Having owned a 1993 Maxima SE, 5 speed, I have to say this looks like an interesting move on their part. Back in 1993, the Maxima was a totally different animal than it is today; it was quick for it's price and time, and performed surprisingly well.

Be interesting to see how this pans out.

well, nissan keep pushing the altima price upward into the range once maxima was at, it't no suprise that they are not selling any
maxima at all, with the new altima has the same size, more power
and same size as old maxima's.

I finally gave up my 1996 Maxima GLE and purchased a 2007 Altima SE. My Maxima served me well with 10 years of service and close to 400,000 km (248548 miles)

But I just couldn't see what justified the higher price. Given the options on the 07 Altima. They are about the same size nowadays.

Why leave your "255 HP flagship" unchanged and upgrade your "275 HP midsize" to kick it's butt.

I've got my sportscar and my wife has her 4 doors..

They need to give it the ax. There's no reason for the car to exist with the myriad of vehics they sell.

To Noya:
The Maxima has always had a following. Actually since its redesign no other car can match it. The Avalon is its only competitor in this class and I think if you ax this model it would be like Ford axing the Taurus and replacing it with the Five Hundred...then returning the Taurus name after the unsuccesful Five Hundred. Nissan just lost its step in the process and they realized that and the next interation will be more light and goes back to the 4DSC.

To Noya:
The Maxima has always had a following. Actually since its redesign no other car can match it. The Avalon is its only competitor in this class and I think if you ax this model it would be like Ford axing the Taurus and replacing it with the Five Hundred...then returning the Taurus name after the unsuccesful Five Hundred. Nissan just lost its step in the process and they realized that and the next interation will be more light and goes back to the 4DSC.

I own a 2000 Maxima SE and I absolutely love it. Every car I have owned have been Maximas, and I would love it for them to be the only car I own from now on. I also have a 95 Maxima that is still going without one problem at 530,000 miles. They are great cars and serve a purpose for people of all ages. I am looking forward to the 09 with anticipation!

i have a 92 maxima se and believe me when i say that car stills run good no problems at all, it have 154,457 miles on it i was going to change it for the 07 but after reading about the 09 that when i am going to make my change i can't wait.

I own a 03 Max. Previously had a Grand Prix GTP. I bought the Max new and it has 73k on it now. Had several tranny probs while under warranty, but it has ran great the last 30k. Initially this car was a disappointment on performance and reliability, i know the GTP would have smoked it. Unless the 09 is very impressive, I will not buy another max. BTW Nissan should take a note from Pontiac. RWD and more power is FTW!! OMG the G8 GT is gonna own! Geez, they could always slap a Maxima label on a G37sedan (if there would ever be such a thing, another issue entirely). Toyota does basically the same thing with Lexus models.

I have 1999 Max SE 5spd (bought it new), best car I've ever owned. My car has 91 k and NEVER a day of trouble. For a while the Max was in a class all its own. No other competitor matched the power, design and (in my option) workmanship put into the Maximas of years pasted. I believe the next generation will reestablish the hierarchy at Nissan. I can't wait!!!!!

I own a 2000 Max (bought new). I have never had any issues with my Max that were not general maintenance. My Max has the pickup and the handling I need for the busy highways and local roads that I must travel. It will be interesting to see what Nissan has planned (4dsc) in 09'. I cannot wait!! My husband was looking to purchase the 08' Max - We may have to wait for the 09'. So continues the Max Legacy 30 yrs strong (orginally the Datsun 810).

I have a 96 Maxima SE 5spd with 210k mi and still going strong. Plenty of power and consistently delivers 28mpg. I considered an upgrade, but the newer Maximas don't feel as solidly built to me. I also don't like the design. I sat in the newer Altimas too and they are even worse. They feel like a tin can compared to my 96 max.

So, I've decided to wait until the 09 Max is out before making my decision. I really hope Nissan steps to the plate with this one. If they are staking their reputation on the Altima, they are in trouble...I'd like to see them deliver 300 ft lbs of torque and 30 mpg hwy with an interior that at least pretends to be of some quality. Call it the first 300/30 car!!! :) I'll be the first one waiting in line.

Wow, ive own two maximas. 1991 and 1993. I loved both cars. I had no problems with either one. Im looking at the 07 but after reading the article I will wait for the 09. A true fan of Maximas!

A: """I own a 03 Max. Previously had a Grand Prix GTP. I bought the Max new and it has 73k on it now. Had several tranny probs while under warranty, but it has ran great the last 30k. Initially this car was a disappointment on performance and reliability, i know the GTP would have smoked it. Unless the 09 is very impressive, I will not buy another max. BTW Nissan should take a note from Pontiac. RWD and more power is FTW!! OMG the G8 GT is gonna own! Geez, they could always slap a Maxima label on a G37sedan (if there would ever be such a thing, another issue entirely). Toyota does basically the same thing with Lexus models."""

Are you a complete moron? Toyota doesn't rebadge any Lexus nor does Nissan with Infiniti's. With the exception of the IS, Lexus is rear-wheel drive and/or AWD. All TOYO's have been FWD until the latest Avalon. This goes for the Infiniti lineup vs Nissan as well. Infiniti M45, M35, G35 and now G37's are all RWD or AWD. NO FWD!!! Even in this article they said they wouldn't be putting a MAX as RWD as to not hurt G35 sales.
You can't compare a Pontiac to a Maxima. The GTP is full of hard plastic crap. Pontiac was even forced to pull their original commercial on the 0-60 times against same-class cars due to falsifying actual #'s.

A GTP would kill a Max? Are you kidding? They're both neck and neck and ALL reports have the Max at couple 10ths faster. That is, all the reports that are not Pontiac sponsored. And to think you own a Max.

Moron.

I have a 2001 AE SE and for the next re-work of the Maxima I would hope for a lot of things, but keeping space between it and the Infiniti line up is probably a priority.

If Nissan wants to regain some of the 4DSC spirit of the old Maxima's here is a grab bag of things to look at:

1. VQ 3.0L with 280 hp that runs on regular gas.
2. 6 speed DSG type transmission.
3. No leather.
4. No sunroof.
5. 3300 lbs or less.
6. 10L per 100 km in the city and 8L or less highway.
7. Active sound suppression; could be less weight than sound deadening material.
8. All wheel drive.

In a nutshell, all go and no show. Good luck Nissan!

My 1999 Black Maxima VQ3.0 has 145K miles and is so smooth that no one who sits in it believes it's close to hitting 150,000miles. The engine is far superior in NVH (Noise-vibratin-harshness) to the VQ3.5 that followed in the '02 Maxer. Also- get this everybody. For 7 years I've done the San Francisco-SanDeigo run (515miles) on a SINGLE TANK of gas at average speeds of 75-80 mph. As for passing power: with a 3100lb curb weight- even on the I-5 Grapevine slope to Tejon pass (4100 feet), the car just screams past just about evrything that on paper, boasts even 100hp more. The best Maxima ever. I'm going to hold out for the 2009 Max. I pray it has a 6 speed stick and all whell drive.

My 1999 Black Maxima VQ3.0 has 145K miles and is so smooth that no one who sits in it believes it's close to hitting 150,000miles. The engine is far superior in NVH (Noise-vibratin-harshness) to the VQ3.5 that followed in the '02 Maxer. Also- get this everybody. For 7 years I've done the San Francisco-SanDeigo run (515miles) on a SINGLE TANK of gas at average speeds of 75-80 mph. As for passing power: with a 3100lb curb weight- even on the I-5 Grapevine slope to Tejon pass (4100 feet), the car just screams past just about evrything that on paper, boasts even 100hp more. The best Maxima ever. I'm going to hold out for the 2009 Max. I pray it has a 6 speed stick and all whell drive.

no pressurrrrrrrre guys at nissan we just want an agrressive looking performing 4 door sports car... you know........ something our grandmother wouldnt want to drive

I have a 95 black on black Maxima SE with over 430,000 kilometres and the motor is still as strong as when I first got the car. The problem up where I live is the salt they use on the roads that has deteriorated some of the body parts (fenders and rear spoiler mounts). As far as I am concerned, Nissan completely ruined the Maxima as of the 2000 model year. What an ugly car it was. It was beyond ugly! So, for the past few months I have been kind of looking for a 1999, the last of that older generation, even though I prefer the looks, particularly the front grill, of the 1995 and 1996. The next generation was a bit better than the 2000 series but, as people above have noted, cheaper in its fittings, with everything seemingly less solid, and that stupid skinny window on the roof, what the heck were they thinking about? Soooo, I hope that the news that Nissan is going to come out with a new Maxima in 2009 that goes back to its roots means it will be going back to something like the 1995! And back then, black on black meant just that, wiht no chrome trim around the windows, no chrome door handles, and none of that tacky fake wood trim inside! I figure my 1995 is good for another year or two (knock on wood, but not fake wood), so I can wait for the 2009s.

I am thinking that since the Altima has "grown up", the Altima is the car that can compete with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc.

The place for the Maxima could be a no frills "4DSC" without edging out the larger, more luxurious G35x. The Maxima seems to have always been in the odd spot of not really a full on luxury sports sedan, but not really just a family hauler either. I hope Nissan finds some space to create that spirit once again, but if not the days of the Maxima are numbered if not already. How about the new Maxima compete with a BMW 335xi?

The odd thing is Nissan has had the ATESSA-ETS and HICAS technology for about two decades, but seemingly have not taken advantage of the technology over other manufacturers. Subaru has had it's AWD technology and laid it on heavy in most vehicles and now Acura is coming along with it's SH-AWD system. Did Nissan lose an opportunity to take the technological advantage?

I hope Nissan looks at these bulletin boards, because it is cheap intelligence to read what folks that are interested in Maxima's really want to see in the next generation.

heres a wild thought... make a turbocharged variant of the Max available.. hehe i know it would never happen. Geez, WTF. why hasnt there been a factory turbo on anything else with the 3.5 VQ either? there are aftermarket Turbos for the 350Z, G35, and some generations of Max. Sure it would be brutal on insurance (see Mitsubishi Lancer Evo), but us lead foots like to go and will pay the extra doh. Recent Maximas have been really lacking in the go department, especially when a damn Accord has 270 HP!!. That is frigin sad. It would be so sweet to have a 350 HP Maxima. lol . like that will ever happen. hehe oh yeah. The +360HP 4door G8 GT comes out soon. Maxi-who?

..alright guys here's d buttom line for all u haters on maximas,,i have a 95 se maxima with 198,000mi and this car is loaded with technology that still works heated seat, ABS, power everything, moonroof, fog light, cd/cassate player, too cold AC, about 200hp, good economy, a mean it's like no other model/make of that year and even this year 2007, companies r keen with technology,,so d reason for d maxima lack of sale today,, is nissan fault of pricing and used of there technology,,to not make a fool of there customer/buyer in d 90's but to give it to them all for less. The maxima today is really the same car, with it's 13 year award winning VQ engine but more power, better luxury and different style this car should be a consumer best buy,,but people keep lookin at style/price. I will tell u a maxima reliability worth every pennie spend on it. Look at the history of a car, don't just buy a car because it's cheap or even overprice, what i mean is u got to play it far/safe, otherwise u will waste ur money on alot of cars that is over 40G and believe it or not wise it on cars that r as low as 17G..example name a GM/american non muscle car from the 90's that still on the road today, a few right, most of them don't even make it to 100,000mi odo,,,now think japanese/ german these r d cars worth spendin on,,of course nissan/infinite, honda/acura, toyota/lexus and vw/audi.

I agree that Nissan has the technology, but I find it pretty low key compared to others such as Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus. I also agree the VQ engine is a terrific engine, which is the reason I bought my car.

I am looking for more "4DSC" and less luxury in the Maxima; I think Infiniti can fill in the luxury part. I hope Nissan brings something out that revives that feeling that owners of previous Maxima's felt.

I am not thinking the car has to be the most powerful, but rather it handles well, good economy, good reliability, good power - not necessarily the top of everything since it would be out of it's price segment.

I do agree an option for a turbo charged Maxima would interesting and it would fit in with the Nissan tradition. Now if it could be mated up with their latest ATESSA-ETS, Super HICAS, and the developing area of active suspension...I know...dream on.

Nissan Maxima have a following unlike most cars. I am 29 years old have have owned 5 Nissan Maximas. An 89 GLE, a 95 SE, a 97 GLE, a 2001 GLE, and an 04 SE 3.5. Why do I keep buyint Maximas? I can get 4 doors, plenty of space, plenty of power, and enough luxury all in one car. Why do I need anything else?

After I bought by 01 GLE and let 2 friends drive it, they both went out and bought one. Then 2 of my exes bought one. I now know 10 people who own Maximas.

And I haven't even seen the 2009, but the day that it comes to the dealership will be the day that I buy one!

Meko:
A: """I own a 03 Max. Previously had a Grand Prix GTP. I bought the Max new and it has 73k on it now. Had several tranny probs while under warranty, but it has ran great the last 30k. Initially this car was a disappointment on performance and reliability, i know the GTP would have smoked it. Unless the 09 is very impressive, I will not buy another max. BTW Nissan should take a note from Pontiac. RWD and more power is FTW!! OMG the G8 GT is gonna own! Geez, they could always slap a Maxima label on a G37sedan (if there would ever be such a thing, another issue entirely). Toyota does basically the same thing with Lexus models."""

Are you a complete moron? Toyota doesn't rebadge any Lexus nor does Nissan with Infiniti's. With the exception of the IS, Lexus is rear-wheel drive and/or AWD. All TOYO's have been FWD until the latest Avalon. This goes for the Infiniti lineup vs Nissan as well. Infiniti M45, M35, G35 and now G37's are all RWD or AWD. NO FWD!!! Even in this article they said they wouldn't be putting a MAX as RWD as to not hurt G35 sales.
You can't compare a Pontiac to a Maxima. The GTP is full of hard plastic crap. Pontiac was even forced to pull their original commercial on the 0-60 times against same-class cars due to falsifying actual #'s.

A GTP would kill a Max? Are you kidding? They're both neck and neck and ALL reports have the Max at couple 10ths faster. That is, all the reports that are not Pontiac sponsored. And to think you own a Max.

Moron.

.....BIG MORON is more like it. It sounds like he's trying to downgrade Maxima's or it's foreign competitors instead of sharing his real world experience with the Nissan. Probably doesn't even own a Max.

Gota a Max with a 3.5 VQ. I've babied it with premuim gas. Its real good from a stop. Ran even with older G35s many times. The max should be upgraded though. We need to keep our go a little more than the others (gettin smoked by a Camry or an accord really sucks when I paid 3-5K more than them.) pleeeaaase Nissan.... gimme da 3.7 VQ in a max!! if i beg will ya do me some TURBO!!! ahahhahaha!!!

I expect nothing less than the following:

VQ35DE producing 285+ horsepower and 265+ lb-ft of torque
OR
VQ35HR producing 300+ horsepower and 270+ lb-ft of torque

RWD and no AWD (get a G35X)...a true 4DSC isn't bogged down by 400 lbs of unneccessary mechanical equipment. In the days of the 4DSC, the driver provided AWD-worthy handling...

6-speed manual with a better CVT-maybe featuring a normal and performance mode?

How about a 280+ horsepower turbocharged 3-litre diesel that gets north of 32 miles to a gallon on the highway? That would sure be fun...

To A:

Maybe a Pontiac can go a bit faster than the Maxima... that is if u can keep the Pontiac running. I work on both Pontiacs and Nissans... well mostly on Pontiacs, since I don't hardly have to work on Nissans at all, and I would never ever buy a Pontiac for this reason - too much work after 60k miles on the Pontiacs.

Can't wait for the new Maima tho

I have a 96 SE with ~ 180K miles. Still running well.. I am a supporter of Nissan. I am seeking to buy a new car in 2009. Hopefully in 09, Nissan will deliver a stylish car that competes with the best in the 30-40k sedan segment. Nissan should look for something to differentiate the 09 max. New exterior styling (similar to the the benz) will not be enough. Improved HP (around 300-325), modest fuel efficiency (perhaps with direct injection like the 08 CTS), key technical advances like variable-ratio steering (like the 2009 audi a4), and reliability should be strongly considered. Did I mention reliability? In the 90's the maxima's reputation was built around the performance and reliability of the VQ. Nissan should start with that for 09..

I took delivery of my 2007 SE Max in April. I drove the Altima as well and liked it but simply liked the Max better. The Altima has 15 more horses but frankly while driving I couldn't tell. Both cars have plenty of "get up and get out of the way power".

The CVT transmission takes some getting used to though. Keep waiting for a gear switch that never comes.

I bought my fully loaded 2007 Maxima SE in May 2007. I tried the Altima and they are not even close to same physical size. If you like feeling cramped, then buy the Altima. I'm sure it is fine if you don't have more than four passengers and don't mind hitting your passengers left elbow while driving.
As far as engine performance, they are almost identical. The Zero to 60 speed are within .1 or .2 difference.
The "older" Maxima cannot hold a candle to this model. Very solid car. My only complaint is the fuel mileage according to the onboard computer is not what I was hoping to get. Combined city/highway is 22 mpg. Hope this helps!

To Tyler:

If the driver in days gone by provided AWD worthy handling then you won't mind that Nissan keeps the Maxima FWD like in the days of the original 4DSC, since the Infinti G35 is RWD with AWD option (as you mentioned) and closer to the horsepower ratings you are looking for. I'd say you might want to look at a G35 with RWD and ~300 hp...

The idea of a diesel engine is interesting, but I'm not sure how many people would go for it.

I have owned several maximas; 87 GLE, 88 GXE, 89 SE, 90 SE, and a 98 SE. Except for the 98, I have owned all of the other maximas when they were all more then 10 years old when I had them. That speaks for itself, not many cars last more then 10 years. The only problems that I can say that I have had were, exhaust problems and power sterring problems, and that aint bad considering i never had to replace a engine, or a transmission. I recently purchased a 2008 Avalon, and i really did consider the Maxima. The Maxima does have a couple of options that the Avalon doesnt offer such as rear parking sensors, rear back up camera, power fold in mirrors,black on black color choice and heated rear seats, but I wasnt impressed by the accelleration and the fact that when they were parked beside the new Altimas, I could barely tell the difference. Back in the 90's, if u had a V6 Camry or Accord, you knew not to pic a fight with a maxima, but now,.. lets just say the camry offers 265 hp and the accord 270 hp ( Compared to the Maximas 255 Hp)! I'm a nissan and toyota fan, but as far as 2008, I think Toyota has the lead. However, all this talk about the 2009 Maxima definately has me antisapating the rebirth of the "4DSC". I think the maxima will reclaim its fame, but only time will tell

Well, i hope nissan reads these reviews, as we are the people who can make or break the next maxima. I agree with everyone in regards to th "4DSC", 300hp and maybe all wheel drive. I think nissan should look at what it did when it first introduced the max (datsun 810) smoked the doors off its competition and REAR WHEEL DRIVE should be the way. I own a 2006 nissan altima that I bought new and a 1992 nissan 240sx, out of both I love my 240sx because its rear drive,the altima has all my luxury stuff and i can fit my family with ease. i looked at the maxima first and then altima, both virtually identical the cost broke the deal, if the maxima had been rear drive I would have purchased it. This would clearly remove itself from the competition Camry, Accord if it went to the rear drive platform. I also believe in doing so would bring a lot of people to nissan as a car company that is built on excitement not on; we have found more ways to fit in 23 cup holders for your starbucks.

Well, i hope nissan reads these reviews, as we are the people who can make or break the next maxima. I agree with everyone in regards to th "4DSC", 300hp and maybe all wheel drive. I think nissan should look at what it did when it first introduced the max (datsun 810) smoked the doors off its competition and REAR WHEEL DRIVE should be the way. I own a 2006 nissan altima that I bought new and a 1992 nissan 240sx, out of both I love my 240sx because its rear drive,the altima has all my luxury stuff and i can fit my family with ease. i looked at the maxima first and then altima, both virtually identical the cost broke the deal, if the maxima had been rear drive I would have purchased it. This would clearly remove itself from the competition Camry, Accord if it went to the rear drive platform. I also believe in doing so would bring a lot of people to nissan as a car company that is built on excitement not on; we have found more ways to fit in 23 cup holders for your starbucks.

I owned Nissan since 1998, Nissan is probably the most powerful car in its class that I have ever owned.
I had a 1994 Honda for two years, this card works well but it was the most problematic car I had ever owned.
My 1998 Nissan Maxima works very good for a few years, I ended up buying a 2000 Nissan maxima se. Hands down it is the best car I ever drive compared to any other cars in its class. In 2003, I bought a 2004 Maxima Se and I must say it is the most disappointed experience I ever had with Nissan. I am in the process of looking for a new car; I was looking at a used BMW5 series. After I heard there will be a totally redesign Maxima, I am planning to hold off with my 04 maxima until the 2009 model arrives.
Nissan need to keep the Altima looking like an Altima and not like a Maxima. Consumer are spending big bucks trying to be at the different level than an Altima buyers and it is unfair for customers to spend $8,000 to $10,000 more for a Maxima when Altima looks the same. Come on Nissan don’t make maxima looking like Altima and don’t make maxima station wagon. 04-08 Maxima is the best looking car on the road in its class and don’t let anyone take that position. Camry is trying but the power is not there. Honda is trying, but it looks like a space ship with a lot of buttons on the dash and very inferior. I must say american cars are definitely getting better design but not sure on the quality and performance. If Nissan can come up with standard warranty with 100,000 miles or 5 years, I think they have the potential to take the lead on any manufacture. I would say all Nissan that I had ever owned went over a 100,000 miles without any problems.
I also own a BMW X5, it comes with 50,000 including all services and maintenance. This is a very good incentive to buy bmw, you go to the dealer for maintenance and don't have to pay a dime. Nissan need to come up with something like this and trust me with the style and design and reliability, they can definitely be the car of choice.

I only want 2 things in a car. reliability and PERFORMANCE! the rest of the crap is just fluff. Thats why I bought a Max. It had decent performace and a great record of reliability. To keep up with the market trend, Max is gonna need an upgrade. OMFG an accord has 270 HP now! not in 2009! by 2009 an accord may have 290! wtf!!! Nissan needs to bring in a new turbo variant of the VQ and boost the drive train warranty to 100K and 5 years.

I test drove a Maxima 5 years ago. The salesman told me to stomp the gas when the light turned green (I was turning left) - I almost lost control of the car. He was a little freaked out too. After that I would never consider a FWD Max. I've read articles about having too much power at the front wheels and there's truth to it. Those wheels can corner great or accelerate great, but probably not both at the same time.
Nissan has painted itself into a corner, I believe. You can get an engaging, cheap drive out of an Altima or get the real sport sedan deal from a used Infiniti G. Where does that leave the Max? I thought when Infiniti dropped the I30, the Max filled in nicely. But a true sport sedan it ain't and adding more hp won't help.
The Max. has got to continue to offer things (like wood that doesn't look like plastic and a heated steering wheel) that others in it's class doesn't. And it's got to be AWD.

First... there is no such thing as too much power. EVER thats like saying there is such a thing as too much money or too much sex. Its a matter of what you aspire to do with it. Sure FWD have torque steer around 270 HP/Torque, but you could save your leadfooting until you are moving a little. Try stomping it on the straight aways. RWD drive can lose control easy when you gas it in a turn. Yeah a AWD Max with 300+ HP would be spectacular. heck i would pay 30K for it too. A bored out VQ with a long stroke displacing 3.8-4.0 should do the job. I can't wait to see what they bring.

First... there is no such thing as too much power. EVER thats like saying there is such a thing as too much money or too much sex. Its a matter of what you aspire to do with it. Sure FWD have torque steer around 270 HP/Torque, but you could save your leadfooting until you are moving a little. Try stomping it on the straight aways. Even RWDs can lose control easy when you gas it in a turn. Yeah a AWD Max with 300+ HP would be spectacular. heck i would pay 30K for it too. A bored out VQ with a long stroke displacing 3.8-4.0 should do the job. I can't wait to see what they bring.

The 2009 Maxima should be like this:
AWD option
SE-R option w/ turbo pushing at least 300+HP w/ factory body kit
V6, V8 Engine option
Change it to RWD
2 dr coupe version
Now that is what you call a Maxima; Camry's, Accord's, TL's wouldn't even come close to it. Other car makers are puttin' in Hemi's and Turbo's and poor Maxima is just lagging behind. Come on Nissan, let's see the Maxima live up to it's name. Maxima is a very strong name and the name should fit the car, being a car like no other. It doesn't mean that you cvan raise the prices....LOL

Your Maxima Enthusiast,
Ty

The 2009 Maxima should be like this:
AWD option
SE-R option w/ turbo pushing at least 300+HP w/ factory body kit
V6, V8 Engine option
Change it to RWD
2 dr coupe version
Now that is what you call a Maxima; Camry's, Accord's, TL's wouldn't even come close to it. Other car makers are puttin' in Hemi's and Turbo's and poor Maxima is just lagging behind. Come on Nissan, let's see the Maxima live up to it's name. Maxima is a very strong name and the name should fit the car, being a car like no other. It doesn't mean that you cvan raise the prices....LOL

Your Maxima Enthusiast,
Ty

I have a 96 Max with 180k and only have replaced the starter last year! I also want to buy the new one in 09 since i like it so much. My car has been unreal. However, everyone keep in mind this isnt 1990 and gas is going way up and will remain before long just on Chinese demand alone over the next 7 years. 300hp is rediculous as mush as a 3.5L engine. Learn from the Europeans and the car should be a 3L now getting 28 in the city with innovation. The new max should have more to offer, but no more HP or heavy engines reminiscent of the early 80's guzzlers.
Nissan should improve its innovation and stay away from the pressure to be a muscle car with 4 doors coming from Japan.
just some thoughts.
steve

I have a 96 Max with 180k and only have replaced the starter last year! I also want to buy the new one in 09 since i like it so much. My car has been unreal. However, everyone keep in mind this isnt 1990 and gas is going way up and will remain before long just on Chinese demand alone over the next 7 years. 300hp is rediculous as mush as a 3.5L engine. Learn from the Europeans and the car should be a 3L now getting 28 in the city with innovation. The new max should have more to offer, but no more HP or heavy engines reminiscent of the early 80's guzzlers.
Nissan should improve its innovation and stay away from the pressure to be a muscle car with 4 doors coming from Japan.
just some thoughts.
steve

BLA BLA BLA.

If you want an econobox go buy a Prius, Civic, or something like that.

If the 2009 max has less than, or the same HP as an Accord / Camry I would not buy it. If it's slow it sucks. By 09 its gona take some serious grunt to sell'em. They will probably need around 300 HP because that is quickly becoming the standard for sporty sedans. Sure, gas may be 4.50 a gal by then, but that doesn't mean that i wanna get smoked by some granny car.

short story... slow max is a dead max.

Just returned from the Tokyo Autoshow. GM, Ford and Chrysler had a dismal showing - no surprise if it's not their market? Hmmm...I scooted past Nissan to see if they had a preview of the 2009 - here is what I found:

http://www.nissanintima.com/nissan-intima-pictures.html

Essentially a V6, V8 or diesel cross between an Avalon/Camry and a 745. Could this be the beginning or just the end of Max?

I forgot one item that could help out with the long range gas mileage; cylinder deactivation should be included for long cruise.

I sense a lot of people want to see something unique and of value the Maxima had in the past. I still stand by what I suggested as points to consider for the new Maxima.

I also attended the Tokyo Motor Show and the Nissan GT-R seemed to be pretty well the center of attention for Nissan. I hope some of the technology will filter through to other Nissan vehicles.

Thinking about it more, the diesel option for the Maxima could be interesting although people may not be warmed up to the idea at this time.

The next MAXIMA, huumm... Nissan will go back to it's roots. Just like the successfull A32~A33 chassi(s), the new gen. will be lighter, torquey, & fast "bottom line, peroid". I'll even say, that it could run mid. 12 's on the quater; knowing that CVT-X gen. 3 trans. will be introduce w/ high-tech carbon/boron chassi, and the sweet VQ series (bbBBRRUUU).
ALL, GM and Ford lovers, your manufactures are lazy buying technology, not passionate to the end-users, and greed for a quick return.I think, Henry Stude