REVIEWED: Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Genesis, Pontiac G8 V-6 Comparison

[GMusa]

Source: www.Automobilemag.com

REVIEWS: Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Genesis, Pontiac G8 V-6 Comparison - Big Six Sedans



Much has been written about the new Hyundai Genesis and the Pontiac G8, but most reports have concentrated on the eight-cylinder versions. Here we've gathered the sixes, more relevant now than ever, and threw in two competitors that are available exclusively in six-cylinder form, the new Nissan Maxima and the Toyota Avalon. All four are largish cars, priced in the low-$30,000s range (except for the slightly less expensive Pontiac), that promise something more than the typical mid-size sedan.

Full Review at Link: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...iac/index.html

[EldoFan]

Nice even handed review I think, thanks for posting

[genjy]

I've been seeing quite a few new Maximas around. It's a good looking car, but sort of anonymous and mundane looking at the same time.

If I were shopping for a Nissan sedan, I would just spring for a 6sp manual Altima v6 and forget that CVT Maxima boat all-together.

[crooner214]

Not much of a comparison.
-Maxima looks good
-Genesis has a great interior
-G8 is the best sport sedan
-Avalon is the best cruiser

So, they just summed up what we already know about all four sedans. I would like to note that in the picture above, the G8 is the only one that really stands out (and not just because of the wonderful electric blue color).

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by crooner214

Not much of a comparison.
-Maxima looks good
-Genesis has a great interior
-G8 is the best sport sedan
-Avalon is the best cruiser

So, they just summed up what we already know about all four sedans. I would like to note that in the picture above, the G8 is the only one that really stands out (and not just because of the wonderful electric blue color).

^ Great post....I was thinking the same thing!

I wish they had test numbers.

[91 s-10baja]

so what was the ranking?

[neshapop]

Originally Posted by genjy

I've been seeing quite a few new Maximas around. It's a good looking car, but sort of anonymous and mundane looking at the same time.

If I were shopping for a Nissan sedan, I would just spring for a 6sp manual Altima v6 and forget that CVT Maxima boat all-together.

Just change a grille on Maxima and it will pop out as new LaCrosse, I like it a lot.

I set in G8 last week and I was not impressed at all, rear end look bad too.

[newdude]

The only two I woudl consider are the G8 and Genesis. Maxima looks like crap and has a CVT and the Avalon is well, bland.

[ptviperz]

As a past owner of a '93 Max and the current owner of a 03...I'm very disappointed in Nissan not offering a manual in the new Max. The CVT reviews for the car have been fantastic....but I'm not sold.

I wouldn't buy any of these cars actually.....none of them have all the features I want. 6 speed manual, RWD, bluetooth, Nav, etc. Sigh.....guess it's still the G35S that will get my money.

[eurohazard]

I drove a V6 Murano CVT and a I4 Altima CVT. It takes some getting used to. I think 90% of people who drive wouldn't even know the difference. But for those of us who "drive" our cars like we stole them on occasion will find a few bones to pick. If you mash the throttle it's almost like turbo lag, but after about 1/2 of a second, you start pulling to redline...and basically stay at redline while accelerating until you back off the throttle. I had the Murano up to 100 mph pretty quickly (no times though).

For anyone who hasn't tried one, I recommend a test drive to know what I mean.

[Bravada]

The Maxima as a "sports sedan" is pretty redundant in view of the "sporty" orientation of the Altima and the selection of Infinitis at hand. I believe what they should've gone for is an Avalon that is not an old persons car and doesn't look awful. I was hoping the Intima (pardon the name) concept would've shown the way...

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by crooner214

Not much of a comparison.
-Maxima looks good
-Genesis has a great interior
-G8 is the best sport sedan
-Avalon is the best cruiser

So, they just summed up what we already know about all four sedans. I would like to note that in the picture above, the G8 is the only one that really stands out (and not just because of the wonderful electric blue color).

I third (fourth?...) the sentiment.

Seems like someone basically read the window sticker. As one example, I realize the Hyundai has all the right credentials on paper, but I've been searching for a more meaningful commentary on how all of that comes together on the road. From the little I've read thus far, it seems that the translation from paper credentials to real-world impressions is mixed, at best. Kinda like most Hyundai vehicles; Hyundai reads the features of top competitors and matches or exceeds them, but it somehow doesn't always get the most out of the combination of the parts.

Oh, and I think the very brief impression of the G8 is accurate. I sat in one yesterday and got the same feeling about the interior. And, yes, I'm aware that many sources believe it's a thrill to drive!

[boblutzfan]

Right now I have been blown away with the new Genesis. All of the sudden I am looking to see if I can afford the V8 rather than the V6 version. Yes - the Genesis may not handle as well as the G8 - but that isn't the point of a car like that. The Genesis is one of the best new cars to hit the market in years. I predict car of the year awards for this vehicle.

[red_rider]

Originally Posted by crooner214

Not much of a comparison.
-Maxima looks good
-Genesis has a great interior
-G8 is the best sport sedan
-Avalon is the best cruiser

Agreed except the 1st, the G8 handles the looks department as well. I really don't understand the whole headlight treatment on the Maxima, why did somebody take a bite out of it?

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by neshapop

...

I set in G8 last week and I was not impressed at all, rear end look bad too.

It's not a lounge. Drive it and then decide.