Full Description: Every car company needs a flagship car that represents the companys core values and true automotive heart and soul. For Nissan that car is the 2012 Maxima Sport Sedan. While the GT-R may be the superstar of the Nissan lineup its not a car for the masses nor is it very practical. The 2012 Maxima Sedan on the other hand has room for four adults delivers Z-car-like performance and can be had for around $30000. Going head-to-head with cars such as the Ford Taurus SHO Chrysler 300 and the VW CC the Maxima isnt alone in its quest for performance-oriented drivers. But unlike the Taurus and 300 the Maxima retains a mid-size shell that feels more agile and easier to maneuver more like a 4-door sports car than a large sedan with sporting intentions. We also think that in these tough economic times those looking at much more expensive premium sport sedans might find the 2012 Nissan Maxima Sedans combination of performance luxury and price compelling. Driving the Used 2012 Nissan MaximaOur test drive of the 2012 Nissan Maxima Sport Sedan took us on some very curvy mountain roads as well as an extensive trip over long stretches of California highway. Our take on the Maxima is that it delivers on almost every promise from the robust power of its snarling V6 engine to the impressive cornering and firm but comfortable ride. If we felt let down in one area its the Maximas CVT transmission. Although good it just doesnt work for us in this car. Even with the paddle shifters we yearned for the feel of a manual shifter like the one in the 370Z. The 3.5-liter V6 is a dream of an engine providing instantaneous power for passing and merging all while emitting a sweet low growl. The Maxima Sedan handles curves like a champ although not as adeptly as in the Volkswagen CC or BMW 3 Series. Overall the Maxima does a great job in combining looks power and practicality but if it really wants to be dubbed "the 4-door sports car" Nissan might want to reconsider the cars transmission FeaturesPaddle ShiftIn the absence of a proper manual transmission the available paddle shifters add to the Maximas "4-door sports car" image and can be used at a moments notice without needing to shift into a "sport" mode. This feature comes in handy when passing descending a steep hill or just doing some spirited InterfaceBetter than a standard auxiliary input and leaps and bounds beyond any form of standard radio having complete control of an iPod through the cars audio system is much safer than driving with one hand while fumbling to control your iPod with the 2012 Nissan Maxima InteriorNissan says it wanted the Maxima Sedans driver to feel as though he or she were sitting in a cockpit. We think theyve achieved their intention although we are pretty sure most pilots will tell you even the 787 Dreamliners cockpit isnt as plush and inviting as the 2012 Maxima. From the premium leather sport seats to the thick-grip steering wheel with paddle shifters the Maximas interior screams "lets go driving!" Along the way the Maximas impressive array of electronics will aid in your journey. Rich-sounding music emanates from the Bose speakers while Bluetooth connects you to the outside world. And for those times when you choose to lose the outside world the Maximas cool birds-eye-view navigation will help you find your way back. For those along for the ride there is adequate but not great head and legroom in the rear-seat area. Unfortunately the 2012 Nissan Maximas hollowed-out rear seatbacks dont offer the same firm lumbar support as the excellent front seats and some of our taller testers found their head brushing against the Maximas low 2012 Nissan Maxima ExteriorDefining the 2012 Maximas styling as "liquid motion" Nissan engineers have found a way of incorporating coupelike elements into a mid-size sedan shell. You can definitely see traces of 370Z in the Maxima especially in the headlight and taillight treatments. The liquid theme continues with a gentle wave connecting the aggressive hood with the bulging front fenders and continuing rearward where the tapered roofline meets the elegantly sculpted rear end. A subtle spoiler and tasteful chrome accents on the door handles and door surround complete the design. The 2012 Maxima Sedans short wheelbase and low wide body contribute to its coupelike stance and are a significant reason for the Maximas impressive handling. Among the Maxima Sport Sedans more appealing options is a huge dual-panel moonroof. By allowing the front panel to slide over the fixed rear glass panel the Maximas moonroof can be opened without blocking the rear-seat occupants from the suns 2012 Nissan Maxima Standard FeaturesThe 2012 Nissan Maxima Sedan has a 3.5-liter V6 engine Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) power windows power door locks power moonroof automatic halogen headlights 18-inch aluminum wheels 8-way power drivers seat 4-way power front passengers seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control keyless start and entry AM/FM/6-CD/MP3 audio system with eight speakers Bluetooth dual front and side-curtain airbags Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).Used 2012 Nissan Maxima OptionsMany options for the 2012 Nissan Maxima Sedan come standard with the higher SV trim which includes leather-appointed seats 9-speaker Bose audio system HomeLink Universal Transceiver foglights and manual thigh support on the drivers seat. Other options can be found bundled in packages including a dual-panel moonroof a sport-tuned suspension 19-inch wheels a rear spoiler premium leather seating paddle shifters heated steering wheel and seats Nissan Hard Drive Navigation with voice recognition iPod interface system RearView monitor metallic trim and a power rear-window 2012 Nissan Maxima EngineNissans latest iteration of its already-brilliant 3.5-liter V6 engine turns out an impressive 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Improvements included maximizing the air intake and exhaust flow to not only gain power and enhance performance but also to create a sporty engine sound to evoke what Nissan calls an "exhilaration feeling."3.5-liter V6290 horsepower @ 6400 rpm261 lb-ft of torque @ 4400 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26* While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with Midway Auto Group. Online pricing does not include taxes tag and title fees and $499 Dealer Processing extra. *We are closed the first Saturday of the month.ABS Brakes,Air Conditioning,Alloy Wheels,AM/FM Radio,Automatic Headlights,Cargo Area Tiedowns,CD Changer,CD Player,Child Safety Door Locks,Cruise Control,Driver Airbag,Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat,Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror,Electronic Brake Assistance,Fog Lights,Front Air Dam,Front Power Lumbar Support,Front Side Airbag,Interval Wipers,Keyless Entry,Leather Seat,Leather Steering Wheel,Manual Sunroof,Passenger Airbag,Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat,Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror,Power Door Locks,Power Sunroof,Power Windows,Rear Window Defogger,Second Row Folding Seat,Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls,Side Head Curtain Airbag,Steering Wheel Mounted Controls,Subwoofer,Tachometer,Telescopic Steering Column,Tilt Steering,Tilt Steering Column,Tire Pressure Monitor,Traction Control,Trip Computer,Trunk Anti-Trap Device,Vehicle Anti-Theft,Vehicle Stability Control System