- 2010
2008 Nissan Maxima
- Used Nissan Maxima
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The Maxima's exterior styling is intended to look aggressive and sporty. Most say it accomplishes just that. U.S. News' Rick Newman deems it "Hot. This car simply looks fast -- and it is," and later adds "Park one in your driveway and you'll gawk at it all day long."
In 2007, the Maxima received a new grille, hood, bumper and headlights. Newsday explains "The exterior changes are designed to make the Maxima more sporty-looking, emphasizing a coupe-like profile with a wedge-shaped front, high rear deck and an arched beltline." Other minor changes that give the car a more aggressive look are new side sills, redesigned dual tailpipe tips, and a redesigned rear spoiler. Newsday finds the "overall revised look is well suited to match the powerful engine."
Car and Driver describes the different elements at play in the new exterior, commenting "The nose is bold and chiseled, with creases in the hood that suggest a 350Z influence. The roofline describes a taut arc and rakes the C-pillars beyond the rear-window plane, leaving small flying buttresses at the window's edge. The tail is almost European." U.S. News' Rick Newman quips "The abrupt, stubby trunk and the four rows of chrome teeth in the front grill -- which reminded me of some kind of automatic weapon -- complete the image of a loveable assassin." BusinessWeek finds the new grille "a big improvement over the toothy thing used last year." However, Cars.com notes that while the exterior may look more aggressive, aerodynamics have suffered -- "The new Maxima's 0.30 coefficient of drag [with the rear spoiler] is nominally worse than the outgoing model's 0.28," the reviewer says.
