Rented a Maxima... What did you cross shop against?
02-21-2017, 03:10 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 18
Rented a Maxima... What did you cross shop against?
Hey Guys,
I rented a 2016 Maxima SV and was completely impressed.
I haven't driven a car this fun in years. So eager, so peppy. Tire shredding from a dead stop, the 40-90mph roll on is VERY impressive.
Where are the legit reviews on this car? It goes, has a super nice interior... and the gas mileage... I averaged 26mph city and highway combined, and I was driving this car like a sports car.
I'm also a former 370Z owner, so I'm pretty sure my impression of this 2016 Maxima is valid.
What did you guys cross shop against?
I am looking at the 2014-2015 Q50 3.7L AWD and the 2014+ Cadillac ATS 3.6L AWD.
My choice for the Maxima would be the SL or SR trim.
Also as a note to Nissan, maybe 4DSC has morphed into 4DLSS ..and I'm fine with that!!!
(4 door Luxury Sport Sedan)
I rented a 2016 Maxima SV and was completely impressed.
I haven't driven a car this fun in years. So eager, so peppy. Tire shredding from a dead stop, the 40-90mph roll on is VERY impressive.
Where are the legit reviews on this car? It goes, has a super nice interior... and the gas mileage... I averaged 26mph city and highway combined, and I was driving this car like a sports car.
I'm also a former 370Z owner, so I'm pretty sure my impression of this 2016 Maxima is valid.
What did you guys cross shop against?
I am looking at the 2014-2015 Q50 3.7L AWD and the 2014+ Cadillac ATS 3.6L AWD.
My choice for the Maxima would be the SL or SR trim.
Also as a note to Nissan, maybe 4DSC has morphed into 4DLSS ..and I'm fine with that!!!
(4 door Luxury Sport Sedan)
02-21-2017, 06:07 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
I'm not up on the reviews, which were mostly done when the 8th gen 2016 Maxima came out in summer of 2015. I believe the 2017 is the same as the 2016 except for the addition of carplay.
I do recall that Motor Week chose the 2016 Maxima as their Four Door Sports Car of the Year. They said that Nissan 's new CVT in the Maxima is the best they have driven, and overcomes their concerns about CVT performance.
I know I love my 2016 Platinum, and find every excuse I can to pull it out of the garage and motor down the road.
Don't forget that dealers are an important factor in being a happy car owner. I love my Nissan dealer, and the folks there treat me like royalty. But some here on this site have not been as lucky with their dealer. Spend a little time at your dealer, and make sure it is a place you would feel reasonably comfortable working with. My Maxima is 18 months old, and I have only been to the dealership to have the black optional rear valence diffuser added and an oil change (free).
I do recall that Motor Week chose the 2016 Maxima as their Four Door Sports Car of the Year. They said that Nissan 's new CVT in the Maxima is the best they have driven, and overcomes their concerns about CVT performance.
I know I love my 2016 Platinum, and find every excuse I can to pull it out of the garage and motor down the road.
Don't forget that dealers are an important factor in being a happy car owner. I love my Nissan dealer, and the folks there treat me like royalty. But some here on this site have not been as lucky with their dealer. Spend a little time at your dealer, and make sure it is a place you would feel reasonably comfortable working with. My Maxima is 18 months old, and I have only been to the dealership to have the black optional rear valence diffuser added and an oil change (free).
02-22-2017, 04:15 AM
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 42
When I was in market for a new car, I was dead set on getting a luxury car with performance. Initially, Maxima was not in my list. I was looking for Lexus ES, Acura TLX and Charger V8. I saw one of these on road and went into nissan dealership to check it out and was impressed, While it is not as fast as a V8 charger or any real performance car, it is fun to drive. Plus the interior was absolutely gorgeous and price was too good for me to pass up. For me Q50 is also a good choice if you value the all wheel drive. To this day, I love my maxima and never looked back.
02-22-2017, 07:17 AM
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 47
Drove the Chrysler 300, Buick Regal GS, Kia Optima SX-L, Infiniti Q50, Audi A4, and a few other oddities. Wanted AWD, but the Maxima blew me away so much that I decided I didn't "need" it. Haven't regretted it.
(except for Android Auto)
(except for Android Auto)
02-22-2017, 01:19 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 18
I just drove a 2015 Q50 3.7L back to back with a Maxima SR... I have to say I prefer the Maxima.. 
The 3.7L has more power and more mid range, but is not as quick to react as the Maxima.
Some Stats:
2014-2015 Q50 7A AWD
3.7L VQ-Series
328hp 269tq
0-60 5.2, 1/4 mile 13.9 @102
30-50mph 3.4
50-70 3.8
2016-2017 Maxima CVT FWD
3.5L VQ-Series
300hp 261tq
0-60 5.8, 1/4 mile 14.3 @ 102
30-50mph 3.1
50-70 3.8
Whats really interesting is that the maxima is faster from a roll on 30-50mph and 50-70mph is even.
Very comparable numbers. I think the performance gap could be closed a bit with a K&N Filter, Y-Pipe, Axleback and a tune when UpRev releases one
The 3.7L has more power and more mid range, but is not as quick to react as the Maxima.
Some Stats:
2014-2015 Q50 7A AWD
3.7L VQ-Series
328hp 269tq
0-60 5.2, 1/4 mile 13.9 @102
30-50mph 3.4
50-70 3.8
2016-2017 Maxima CVT FWD
3.5L VQ-Series
300hp 261tq
0-60 5.8, 1/4 mile 14.3 @ 102
30-50mph 3.1
50-70 3.8
Whats really interesting is that the maxima is faster from a roll on 30-50mph and 50-70mph is even.
Very comparable numbers. I think the performance gap could be closed a bit with a K&N Filter, Y-Pipe, Axleback and a tune when UpRev releases one
Last edited by Dub Jones; 02-22-2017 at 01:59 PM.
02-22-2017, 03:59 PM
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 68
Owned a 2013 Volvo S60 T5 for 3 years. First looked at a 2015 Mazda 6. Started paying attention to the Maxima when the 2016 redesign came on the market.
Over time researched Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Honda Civic, Lexus 350 (used 2014).
Dismissed the two Acura sedans after briefly considering them. (They weren't even close to kind of car that would excite me. Others may disagree.) Ditto on Toyota Camry. (Drove a new loaner while my Volvo was in the shop & couldn't believe the cheap and poorly designed interior.) The Honda Accord and Subaru sedan get high marks from car reviewers; the Hyundai's fare well, too. However, the Honda & Subaru both lacked the fun factor I was looking for and the Hyundai's weren't in the same class.
Came back to the Nissan Maxima, bought an SL with 7000 miles on it, and LOVE it. May be the all-around best car I've ever owned.
Hope this helps.
Over time researched Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Honda Civic, Lexus 350 (used 2014).
Dismissed the two Acura sedans after briefly considering them. (They weren't even close to kind of car that would excite me. Others may disagree.) Ditto on Toyota Camry. (Drove a new loaner while my Volvo was in the shop & couldn't believe the cheap and poorly designed interior.) The Honda Accord and Subaru sedan get high marks from car reviewers; the Hyundai's fare well, too. However, the Honda & Subaru both lacked the fun factor I was looking for and the Hyundai's weren't in the same class.
Came back to the Nissan Maxima, bought an SL with 7000 miles on it, and LOVE it. May be the all-around best car I've ever owned.
Hope this helps.
02-22-2017, 05:23 PM
#9
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 189
Crossed shop vs 2016 honda accord sedan and chose Honda due to android auto. Big mistake as the accord underperformed and sold to relative and found 2016 precert maxima s w 15k miles. It cMe with leather seating. Love this monster.
Ian B
Ian B
02-22-2017, 07:32 PM
#10
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 11
Test drove a 2016 Passat SEL Premium. The car rode nice but was terribly underpowered in comparison. The VW infotainment was VASTLY better than the crap in the Maxima but the way the Maxima rode and the power won me over. Plus the looks are so much better.
02-23-2017, 11:52 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,869
So you had a 500 dollar phone dictate what car you bought?( a 40,000 dollar purchase?) I am not surprised at this. We just bought a different phone and that solved any issues we had. I would agree that Niisan might have wanted to get more compatibility with the main phones out there earlier. There was no hope for us with our old windows phone in that regard. Our new Andriod phone set us back 100 bucks (a ZTE 958) and it works like a champ.
02-23-2017, 02:25 PM
#12
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 189
So you had a 500 dollar phone dictate what car you bought?( a 40,000 dollar purchase?) I am not surprised at this. We just bought a different phone and that solved any issues we had. I would agree that Niisan might have wanted to get more compatibility with the main phones out there earlier. There was no hope for us with our old windows phone in that regard. Our new Andriod phone set us back 100 bucks (a ZTE 958) and it works like a champ.
It was not the phone itself but rather the built in android auto w car stereo. It was one of those live and learn lessons. Funny thing now is Android Auto works on any bluetooth car stereo wirelessly.
Ian B
03-23-2017, 05:00 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,099
I cross-shopped Malibu and Impala! As soon as I saw the Maxima SL in person it was love at first sight. Screw the premium fuel. Everything I need or want and more. You may find this a little funny but I actually wanted the CVT. Have one in my '07 Altima and we get along just fine.
02-22-2018, 03:20 PM
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Mass
Posts: 48
i'm a little late on this thread but...
drove a wrx, charger rt, regal gs...those were the only 3 i thought were sporty looking and powerful enough to even consider....the maxima interior absolutely destroyed the wrx and charger.....and the rear wheel drive pretty much eliminated the charger....i really liked the regal and awd but the fam said that was for old people, lol...wrx ride was extremely harsh and just not as nice looking as the maxima in my opinion...went to the new england auto show and sat in EVERYTHING and the maxima interior was as nice or nicer than just about ever car there...even those that cost many thousands more
drove a wrx, charger rt, regal gs...those were the only 3 i thought were sporty looking and powerful enough to even consider....the maxima interior absolutely destroyed the wrx and charger.....and the rear wheel drive pretty much eliminated the charger....i really liked the regal and awd but the fam said that was for old people, lol...wrx ride was extremely harsh and just not as nice looking as the maxima in my opinion...went to the new england auto show and sat in EVERYTHING and the maxima interior was as nice or nicer than just about ever car there...even those that cost many thousands more
02-22-2018, 03:23 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,099
i'm a little late on this thread but...
drove a wrx, charger rt, regal gs...those were the only 3 i thought were sporty looking and powerful enough to even consider....the maxima interior absolutely destroyed the wrx and charger.....and the rear wheel drive pretty much eliminated the charger....i really liked the regal and awd but the fam said that was for old people, lol...wrx ride was extremely harsh and just not as nice looking as the maxima in my opinion...went to the new england auto show and sat in EVERYTHING and the maxima interior was as nice or nicer than just about ever car there...even those that cost many thousands more
drove a wrx, charger rt, regal gs...those were the only 3 i thought were sporty looking and powerful enough to even consider....the maxima interior absolutely destroyed the wrx and charger.....and the rear wheel drive pretty much eliminated the charger....i really liked the regal and awd but the fam said that was for old people, lol...wrx ride was extremely harsh and just not as nice looking as the maxima in my opinion...went to the new england auto show and sat in EVERYTHING and the maxima interior was as nice or nicer than just about ever car there...even those that cost many thousands more
02-22-2018, 03:56 PM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 86
I'm not up on the reviews, which were mostly done when the 8th gen 2016 Maxima came out in summer of 2015. I believe the 2017 is the same as the 2016 except for the addition of carplay.
I do recall that Motor Week chose the 2016 Maxima as their Four Door Sports Car of the Year. They said that Nissan 's new CVT in the Maxima is the best they have driven, and overcomes their concerns about CVT performance.
I know I love my 2016 Platinum, and find every excuse I can to pull it out of the garage and motor down the road.
Don't forget that dealers are an important factor in being a happy car owner. I love my Nissan dealer, and the folks there treat me like royalty. But some here on this site have not been as lucky with their dealer. Spend a little time at your dealer, and make sure it is a place you would feel reasonably comfortable working with. My Maxima is 18 months old, and I have only been to the dealership to have the black optional rear valence diffuser added and an oil change (free).
I do recall that Motor Week chose the 2016 Maxima as their Four Door Sports Car of the Year. They said that Nissan 's new CVT in the Maxima is the best they have driven, and overcomes their concerns about CVT performance.
I know I love my 2016 Platinum, and find every excuse I can to pull it out of the garage and motor down the road.
Don't forget that dealers are an important factor in being a happy car owner. I love my Nissan dealer, and the folks there treat me like royalty. But some here on this site have not been as lucky with their dealer. Spend a little time at your dealer, and make sure it is a place you would feel reasonably comfortable working with. My Maxima is 18 months old, and I have only been to the dealership to have the black optional rear valence diffuser added and an oil change (free).
Last edited by candt; 02-22-2018 at 04:03 PM.
02-22-2018, 04:54 PM
#18
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 221
I pulled up the MotorWeek video review of this car and gave it a watch, and saw something I have never seen before. At one point in the video, they show the sport mode guages (oil pressure and gear oil temp), and the oil pressure guage was very low. I have only ever seen mine at about half. Just something I noticed. I was unable though to find the article you referenced about Motor Week naming it their Four Door Sports Car of the Year.
02-22-2018, 05:01 PM
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 86
candt, found this article where MotorWeek in 2016 named the Maxima its Best Sport Sedan: http://www.motorweek.org/auto_news/t...-2016-volvo-xc
02-26-2018, 06:38 AM
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 58
02-26-2018, 08:48 PM
#22
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Posts: 3,751
I just drove a 2015 Q50 3.7L back to back with a Maxima SR... I have to say I prefer the Maxima..
The 3.7L has more power and more mid range, but is not as quick to react as the Maxima.
Some Stats:
2014-2015 Q50 7A AWD
3.7L VQ-Series
328hp 269tq
0-60 5.2, 1/4 mile 13.9 @102
30-50mph 3.4
50-70 3.8
2016-2017 Maxima CVT FWD
3.5L VQ-Series
300hp 261tq
0-60 5.8, 1/4 mile 14.3 @ 102
30-50mph 3.1
50-70 3.8
Whats really interesting is that the maxima is faster from a roll on 30-50mph and 50-70mph is even.
Very comparable numbers. I think the performance gap could be closed a bit with a K&N Filter, Y-Pipe, Axleback and a tune when UpRev releases one
The 3.7L has more power and more mid range, but is not as quick to react as the Maxima.
Some Stats:
2014-2015 Q50 7A AWD
3.7L VQ-Series
328hp 269tq
0-60 5.2, 1/4 mile 13.9 @102
30-50mph 3.4
50-70 3.8
2016-2017 Maxima CVT FWD
3.5L VQ-Series
300hp 261tq
0-60 5.8, 1/4 mile 14.3 @ 102
30-50mph 3.1
50-70 3.8
Whats really interesting is that the maxima is faster from a roll on 30-50mph and 50-70mph is even.
Very comparable numbers. I think the performance gap could be closed a bit with a K&N Filter, Y-Pipe, Axleback and a tune when UpRev releases one
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.3 sec
Zero to 140 mph: 28.0 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.3 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.5 sec @ 104 mph