First Drive: 2007 Nissan Maxima SE CVT
05/02/2006
Shahed Hussain
Prior to 1981 when Datsun became Nissan, the 810 Maxima was the first Japanese luxury sports sedan sold in America. A steady seller for Nissan, the Maxima has grown in size and power with each successive generation. The Maxima continues to offer a combination of luxury and sport at an attractive price.
In 2004, Nissan introduced a radically restyled Maxima. This eye-catching design has been further refined for 2007.
To the casual observer, the 2007 Maxima appears little changed. Closer inspection shows that the front fascia design is more faceted, while the inset fog lights now point straight ahead. A horizontally slatted grille recalls the 2000-2003 Maxima. Angular headlights slope back even further for a sleeker appearance. However, the revised styling more closely resembles that of the less expensive Altima. An available functional rear spoiler (SE only) reduces the drag coefficient from 0.31 to 0.30. Nissan continues to offer the unusual standard Skyview(TM) glass roof, although an optional sunroof is available.
According to Nissan sources, the new Maxima has not migrated to the new "D" platform used for the 2007 Altima. Enthusiasts should also note that the Altima 3.5 SE offers a choice of 6-speed manual or Xtronic(TM) CVT, while Nissan equips all Maximas with the CVT only. The disappearance of the 6-speed is mildly disappointing, but we suspect that the low percentage of Maximas so equipped convinced Nissan to standardize on the CVT across the model range.
For the interior, Nissan added richer materials utilizing less hard plastic, but kept the motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle. In the Maxima SE, the interior features brushed aluminum trim whereas the SL is finished with simulated wood. The bucket seats, upholstered in optional leather, were comfortable and supportive enough for aggressive driving.
We should point out that few customers will ever take a Maxima to the racetrack, but we had the opportunity. We wanted to confirm that the CVT, operated in manual shift mode, hadn't softened the Maxima's sports sedan appeal. To our surprise, the manually shifted CVT was responsive and "shifted" smoothly, without the abruptness or hesitation of many electronic clutch transmissions (e.g. DSG, SMG). Flick the lever forward (upshift) or back (downshift), and the CVT obeys with no fuss. Without worries about over-revving or proper clutch technique, it was easy to focus on going faster on the track. Despite the convenience of the CVT, manual transmission devotees will still prefer the departed 6-speed with a proper clutch. For them, the Altima 3.5 SE is a better choice.
All Maximas are equipped with a 255-bhp 3.5L V-6 which is known for its smooth and refined power delivery. Combined with the CVT, the engine revs seamlessly to deliver deceptive acceleration. Floor the accelerator and the Maxima surges past 100 mph with no effort. Wind and tire noise are remarkably hushed. One could easily cruise all day without fatigue at triple digit speeds.
Select the SE and you get standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R18 V-rated all-season tires. Around curves, the typical FWD nose-heavy weight bias came into play as the Maxima gradually progressed to moderate understeer and noticeable tire scrub. Compared to the manual-equipped 2006 Maxima SE, the newer car is slightly heavier (3,591 lbs. vs. 3,485 lbs.) and has somewhat worse weight distribution (62/38 F/R vs. 61/39 F/R). Suspension tuning is biased towards the comfort end of the spectrum, but the driver never feels disconnected from the road. We suspect that stickier tires and a firmer suspension would improve traction and handling, but at the cost of increased noise and ride harshness. Perhaps a sport suspension and performance tires should be offered through Nismo, Nissan's aftermarket division.
On the track, subjective braking performance from the disc/disc system was certainly adequate, but not remarkable. Pedal feel was slightly soft, but we did not really push the system to its limits. Nissan carried over the same 12.6" diameter front and 11.5" diameter rear brakes for the 2007 Maxima. Standard ABS, BA (Brake Assist), and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) contribute to shorter braking distances.
Make no mistake, the 2007 Maxima is no racer. For a FWD midsize sports sedan, it does surprisingly well on the track. The powerful V-6 shoots the car forward through the straights, while the CVT allows the driver to execute seamless downshifts before each corner. If one makes allowances for the front weight bias and all-season tires, the inevitable understeer can be kept under control, so the driver can enjoy the superb powertrain that separates the Maxima from most of its competition.
For 2007, Nissan focused on an enhanced interior, refreshed styling, and a new CVT for the Maxima. Most customers will be pleased at the continuous improvements in their long-running sports sedan, but some will miss the manual transmission option, which had distinguished the Maxima from most of its Japanese and domestic competition. This is ironic, because the Acura TL and Audi A4 offer a manual transmission option for their customers. We suspect that it made sense for Nissan to standardize on the CVT for the Maxima, because so few buyers chose the manual transmission. In the end, the attractive restyling and enhanced interior should keep Maxima buyers in the fold, and possibly attract a few more.