MotorMouths

The 2010 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV sedan has more to offer than you might expect.

The 2012 Nissan Maxima serves as an appealing alternative to many entry-level luxury sedans thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and high-quality construction.

The Nissan Maxima succeeds because it doesn’t equate lots of interior space to whalelike exterior dimensions, making it enjoyable to drive. The Maxima is also comfortable and well-equipped, and some trims have extremely competitive pricing.

I loved the look of the Maxima. There. I said it. This sedan is pretty, sleek and tough looking. The gorgeous Navy Blue paint was a big part of that. Even more impressive is that all this luxury comes at a moderate price.

A variety of V6-equipped sedans, including Nissan’s own Altima, can match the premium feel of the Maxima S for a few thousand less. None, however, are quite as fast, stylish, or sporting.

It’s the combination of near-luxury and performance that sets the Nissan Maxima into a niche where it will compete with the upscale Acura TL, Audi A4, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus IS 250, Volkswagen CC, and the Infiniti G37. That’s pretty good company.

The Maxima is undeniably an all-around nice car. Just keep an eye on the price, as there are some real four-door sports cars available from the mid-$30s on up.

The Nissan Maxima may feel a bit too raw-boned to those accustomed to the softer comparable sedans from Acura or Lexus. The Maxima has moved from cushy cruiser to genuine sports sedan with its latest makeover.

Nissan refers to the Maxima as a 4-door sports car, and after some seriously enjoyable seat time, I don’t begrudge them the title. The car is tight and highly responsive, especially when its size and impressive comfort level are factored-in.

While the 2011 Nissan Maxima expertly mimes the Z car, what it really does best is to carry 4 (or 5 in a pinch) expeditiously, comfortable and spaciously. In that regard, it has few peers at any price.

The Maxima has a very nicely finished cabin and a substantial V-6. But it would almost certainly benefit from a clearer image and a higher profile, and the only transmission available is a CVT — hardly the enthusiast’s choice.

The Maxima comes up big in creature comforts, but unfortunately falls a bit flat on its sporting intentions thanks to its unconventional transmission and front-wheel drive setup. Inside, however, it’s ahead of much of its competition.