The 2009 Nissan Maxima is something of a cult vehicle in a world filled with powerful but ultimately heartless luxury sedans. Indeed, the Maxima was one of the first cars luxurious enough to invite the creation of the new market segment which it now dominates. Times change though, and Nissan has got their work cut out, if they want to keep the 2009 Nissan Maxima the number 1 in its class.

The Maxima is entirely restyled for ‘09, and the Nissan designers haven’t done a half bad job, either. The new lines and measurements make the Maxima generally smaller, but it looks every bit as imposing as it ever did.

Fortunately Nissan hasn’t repeated their usual mistake of matching the car with a poor quality engine. Every part of the Maximas engine is perfect for the car; the 3.5-liter V-6 has been upgraded to 290 hp, up from 255 hp last year. A continuously variable automatic transmission is the only available option, but it’s a surprisingly responsive system.

A pretty decent package overall, then. The 2009 Nissan Maxima successfully combines power, style and luxury in equal measures and the car manufacturer has finally found an engine suitable for the car they are putting it into. Even the breaks are of a surprisingly decent quality, making the Maxima one of the best value cars in the Nissan range.