It may be much worse than our darkest nightmares. I have no doubt that the ever-worsening overpopulation will gradually overwhelm our country's highway system (which is already in terrible shape in many places), and eventually, beginning with freeways, then spreading everywhere, cars will be controlled by computer. Steering, braking, acceleration, everything will be done by computer.

In some ways, we are doing it to ourselves. Mentally incompetent drivers think they can drive a vehicle at 70 MPH while talking on the phone, texting, checking their business papers, etc, etc, and continue to kill innocent folks left and right. That senseless and needless death toll is what will eventually mean the safety experts will have little choice but to take the pleasure of driving from everyone.

They will be proven correct that computers can do a safer job of driving than humans. But I am one who will miss the feeling of being 'captain of my ship.'

 

Not correct. Nissan has been reading scientific documents, and studying test results. They told us so back around 2002.

Any Physics major can verify that, all else being equal, a perfected tranny that does not have to shift in order to keep the RPMs in the 'sweet zone' will have better fuel efficiency and acceleration than a tranny that has shift points. Virtually all experts in Physics will agree to that.

Of course, the CVT has not yet been perfected as a tranny, while the manual has had almost a hundred years of development, and will never be much better than it already is.

Nissan decided to attempt to be on the cutting edge by concentrating on CVTs. Their earlier CVTs were not ready for prime time, and left many folks (like me) unimpressed. But this totally redesigned CVT on the '09 Maxima is much better. There are situations (such as in hilly country), where the manual will perform better, and still get better fuel efficiency. But as long as I am on fairly level ground, this CVT clearly beats the manuals I used to drive.

In deciding to develop the CVT, Nissan doubtlessly was considering the fact the internal combustion engine has probably peaked as the basic means of transportation, and we are going to see far more hybrids, electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles, etc, as time goes by, and the CVT will be a better tranny for those type vehicles.

I think this whole situation can be condensed to one sentence:

The manual tranny will probably never be much better than it currently is, while the CVT has quite a bit of yet untapped potential that will be reached through continued development.

 

No.

And sales will stink because of the fact this car has a terrible/useless rear seating area. This is "altima, type S"

4DSC - more like 2DSC with "flaps" in the back.

The car is based on the Altima chassis. It is not spacious. In fact, I've driven every 2009/2010 mid and large sedan, and the 10-Fusion and this have nearly the same room.

The car drives nice and is fun, but lets not be self-deceptive. Its not spacious.

 

First of all, the shifting part encompasses such a minute amount of time it's irrelevant in normal driving. The problem with the "sweet zone" is that it is different for economy and power. Low RPMs for economy, max torque for power.

Not much need for a manual tranny to get better!

Like I said, that is simply not my experience.

Like I said, Nissan's main concern was to save money. If the CVT was so great, why don't you se them on Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, M-Bs etc? The ultimate tranny is no tranny at all, like you see for some electric vehicles. I suspect because of the way the CVT works, wedging a chain between two wheels, there is more friction in the system than a regular transmission.

True! one of these days the CVT will be as efficient as a manual.

 

They all use SMGs if they are sporty, and who cares what fat-pig cars like Rolls or most of Mercedes Benz [non-AMG], which incidentally is a crap company, use. MB-AMG, SMG [2005 CLK GTR], Ferarri, SMG [2002 Ferrari Enzo]. Porsche [yes, even porsche! Hah, they have Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), Porsche’s double-clutch gearbox], BMW. SMG [M3].

The manual has long been deprecated by double clutch SMG. Its dead and gone and real racing circuits have been using it for years. CVT was banned by Formula because it was too good, so the double clutch SMG has taken its place. Heck, even the 2001+ Toyota MR2 had an SMT option.

The problem is "sports car" "enthusiasts" pretend they are Mario Andretti or Michael Schumacher and run around making car noises like this:

http://www.00fun.com/insanity.shtml

And they've been so out of touch with driving and driving technology [despite Car and Driver and Motor Trend trying like hell to educate the masses] that the marketing departments (certainly not engineering or race engineering) simply take over and build the crap people want, including crap like a legacy manual transmission. They get away with it because its both cheaper and buyers actually buy these antiques so some middle aged midlife crisis guy can get a throwback to his real, but long since gone, RWD stick based V8 Mustang or Camaro years past or some young buck who thinks he is speed racer who think they only real way to control a car is jack around with a stick.

There are some people for some insane reason who still want this, despite the advent of SMG and CVT.

I'd like to hear someone trying to tell Kimi Räikkönen, "hey, buddy, when you race, you really stink because you don't press a clutch pedal and you don't "feel the car" or have "real control.""

Hey, I really want a new car to have a crank start in the front so I can "feel" it when I'm starting! Screw these electric starter motors. In fact, a crank start is more rice/race because it saves weight!

Oh, and whats with the console shifter? I want the standard transmission with the column shifter, that's more manly, isn't it?

 

I want to mod my Max now!! I'm going to move the start button to the front bumper!!

 

Noob here. I am sure you can guess from my user name what year and color I bought. Got the 09 in Tuscan Sun with Charcoal interior, with Premium package. Only thing I have had done (and probably will do, since I am not a modder in the least) is some 35% tint on the windows.
Love the look of the car, and more importantly coming from an '07 Altima, I love the power and drive of this car. I'll try to post some pictures one of these days, casue looking around the forum, the Red is under represented and It looks pretty great (especially with some tint).

 

Well, I will sort of pass on this, because mickrussom has said everything I could say, plus a lot more that I would not have said to you because i feel you are a sincere fellow who is talking based on your experiences.

Besides, I really don't hate the manual. In fact, I find it sort of sad that a system (manual) I began using when moving tractor trailers around my uncle's trucking lot in 1944 will eventually disappear from all but retro-exotic cars. But, like mickrussom, I do understand the reasons for its demise.

 

You seem to carry a lot of hostility toward those with a different opion than yours. Are you a democrat, by any chance?

 

Discuss the cars, leave out the personal attacks or this thread will be locked down too. If you all want to "fight", go attack the Mazda guys or Hyundai forums.

 

So I picked up my 09 sv prem/tech white/charcoal yesterday. Very happy with the car great features.
Only Cons I have noticed so far:

Passenger side mirror doesn't dim looks weird when looking at the other mirrors at night.

Reverse Tilt Down feature does not work when window switch is left in neutral.

 

Welcome aboard.

I agree about the passenger side not dimming. Haven't figured out why they didn't.

The reverse tilt switch is by design so you can turn OFF the reverse tilt if you don't like/use/want that feature. I believe I actually read that in the owners manual.

 

thanks for the welcome, the dealer showed me how the tilt feature worked but didn't tell me it turns off when I put the mirror switch on neutral; when it didn't work after the dealership I thought it broke or something lols.

 

I just picked up a 2010 Slate Grey/Charcoal with Premium + Tech.
I love the car but have had it only 2 days.

The only problem I have found so far is with the Ipod interface. I have a 2nd generation Ipod touch. It plays great and then 25 minutes or so later loses connection. Multiple retrys at reconnected to the USB do not work.

It is only several hours later upon starting out on a new trip that it will recognize the Ipod through the USB interface.

This has happened 2 times so far.

 

Hi all. This is my fourth Nissan and my 17th car and all I can say is...I LOVE IT. I got the 2009 SV with the Sport Package. I lowered it in the first week and had the windows tinted...that's it for now.

I have 1000 miles on it now and can honestly say there isn't a thing I don't like about it. It rides great, the upgraded leather is awesome, it's fast and doesn't look like anything else on the road today. Nissan hit a homer with this one.

 

I've previously owned an 08 Altima coupe before totaling it. I have to say... The Maxima is tighter than the coupe in terms of seat space for the driver. The steering column is very weirdly shaped and placed. I have to lower my seat to the LOWEST to get in the car

 

Picked Up my 2010 premium tech yesterday and I have already put 60miles on it from just driving about NYC and not wanting to get out of the car (heck, I just volunteered to go pick up some grocery for the wife).
What do I think? from someone who isnt by any means an expert on cars and coming from an 04 maxima, here are my observations.


Cons - It feels tight compared to my SL. i am 6" 2 and the drivers seat is fully extended. (not complaining, cos i am not planning to seat behind the drivers seat any time.

The Bose Sound System - Cant put my fingers around it, but doesn't feel like the premium sound in the bmw i test drove. Still trying to get the right output otherwise i am open to after market speakers (recommendations welcome)

PROs -
- After lurking on the forums for 1yr and reading all the arguments for and against the cvt, all I can say is I found the car to be responsive to my meagre needs and delivering the right amount of power. And the ds mode was sporty enough for me.

- The turning radius is in a completely diff league from my 04 maxima.

- the car feels light and nimble (granted i have taken it up to 70mph, so i wont make a judgement about its freeway handling.

- The toys in the car are awesome, and i am still trying to understand them.

All I can say is after cross-shopping for a bmw 5-series and the maxima, bang for the buck, I am glad I made this choice.

 

rreeddblack10 - I would say welcome to the ORG, but since you have been lurking here since the Bush administration, I'll skip that.

I'm glad you noticed the greatly improved turning radius. That was big for me. I also use the heated steering wheel much of the year. In fact, I used it today, and I live south of Atlanta. It will stay on most of the time until late April or early May. I used the air conditioned driver's seat all summer long.

I loaded dozens of CDs onto my Music Box, and it is so nice to always have exactly the music I want, but never have to have CDs in the car. I used the power operated back window screen all summer. I have grown to love the CVT, but understand it will take drivers who put more importance on driving fun than on efficiency a long time (if ever) to readjust their thinking away from their love for manuals and automatics.

Like you, I noticed the 7th gen Maxima is not quite as roomy as my '04, but with the new coke-bottle styling, that is to be expected. There is indeed not a lot of headroom up front. But I am barely 5'11", so have no real problem with this.

I definitely love my 7th gen Maxima, and it makes long trips such a breeze.

Keep us informed as you find things of interest with your new ride.

 

Thanks lightonthehill,
I definitely would be hanging around and posting my experience. The heated steering is also a feature i cant do without in any car.
And what is the sound, coming from the engine when you shutdown. Sounds like some turbo spool winding down I know it is not turbo, but that was the 1st impression I got.)

 

I had the same problem with my iPhone, except the disconnects happened almost constantly.

Eventually I got so frustrated I jammed the USB plug in backwards by accident (which should be extremely difficult to do!), and it broke.

The USB port always felt kinda cheap and loose. I brought it back to the dealer and finally after 2 weeks they have figured out what part to order...

 

That is a good description of what we hear. I call that 'The Sigh.' Mine sounds like a person signing. Every time it does this (it usually happens when I have just turned the engine off), my wife mocks it with a big sigh of her own, and then I also let our a sigh. And then we smile at each other.

As to what it is, nobody here seems absolutely sure. Maybe the CVT? The good thing is that it is on all 7th gen Maximas, which means it is not a problem. Just tell your friends it is the supercharger winding down.

 

Ok I have had my Darke Slate 2009 SV Sport + Tech for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love the car. The Maxima really is a big step above the 2007 2.5S Altima which I am coming from even though they are based on the same platform. There are so many things I like about the car but I won't list all those.

But here is the one thing I have found that bothers me and it is a stretch to find something wrong with the car. I find that the turn signal indicators on the dash are hard to see sometimes because they get blocked by the speedometer needle.

 

Well,

I hate to admit my response was a bit tongue-in-cheek! Nevertheless, if the CVT is so great, why didn't Nissan put it in the GT-R?
The so-called advantages of a CVT is insignificant in daily driving, unless you are racing, and I think we can all agree the Maxima is not much of a race car. I have had a lot of opportunity to drive my friend's car, and I definitely like it. I just wish Nissan had not eliminated some of the nice things, like the cruise set indicator, the double sunshades from the '04-05, and I do like the outside temperature display on the screen on my '06. I just happen to need a manual for my application, and I still wish Nissan hadn't taken the easy way out--they would have sold more manual Maximas than they will sell GT-Rs.

 

I REALLY don't think CVT was the easy way out... in fact, in my opinion, a manual would have been the easy way. Safely floor it beyond the 'stopper' and how can you say any tranny is better? it just hangs in the sweet spot till you tell it to lay off! Yes, i misss shifting and the control of a manual, but crap, this cvt is rediculous. It sure knows how to play with my emotions...

 

Well, I assume you are saying that with tongue-in-cheek, since the CVT is EXACTLY the tranny Nissan put in the GT-R.


As for the Maxima, it is promoted as a limited production (probably won't sell 50K of them this year) near-luxury, sporty, four door FAMILY sedan, and we all know folks (most of us have them in our extended family) who do NOT drive manuals. Nissan chose their tranny very wisely. Manual Maximas stopped selling in meaningful numbers over a decade ago.

 

Light, the GT-R has a dual clutch 6-speed transmission.

I do love the CVT. It helps you get great gas mileage and works better than any automatic. I understand how others can miss the manual. Shifting the gears yourself is a fun experience and makes you feel more in sync with the car. Not to mention the fact that it gives you a larger degree of control.

 

I'm not sure where you're getting your facts, but as the above poster said the tranny in the GT-R is a manual with automatic dual clutch shifting.
What I hate to see is Nissan taking the easy way out, and just cater to the "majority". This is the approach Detroit took, and we got crap as a result. If Nissan keep going on this trend, they will lose the entusiast crowd. The key is to let people have a choice, and believe it or not, there are plenty of folks out there who would love to actually interact with a car, and not be a passive participant in the driving experience.
I can see why ypou would want an auto, but if you got what you wanted in a car, why should I not have what I, and a lot of others, want?
I will trade in my 2006 in a minute if I could get a new Maxima with a manual, but if I have to get an automatic, I'd rather have a Honda Odyssey--the Honda nav system is much better!

 

I obviously looked at the wrong place for my info; the official Nissan brochure the dealers display and distribute for the GT-R. I quote from that official Nissan GT-R brochure for the '09 GT-R:

[QUOTE] 'XTRONIC CVT - Smooth and powerful, the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is the best of both worlds. And it took Nissan engineers to develop a CVT that could handle powerful engines. But that's no surprise. That's the kind of engine we love to make.' [END QUOTE]

But Consumer Reports agrees with you (and with Boone), saying 'a six speed AUTOMATED manual gearbox that is very jerky when driving at parking lot speeds.'

I don't know how to match the Nissan description with the CU description, unless the GT-R has a CVT that is set up so that the driver thinks he is driving a manual. At any rate, a tranny that is very jerky at ANY speed is not right for the Maxima.

But we come to the REAL world and see that Nissan only offers ONE tranny in the GT-R and ONE tranny in the Maxima. Why? Because it is inefficient in many ways to offer more than one tranny in a low volume vehicle. And the near-luxury Maxima is definitely now a low-volume vehicle. This is especially true when a manual tranny option was offered on the Maxima when it was still a HIGH volume vehicle, and the dealers despised them, because they couldn't sell them.

In very tough economic times (and Nissan was having tough economic times even BEFORE this depression), Nissan would have been insanely foolish to try to have a manual version of a vehicle they will have trouble selling 50k of.

As I have said here dozens of times over the past three years:

NISSAN DID NOT DROP THE MANUAL MAXIMA; THE PUBLIC DID.

End of story.

 

I think we have to put this discussion in perspective. While the vast majority of owners on this board can be considered enthusiasts, we are very much the minority when it comes to Maxima owners. I'm sure everyone here has seen Maxima owners who are just looking for a good sized sedan that is reliable enough to get them from point A to point B on a daily basis. End of story. These are the same people who looked at Accords and Camrys but managed to find a better deal on a Maxima. Many of us will look at the Maxima first and only if we can't get one that suits us or there is a much better deal out there will we go somewhere else. Nissan has to target the majority with the Maxima. Otherwise, there will not be a Maxima. That is a sad thought in and of itself. It would be great if there was a Maxima for the manual transmission crowd. Sadly, the current economic times prohibit Nissan from making one available.

 

Interestingly enough, another friend of ours just bought herself a Maxima. Same car, except in WInter Frost with Cafe latte interior. She got the Premium/tech package as well. Second widow in a Maxima! If Maximas don't sell, it's not the fault of San Antonio!

 

Add the Tech package, and she has MY car.

Like Boone said, the economic pinch is really squeezing auto manufacturers, and they can no longer throw in extra 'bones' such as a manual for enthusiasts like they often did in the old days.

Nissan has good manuals, and tried very hard to keep building manual Maximas. Unfortunately, buyers stopped buying manual Maximas around six years ago, so dealers stopped accepting manual Maximas about five years ago, and Nissan stopped building them about four years ago. Lot space is usually very limited, and Nissan now produces 15? 16? Who knows how many different Nissan vehicle lines the dealers now have to make room for?

We may not like it, but we will probably be losing more option choices with our Maximas as Nissan adds more vehicle lines, such as electric cars, hybrids, diesels, etc.

 

I guess you missed she has the Premium/Tech package! And both friends are little old grannies, so the CVT suits them well!

Unfortunately, once the bottom line start to get more important than customers, Nissan may go the way of Detroit. I have long said, Japanese car makers build cars to please their customers, Detroit builds cars to please their stockholders. If they really wanted to please those of us who prefer a manual, they could set up special order. I would even pay list to get the car my way. But realistically, I'll have to keep the 2006 we just bought until it falls apart, 250,000 miles from now, and then I'll be too old to care!

 

I went through such a phase many times. Like when my favorite gas brand disappeared. And my favorite tire brand. And soft drink brand. And shaving cream brand. And aftershave brand. And candy brand. And shoe brand. And cookie brand. And lip balm brand. And even car brand. Over the last sixty years, all have disappeared into the mists of time gone by.

But each time they take something from me, I hurt awhile, then find something to take its place. I have learned that we children who grew up during the depression are pretty good at getting by with whatever we have. Not thriving, but getting by. Bring on the CVT! Sticks and stones may break my bones, but CVTs will never hurt me.

 

Unfortunately, I can't use the CVT, so it's not an option!

 

YES! And love it. i know the CVT is weird to but if you have a boat/seadoo/snowmobile you can get used to it. The paddle shifters are great I wish my Titan had them. Use them for evasive moves and passing.

 

I noticed that as well the day I drove it home- You'll get used to it. It was poor placement, especially since the left arrow falls directly behind the needle when it's at around 55-60.

 

hello im new not to forums but to this one
me and my dad bought a 2009 maxima about 3 weeks ago
its super black with sport+tech package
it was a purchase and reason why we picked 09 is because of the 0%financing

excuse pic quality using iphone

 

I hope dear old dad will let you take this baby on dates. Driving up in this beauty would give you an unfair advantage.
The poor girl would be wowed off her feet.

 

haha well my dad does let me drive it, and my girlfriend does really like the car i wouldn't say it swept her off her feet.and i must say it drives quite nice compared to my mazda 3...which is gone now.

 

Just picked up my 2010 White Max with Sport/Tech package, haven't encountered anything I don't like yet.