Nissan trademarked the term “4-Door Sports Car” for the Maxima and refers it as having the “soul of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan.” Normally, this time of marketing pitch fails to truly exemplify the product, but with the 2011 Maxima, we think Nissan may have actually hit the nail on its head. The Nissan Maxima features out-of-the-pack styling, a powerful 290-hp V-6 engine, sophisticated CVT transmission, nimble handling, and ample room for four people and their things.

It starts with its wide stance and prodigious fenders that give the Maxima an aggressive, sporty look. The Maxima’s metal is appealing. It shares features with other Nissan’s products, like the sculpted rear haunches of the Altima Coupe, the flat nose of the Nissan GT-R, and the arrowhead headlamps from the 370Z. Despite being a conglomerate of styling elements, the whole package works well.

Follow the jump for our full 2011 Nissan Maxima review.

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