October 24, 2008

2009 Nissan Maxima

Base price: $29,700

Price as tested: $37,235

Powertrain: 3.5-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing; continuously variable transmission with sport manual-shift mode; front-wheel drive.

Horsepower: 290 at

6,400 rpm

Torque: 261 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm

Curb weight: 3,579 pounds

0-60: Less than 7 seconds

Wheelbase: 109.3 inches

Overall length: 190.6 inches

EPA fuel economy: 19 miles per gallon city, 26 highway

Final thoughts: Wins the horsepower race, loses the electoral college