2009 Nissan Maxima, at a glance

2009 Nissan Maxima Base price: $29,700Price as tested: $37,235Powertrain: 3.5-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing; continuously variable transmission with sport manual-shift mode; front-wheel drive.Horsepower: 290 at6,400 rpmTorque: 261 pound-feet at 4,400 rpmCurb weight: 3,579 pounds0-60: Less than 7 secondsWheelbase: 109.3 inchesOverall length: 190.6 inchesEPA fuel economy: 19 miles per gallon city, 26 highwayFinal thoughts: Wins the horsepower race, loses the electoral college