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2011 Nissan Maxima

24 messages,  Last post on Jan 04, 2012 at 12:54 PM

You are in the Nissan Maxima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Maxima, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 3

#5 of 24 Re: Bought a 2011 Maxima S [uga91] by robtroxel

Mar 06, 2011 (8:18 am)

Replying to: uga91 (Feb 25, 2011 12:50 pm)
Good perspective. I bought my new 2010 Max SV Premium Tech loaded last year and find it to be alot of car for the money. I think Nissan screwed up the sticker price and that kept me away till I figured out that they we cutting some killer deals ($5k off list on a $40 k sticker) I'm getting 28 to 29 mpg on Mid Grade Gas. The CVT takes some getting used to but the power is there when you need it! We looked at Acuras but could not hack the "Bird Beak Look" on the TL. Keep us posted on what options you add. I love the LED tail lights too.

#6 of 24 CVT transmission by maximus2011

Mar 07, 2011 (5:43 pm)

Am I the only one who HATES the CVT transmission. I have only driven the car for about a two weeks now but I cannot get past the fact that the CVT is loud and always feels sluggish. Other than that I love it, it is comfortable and rides great.

#7 of 24 Re: CVT transmission [maximus2011] by uga91

Mar 18, 2011 (5:30 am)

Replying to: maximus2011 (Mar 07, 2011 5:43 pm)
I guess you are. Did you not drive it before you bought it? I will admit there is a very slight hesitation at first if you're light on the gas, but other than that, it is very responsive, in my opinion.
 
Your transmission should not be making any noise. You ought to get it looked at. Mine is silent.

#8 of 24 Re: CVT transmission [uga91] by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Mar 18, 2011 (7:28 am)

Replying to: uga91 (Mar 18, 2011 5:30 am)
Uh... if you do a search in these forums, even just on Nissan vehicles, you'll find a bunch of people who hate the CVT transmissions. We've probably seen more complaints on Nissan models than others, but it's pretty widespread.

#9 of 24 Re: CVT transmission [kirstie_h] by robtroxel

Mar 19, 2011 (7:13 am)

Replying to: Kirstie@Edmunds (Mar 18, 2011 7:28 am)
Nissan has extended the CVT waranty to 120,000 miles at no cost. Instead of having 5 or 6 or 7 speeds, the ratios are infinite. My 2010 maxima likes to find the most economical gear as soon as you start rolling so the engine is not turning high RPMs providing you are light on the throttle. I get incredible mileage because of this. There is a TSB that will change this behaviour so that the revs stay higher longer when driving around town. The TSB does state there will be a a 1 to 2 mpg penalty is the TSB is installed.
 
Unless you are coming out of a Corvette, when I stomp the gas pedal, the Max responds with loads of power and speed. We came out of a V6 Accord which never had the zip this car does.
 
Driving a CVT does offer a different experience. Under load when you are heavy on the gas, Power is applied at a constant higher RPM til the desired speed is reached, then the RPMs are reduced to match that mph with the most effective drive ratiio. Reminds me of how you fly a turbine jet.

#10 of 24 Re: CVT transmission [robtroxel] by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Mar 21, 2011 (8:59 am)

Replying to: robtroxel (Mar 19, 2011 7:13 am)
I *think* I recently read that the warranty extension will not apply to 2011+ models.

#11 of 24 2012 Updates and Release by poodog13

Mar 31, 2011 (6:35 am)

Has anyone heard anything definitive regarding what is changing with the likely 2012 refresh? Also, has anyone heard if the quake/tsunami will impact manufacturing and release date?

#12 of 24 Re: CVT transmission [kirstie_h] by uga91

May 09, 2011 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: Kirstie@Edmunds (Mar 18, 2011 7:28 am)
Hi...the question was not "What does everyone think of the Nissan CVT?" The post said this eprson bought a new Maxima two weeks prior and hates the transmission. My question to them was whether or not they drove it before they bought it. I was asking that person about their car--not everyone about CVTs in general.

#13 of 24 Re: 2012 Updates and Release [poodog13] by uga91

May 09, 2011 (12:02 pm)

Replying to: poodog13 (Mar 31, 2011 6:35 am)
My 2011 Maxima was made in Smyrna, TN. I don't know how the quake would affect upcoming output.

#14 of 24 2011 Maxima Impressions by thegamper

Jun 20, 2011 (10:16 am)

Thought I would add my two cents for those who own or are considering a Maxima. I am coming out of a 2006 Mazdaspeed6 which I sold due to some recurring mechanical failings. In any event, I wanted a more adult car but didnt want to buy from a luxury brand. Cant have my employers thinking I make too much money. So I have always been a Maxima fan and got a 2011 SV with camera and climate. Unfortunately, current models arent available with a manual, so I had to bite the bullet and buy autotragic for the first time in 19 years, my wife was pleased. I am actually quite fond of the CVT as far as automatics go and believe you get a bit more out of a Nissan's CVT than you would a standard automatic. Holding the optimal RPM from a standstill to top speed is pretty cool IMO and probably shaves a few tenths off of 0-60.
 
Granted I am coming out of a more dedicated sports sedan, but I find Nissan's 4DSC claim to be somewhat bunk. I put my cars through heavy abuse with some "spirited" driving. So I appreciate the acceleration of the Maxima, which does a great job of managing torque stear and wheelspin considering all the power going to the front. AWD would have been great, and in my humble opinion, you cannot have a sports sedan without some power going to the rear. Anway, I find that suspension is not very well tuned and I feel out of control at speeds in excess of a hypothetical 80 mph. The chassis bounces and sways over uneven road surfaces at speed, there is all together too much rebound on the rear wheels giving a sensation of the back end going loose. The steering is overboosted with too much play as the Maxima floats and jiggles over road imperfections. But it hangs on. Still, I would prefer a more confidence inspiring setup. For the sake of comparison, my old Mazdaspeed6 was glued to the road with only a slightly harsher ride and my wife's Ford Flex actually has noticably better steering feel/chassis composure at speeds than the Maxima. (Seriously!)
 
On a side note, at this price, Xenon headlights should be standard. Sirrius would also be nice at least for introductory period. Car is comfortable and easy on the eyes. I am averaging 20-21 mpg on 93 octane with an admittedly heavy foot. Aside from the suspension, my biggest complaint is the fit of the rear trunklid, which seems all out of whack. I am a harsh critic I suppose, love cars, love to drive. Overall pleased with the Maxima, but definitely room for improvement.

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