwy driving and quite a few full throttle excursions.
|
|
|
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 28, 2008 5:54 am) Especially interesting to hear they've quelled the torque steer. That was always said to be the bane of that entire generation of Alt/Max's. |
|
|
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 28, 2008 5:54 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 6:25 am) When I drove the Max in '06 I drove the SL model and I think you are spot on it saying that the ride compares to the Av Touring. The SE model may be a tad too firm for my tastes. However, the ride was far from jarring or harsh. I wonder if the new Max will offer two suspension options like the current model? Who knows, with Nissan going back to the "4DSC" theme they may even offer something more sporty and tightened up than the current SE.
|
|
|
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 7:30 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 9:08 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 1:03 pm) |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: cdmuile (Apr 14, 2008 6:38 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: carolinabob (Apr 30, 2008 1:14 pm) |
|
|
Replying to: carolinabob (Apr 30, 2008 1:14 pm) |
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2008 Buick Lucerne
2008 Chevrolet Impala
2008 Dodge Charger
2008 Ford Taurus
2009 Hyundai Azera
2008 Toyota Avalon
2008 Nissan Maxima
2008 Pontiac G8
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
