The completely revamped 2009 Nissan Maxima is a 4-door sports car, that offers plenty of ready power and is a blast to drive. It's the 7th generation model of the Maxima and has been manufactured for sporty drivers that want a solid ride. Many vehicles in its class, like the Acura RL, have a more luxurious feel to them - softer, with less gumption and thrill. Oversized 18-inch tires and a wide track measurement (the distance between tires) combine to give the 2009 Maxima great grip in tight corners. Nissan has also made the new Maxima (Sport and Premium packages only) stiffer by adding a solid steel panel behind the rear seat that connects to the floor. Burning into corners never felt so firm! As a matter of fact, the 2009 is 15% stiffer than the 2008 models.

There are two models of the new Maxima, the S and the SV, with various available package deals including the Sport, Premium, Tech and Cold. The Maxima S has a MSRP of $29,290 and the SV retails at $31,990. Package deals range in price from $400 to $3700 and there are dozens of potential combinations of options to choose from.

Looking nothing like the Altima anymore, the new Nissan Maxima is smaller than the generation before it. It sits lower to the road and is shorter in total length. Completely redesigned body panels give the 2009 Maxima a harder, sportier look. It's now obviously manufactured for adventuresome fun. A newly-designed grille, coupled with bigger head and tail lamps, yields a tougher appearance when combined with the new harder edges and protrusions on the hood and fenders. Put simply, this 7th-generation looks absolutely nothing like its predecessors.

On the inside, the new Nissan Maxima has been designed to pamper the driver. These cars are made for driving. The interior space is dedicated mainly to large controls and readouts that keep the driver in a state of constant information. The NAV system and stereo are located on top of the center console. The 3-spoked steering wheel is heavy and thick. The shifter has been relocated to the left - sitting close to the driver for a more fluid control capability. Nissan wants for you to be able to get that quick shift in when the need arises. Overall, the interior is first-rate, leaving nothing to be desired.

The CVT transmission is receiving rave reviews from everyone that tests it. In fact, it has been called the second best on the planet after Audi's version. Nissan reports that there are over 700 unique shifting algorithms included to handle every situation that could possibly surface. In an effort to control any hints of vibration, Nissan has upgraded the engine mounting system to include 6 mounts instead of the standard 4. A totally redesigned suspension system creates a significantly lower center of gravity that enhances handling and prevents steering jerks.

The engine in both the S and SV models is a highly-intuitive 3.5L V6 that blasts out 290 horsepower - a 35 hp increase from previous models. That is coupled with an increase of 9 foot-ponds of torque and an extra mile per gallon on the fuel ratings. The 2009 Maxima is a smooth and quiet ride - even at redline rpm readings. 0 to 60 times are right at 5.8 seconds. That means that you can easily be pinned to your seat, especially if you have a lead foot. If you can mange to drive modestly, you can get even better fuel economy than the reported 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Overall, the 2009 Nissan Maxima offers great value and an excellent ride. Its sporty new design is turning heads everywhere and the power and responsiveness presented to drivers blows them away. Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, this new Maxima is fast, responsive, sporty and accurate. Drive one today and you may just never want to take it back.