The 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that propels the 2011 Nissan Maxima is extremely smooth, and it allows relaxed acceleration in normal driving with the automatic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Nissan Maxima still has one of the sportiest suspension calibrations for a front-wheel-drive sedan, and Nissan retains last year's improved suspension geometry that reduces torque steer—the tendency for high-powered front-drivers to pull to the side on hard acceleration. The Nissan Maxima stays true to its name and offers a tremendous list of standard features and available tech features. The list of options in the Maxima doesn't disappoint either, as it includes such comforts as a heated steering wheel and cooled front seats.
For 2011, the Nissan Maxima sees only a handful of minor changes. Sporting nearly 300 horsepower, the "Nissan Maxima" can show its taillights to pricier, entry-level luxury cars while its well-developed chassis offers a nice balance between sporty handling and a nice ride.
Like the Nissan Maxima, they have nice interiors and a good value proposition, yet they mostly lack the Maxima's fun-to-drive nature. The 2011 Nissan Maxima is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels.
The SV can be optioned with either the Premium or Sport packages -- both of which add shift paddles on the steering wheel, xenon headlights, a driver-side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, driver memory functions and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column. These packages also include a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and rear bucket seats with a center trunk pass-through in lieu of the 60/40-split seats.
The Premium package differs by adding a dual-panel sunroof, a rearview camera, a 7-inch LCD screen, a ventilated driver seat, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, automatic up/down rear windows, a power rear sunshade, wood trim, an RCA auxiliary audio-video jack, a 2GB music server (replacing the six-disc CD changer) and an iPod interface. The Sport package features a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, smoked headlights, dark chrome grille, gray metallic stitching accents, a rear spoiler and metallic-look interior trim. High-performance summer tires are an added option with the Sport package.
Finally, the Cold package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated outside mirrors.
Standard safety equipment for every 2011 Nissan Maxima includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active head restraints.
