In some ways, the Nissan Maxima’s 5-year-old seventh generation is well-served by its relative lengthiness of tooth. Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays says this is particularly evident in the lively acceleration from the 2013 Maxima’s 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, assisted by an effective continuously variable automatic transmission; physical buttons on the navigation system are also a welcome throwback. Still, if Nissan intends for its flagship sedan to compete effectively with younger, scrappier competitors, it’ll need to address shortcomings in standard tech, interior space and fuel economy.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.