Let me say first that this is the best car money can buy when features, price, performance and outrageously good looks are factored in.

To totally obliterate any competition, Nissan should do the following:

Tighten the steering for more on center feel and better tracking in windy conditions.

The "vibrations" that are mentioned may be partially the fed in engine noise...lose about 40% of that at lower speeds.

Reprogram the CVT to eliminate the lag from 20-30 mph in first gear.

Make options seperate as opposed to packages. Seriously, wouldn't more people buy if they can get a car exactly as they want it?

Increase visibility with a slightly lower beltline resulting in a larger area under glass. Keep the basic shape and lines.

Put better tires on the Sport Pkg and tweak the exhaust and intake for about 310 HP to seperate the Sport from others..then price it reasonably but sell it in limited numbers. This is a entry level luxury car that performs and handles well, not a 4DSC. That would be the G35/37.

 

Agree with you about making the steering better. This is NOT a sports sedan.

Never felt the vibration or noticed any lag.

I would:

Make the cooled seat and double panel sunroof available on the Sport package.

Make the stereo decent with more adjustments, such as mid. Regrettably the stereo brings down the otherwise brilliant tech package.

Other than that, this car is brilliant.

 

The fact that there's not a 6 speed manual transmission absolutely kills it for me. 4 door sports car? not quite

 

Yeah. That's what we are saying. It isn't a sports car. The G35/37 and the Z fill that market. It is a flagship entry level luxury vehicle that does many things well.

In my opinion, it is not the type of car that should have a manual transmission. It would be like a golf cart with pedals for propulsion. There are many alternative choices that are a better fit for a manual transmission than this car.

The FWD is another factor in the equation. A manual would be...well..strange? It is a lot of things..it isn't a sports car though.

 

All you could do is turn it into an M3. Throw a V8 in it, AWD or RWD and make the tech package standard on the SV model without charging for it.

BUT its meant to be a 30k FWD good gas economy car and it does all those things. I'm not sure how you could make it "better".

The price would have to get into the 40's to see any big performance gains and then it will be overpriced.

 

I have to agree. I have the 05 SL and I purchased it for the luxury aspects the performance that it has is a bonus.

 

I was thinking of just taking the 370Z and stretching it out, like BMW with their M3 and M5 right? Then give it the amenities it needs to qualify for a sedan(ride quality/comfort,) and leave the performance settings alone. Last, borrow the cutting-edge technology from infiniti(around-view monitor, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, studio on wheels, folding mirrors(really set the car apart when it was introduced) 4WAS, rev matching/synchrorev, this list can go on.

I think the most import thing Nissan should also add is the Elite Package. That really wasn't a bad idea for sportiness.

There you have it, your 4DSC without 4DSC dreams. Nissan should really pay attention to these forums.

 

i couldn't disagree more, every generation of maxima has been available with a manual transmission. the maxima's not a sports car as most would categorize one, but it's definitely a sporty car and to not at least offer a manual transmission is ridiculous. if you opt to get an automatic out of personal preference that's fine but to not even have it as an option on a supposed sports car is stupid. i've owned every generation of maxima from 3rd gen to my current 5.5. not to sound cliche, but having a standard transmission makes you feel more connected with the car and gives a much more rewarding experience when driving spiritedly and helps reinforce the "sports car" aspect of things.
i don't see where u get that from, there are a tremendous amount of FWD cars with manual transmission and like i said every gen maxima has been available with a standard transmission up until the '07 6th gen. i don't see why it'd be considered strange to offer the maxima standard but not to bat an eye at a 3.5 altima with a manual. i don't care if the CVT is more efficient or smoother or faster, it doesn't know how to have fun and a sequential manual transmission(paddle shifter) in a car sucks, i'm not riding a motorcycle. the sole reason why my next car won't be a maxima is due to lack of manual transmission and that sucks because it would have been my 5th maxima, i'm looking more towards Acura TL type S now.

 

What you're describing already exists in the Infiniti G37 sport sedan. Same FM platform powered by a VQ37VHR with many of the luxury amenities you're looking for. There's also a six-speed manual option, AWD and the list goes on.

The Maxima has performance and luxury that stands on its own. For the niche and price point, there's nothing better. If you want to go beyond that, fine- Nissan/Infiniti has a product to fit!

 

i'm not riding a motorcycle. the sole reason why my next car won't be a maxima is due to lack of manual transmission and that sucks because it would have been my 5th maxima, i'm looking more towards Acura TL type S now.

Why not a G35/37 if you would buy a manual Maxima? It doesn't get any closer than a G. Again, this is opinion. The Maxima has grown out of the manual by being a heavier, more luxury oriented FWD. The weight and size difference are noticeable... almost 400 lbs since 2002.

When was the last manual Maxima? 2006? So, it's not a new thing..it hasn't been offered for 3 model years. It's a big, smooth and quiet car that I can't associate with a manual transmission. Not saying you are wrong, just stating what I feel when I drive it. I do "get" it and understand your frustration but there are much better options out there than a manual Maxima.

Nissan's insistence on the 4DSC billing is missing the mark, imo. And if the company wants that image, you are correct. It should have been offered with a manual.

If I were 30 years younger a G35 would be my choice.

 

. i need something i can drive year round, Winter in NY is a pain, and if i were to shell out the cash for a G37 i'd feel like i cheated myself if i didn't get the 6 speed sport coupe, and that's not practical for me now. to be fair though, with what they're asking for a new maxima, it makes sense to just step up to an infiniti.

 

The deals on the remaining 2008 G35s are pretty staggering. I think you can get one under 30k if not too greedy with options. Manuals are hard to find even on G35s sedans. Edmunds has a check inventory feature that is handy. You probably knew that...being retired , I just sit around and look stuff up...

Off topic..I looked at the new incentives for January on Edmunds today and I don't think GM wants to sell any cars. The rebates were better on my 2004 Alero than they have on full sized Buicks, etc.

 

agree with most of the suggest improvements on future maxima models years, but would like to add my own wish list on small minor things to keep the car fresh and more competitive against its luxury division competition!!

fog light on and cruise control on indicator light in instrument cluster, mood lighting to include front foot wells and rear foot wells, heated rear seats on the premium package - similar to the elite package Nissan had a few years ago, illuminated homelink controls in rearview mirror and illuminated moonroof controls at night, light in cubby underneath center console armrest, premium leather standard on all SV models, xenon high beams, better cargo net, heated/cooled features for both front seats on premium package, and White LED License Plate Lights

 

We are adding to the cost of the car with every one of those options. That being said, I do like (and would use) almost every one you have listed. Maybe a 'Premium Plus' package?

 

The lack of a fog light indicator on the dash bugs me. My car already has the cruise control on indicator - it only turns on when the system is active, not when a speed is set.

I'm not sure about backlit Homelink buttons. There are times when I would like it, but I wonder about them interfering with night vision and being distracting.

 

I would really like this one...used to have it in my old 300M (may she rest in peace or is it pieces) and it is great. Currently, at night, I have adopted the "LightOnTheHill" method (A technique Light mentioned back a year or so ago.) "Mash all the buttons with the palm of your hand at once and see what opens up!!!" It does have the advantage of stablizing the mirror while I press them in with the palm of my hand!!!

 

The lack of a fog light indicator on the dash bugs me. My car already has the cruise control on indicator - it only turns on when the system is active, not when a speed is set.

I'm not sure about backlit Homelink buttons. There are times when I would like it, but I wonder about them interfering with night vision and being distracting.


Having the cruise control on indicator doesn't tell you anything when your trying to set the speed; once you hit the set button you have to watch the speedometer to see if it stays still to know whether the cruise is on or not; my TL has both a cruise system on indicator, like the Maxima, but also has a separate indicator that lets you know when the cruise is set and activate so that you don't have to watch the speedometer; its just a little added convenience I would be nice to have

I have to disagree with you about the homelink illumination, both my current TL and a Lexus I had in the past had all this illuminated and it did nothing to distract me at night, plus they were dimmly illuminated, much like the steering wheel controls on the Maxima are at night, just something similar to that so that in pitch darkness you don't have to go feeling around the rearview mirror for the damn buttons would be nice

 

Sounds like a good idea, my 4th gen has a light indicator only when cruise is activated and speed is set, someone must have dropped the ball on this one.

 

i personaly don't like all the indicator lights that come on. I can see if the cruise is on or not, and frankly should know if its active or not. if i can't figure out that my cruise is set, i shouldn't be driving.

I would like the homelink lights lite up a bit, just like the steering wheel controls, but its not a deal braker. the car is great.. great value for what you get for the money