The 2010 Nissan Maxima Returns Triumphant

With the formation of the Infiniti luxury lineup in 1989 Nissan pretty much sealed the fate of the then highly lauded Maxima by channeling all of its sporty, rear drive intentions into the new marque. For the years that have followed the Maxima has been in turns bloated, uglier than a blowfish or uninspiring to drive. Thankfully for all of us the 2010 Maxima is a true return to form for the storied name. "Maxima" promises a lot and is probably why they didn't name it the "Mediocrima."

Powered by a 290 horsepower (only 10 horsepower shy of the $40 some grand BMW 335i) version of Nissan's well known 3.5 liter V6, the front wheel drive 2010 Maxima moves out with speed and more torque steer than, say, a rear drive G37 (but that is to be expected). How the torque steer is controlled so much more with the Maxima than in the lesser powered Altima is perhaps a mystery only Nissan engineers can explain. (Torque steer is violent pulling to the right or left in front drive cars under heavy acceleration.)

Considering the space, rich interior appointments and low price it is hard to understand why someone would buy a smaller Camry or Accord for more money. Granted, you can option up your Maxima to $36,000 but with a restrained option picking hand you can get an incredible value on a 2010 Maxima.

With fuel economy ratings of 19 city/26 highway, the 2010 Nissan Maxima can go farther on a tank of petrol than many lesser powered rivals. As this 3.5 liter V6 has been in service a long time with Nissan so its track record for reliability and ease of service are well proven. Where some of the more modern high compression turbocharged sixes can be somewhat unreliable (cough-BMW-cough) the V6 in the Maxima will just loaf along lazily until the wheels fall off.

You know what else is great about the 2010 Maxima? You don't see one every two feet like other family or luxury cars. To be honest, it occupies a very unique middle ground in the marketplace much as it did when it was known also as the 4DSC (4 Door Sports Car). Especially if you live in a snow state there is much to be appreciated about a fast and sporty front drive luxury sedan.

If you are a true driving enthusiast then you should probably tick the box for the 3.5 SV with the sport package ($35,210). Equipped with sports suspension, a tasteful rear spoiler and HID-discharge headlamps it comes with all the toys you need to enjoy your favorite twisty backroad. So before you sign at the Acura, Lexus or Infiniti dealer do yourself a favor and check out the attractively styled new 2010 Maxima.