Hey guys, let's dive into the heart of the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan. When you're looking at a car like this, one of the first things that grabs your attention is the horsepower, and for good reason! The 2009 Maxima SV Sedan is equipped with a robust 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine, a legend in its own right. This powerhouse churns out an impressive 290 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and a solid 261 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. That's some serious muscle for a sedan, guys, offering a driving experience that's anything but ordinary. Whether you're merging onto the highway, tackling a winding road, or just want that satisfying surge of acceleration, this engine delivers. The VQ35DE engine is renowned for its smooth power delivery and its ability to provide both spirited performance and reasonable efficiency, making the 2009 Maxima a compelling choice for those who want a bit of excitement in their daily drive without sacrificing practicality. The engineers at Nissan really tuned this engine to provide a fantastic balance, and you can really feel it when you put your foot down. It's not just about the numbers; it's about how that power translates into a fun and engaging driving experience. The SV trim specifically gets you some of those premium features, but the heart of its performance lies squarely in that V6 engine. This means you get a car that feels responsive, agile, and genuinely enjoyable to drive, a true testament to Nissan's engineering prowess in the early 2000s. So, if you're curious about what makes this car tick and what kind of performance you can expect, the 290 hp figure is definitely a number to remember.

Now, let's talk about the overall package of the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan. This car wasn't just about raw power; it was designed to be a premium sports sedan, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and dynamic driving capabilities. The SV trim is the top-tier offering, meaning it comes loaded with features that aim to enhance your driving pleasure and convenience. Think leather seats, a premium audio system, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and advanced climate control – the works! It's the kind of car that makes you feel good every time you get behind the wheel. Beyond the comfort and tech, the Maxima is known for its distinctive styling. The 2009 model year saw a redesign that gave it a more aggressive and sculpted look, setting it apart from its competitors. It has a sleek profile with a sporty stance that hints at the performance lurking beneath the hood. The 4-door sedan (4D) designation tells you it's practical enough for families or carrying passengers, but don't let the sedan body fool you – this car has a sporty DNA. The chassis and suspension were tuned to provide a responsive and engaging ride, striking a good balance between sporty handling and comfortable cruising. You get that feeling of being connected to the road, which is often missing in more comfort-oriented sedans. The interior is equally impressive, with a driver-focused cockpit that puts everything within easy reach. The materials used are generally high-quality, contributing to that premium feel. Even for its age, the 2009 Maxima SV Sedan presents itself as a sophisticated and capable vehicle, offering a compelling package for anyone looking for a used car that punches above its weight class in terms of performance and features. It’s a car that really aimed to blur the lines between a luxury sedan and a sports coupe, and for many, it succeeded admirably.

When considering the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan, understanding its transmission options is key to appreciating its performance and driving dynamics. This model primarily came equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which was Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Now, CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, but Nissan's implementation in the Maxima was generally well-regarded for its smoothness and its ability to keep the engine in its optimal power band. This means that when you accelerate, the CVT can seamlessly adjust the gear ratios to maximize the engine's output, giving you consistent acceleration without the stepped shifts you'd feel in a traditional automatic. For the performance-oriented driver, the 2009 Maxima SV also often featured a manual mode or paddle shifters, allowing for more driver control over the gear selection. This was a smart move by Nissan, as it added a layer of engagement for those who enjoy a more hands-on driving experience. While some enthusiasts might prefer a traditional manual gearbox, the CVT in the Maxima was engineered to provide a sporty feel, especially when using the manual mode. It effectively simulates gear changes, giving you that satisfying feeling of downshifting or holding a gear. The 4-door sedan (4D) body style doesn't detract from this sporty intention; it just means you get it all wrapped in a practical package. The combination of the potent V6 engine and the advanced CVT allowed the 2009 Maxima SV to offer a unique blend of effortless cruising and spirited performance. The horsepower figures are impressive, but the way the transmission manages that power is just as crucial. The CVT's ability to optimize engine RPMs contributes to both fuel efficiency and performance, making it a well-rounded powertrain choice for its time. If you're test-driving one, pay close attention to how the transmission behaves – it's a significant part of what makes the Maxima feel special.

Let's chat about the fuel economy for the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan, because while performance is a major draw, most of us also care about how much we're spending at the pump, right? For a car packing 290 horsepower, the Maxima SV actually holds its own pretty well. The EPA estimates for the 2009 model year typically hovered around 18 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 25 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. These numbers are quite respectable, especially considering the potent 3.5L V6 engine under the hood. It’s a testament to the engineering that went into balancing performance with efficiency. The Xtronic CVT plays a significant role here, as it's designed to keep the engine operating at its most efficient RPMs during cruising. So, while you get that exhilarating acceleration when you demand it, you're not necessarily punishing yourself at the gas station during regular driving. Of course, real-world MPG can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. If you tend to drive aggressively, those city MPG numbers might dip a bit. Conversely, if you're mostly doing highway driving and have a light foot, you might even exceed those estimates. It’s always a good idea to check recent owner reviews or forums for more anecdotal evidence on fuel economy. But generally speaking, the 2009 Maxima SV Sedan offers a fairly balanced approach to fuel consumption for a vehicle in its performance class. It proves that you don't always have to sacrifice too much in terms of efficiency when you opt for a car with a strong V6 engine and a sporty character. It’s a pretty neat trick Nissan pulled off, giving you that sedan practicality with a healthy dose of performance, all while trying to keep your wallet from getting too light.

Finally, let's wrap up by talking about the interior features and technology you'll find in the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan. This is where the SV trim really shines, guys. Nissan aimed to make this a premium experience, and they largely succeeded. As standard, you’re typically looking at comfortable leather-appointed seats, which add a touch of luxury to every drive. The driver's seat is usually power-adjustable, often with lumbar support, ensuring you can find that perfect driving position, whether you're on a short commute or a long road trip. The cockpit is designed with the driver in mind, featuring a clean layout and easy access to controls. You'll find a premium audio system, often with multiple speakers and an in-dash CD player, ready to pump out your favorite tunes. Many models also come equipped with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, so you can adjust the volume or change tracks without taking your hands off the wheel – a great safety feature! For convenience, Nissan included things like keyless entry and ignition (Intelligent Key system), allowing you to start the car and unlock the doors without fumbling for keys. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also a common feature, letting the driver and front passenger set their own temperature preferences. Depending on the specific options package, you might also find a navigation system, a sunroof, and perhaps even heated seats. The overall fit and finish of the interior materials in the 2009 Maxima SV were considered quite good for its class at the time, contributing to a refined and upscale feel. It’s this combination of comfortable seating, advanced (for its era) technology, and thoughtful design that makes the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan a really attractive option, especially on the used market. It offers a compelling blend of performance, style, and modern amenities that still hold up pretty well today. The 4D sedan format means all these nice interior features are accessible to you and your passengers.