Maxima 3.5 SE v. Grand Prix GXP test drives

[dav305z]

The Maxima and the Grand Prix stand alone together in the full-size automarket. There are simply no other large, FWD sedans that seek to sell themselves as bonified sport sedans. Both cars stickered at $29,500. For this price, the Grand Prix came better equipped, complete with leather appointed seating, HUD, and sunroof. The Maxima carried a five speed auto, while the Grand Prix offered the beefed up 4-speed. Each had a manumatic shift mode and rode on 18" wheels.

Interior:

If you were looking for a high quality interior, than well, neither car is for you. In choosing between the two, you basically need to decide whether you want something that looks good or feels good. The Maxima has a sleek, high end electronics look, with tons of faux aluminum. Unfortunately the party ends when you touch it, as the faux aluminum is in fact very fake. The buttons and other contact surfaces are notchy and cheap feeling. The Grand Prix in contrast, looks like a freak-show when you enter - swaths of plastic intercepting with more plastic, starring one of GM's older radios (no AUX jack or silver trim). However, the perforated leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter are manage to be luxurious and sporty. And the cheapo looking plastics actually manage to feel decent to the touch. The bottom line is that if interior is your first priority, find the nearest Honda dealer.


Driving Impressions:

Driving these cars back to back, one can tell that they share a very similar setup. Both have a heavy, stable feel, with a nice flat power band. Overall though, the Grand Prix is just more. The Maxima feels strong, and the VQ sounds sweet but the GXP explodes, like only a V8 powered car can. There is also that unexplainable appeal of a throaty V8. It simply makes you feel like you're driving something better, meaner.

Handling is more of the same, although I didn't have a chance to work out either so much as I would have liked. The Maxima is superbly balanced, firm, and on center. The Grand Prix has the same traits, but is a little bit quicker. One interesting thing I noticed is that you absolutely feel the larger front wheels. Anyone who remembers those Big Wheel tricycles will recognize it's penchant for super quick steering response, particularly at low speeds. The struts ride slightly harder than the Maxima, but are never the less very well behaved as one would expect of Bilstiens.

I would have liked to test the braking, as both featured discus sized rotors. Unfortunately, both cars had clearly been sitting for a long time (the GXP had to get a jump start), and would have needed sigificantly more driving time to warm up and break in a bit.

As for deals, both dealers were more than willing to move on the price. GM of course, is offering the $1.99 gas on the GXP, along with $1,000 off. For its part, the Nissan dealer was willing to shave $5,000 off the sticker.

All in all, the Grand Prix wins. It does everything the Maxima does well, but better. It has more power, sharper handling, and comes with more content at the given price tested. The LS4 really does make it something more than the Maxima can ever be. The Grand Prix was visceral in a way that was pretty shocking for a front drive sedan. Really, a great effort by Pontiac.

[steverino]

GP GXP, the best looking most fun to drive car. Black on black interior. I laugh at BMW's when they pull up along side because they wish they were me.

[wtgkb8]

Maxima didn't really have a chance in the engine department w/ this comparison at $29,500. 303hp/323tq LS4 vs 265hp/255tq VQ. Both top engine choices w/ the GXP with a 38hp and 68tq advantage...and of course that small block V8 sound.

[Will123w]

Originally Posted by steverino

GP GXP, the best looking most fun to drive car. Black on black interior. I laugh at BMW's when they pull up along side because they wish they were me.

Though I love the GXP, the guys in the BMW don't want to be in a Grand Prix.

[steverino]

Originally Posted by Will123w

Though I love the GXP, the guys in the BMW don't want to be in a Grand Prix.

I know. They would rather spend $10k more to boost their low self esteem

[zabolots]

Originally Posted by steverino

I laugh at BMW's when they pull up along side because they wish they were me.

Umm, I don't think so ;-) No BMW driver would envy a Pontiac.

But as a GXP owner, I agree, it's a great car for the money. If only it were RWD...

[mgescuro]

What I suggest is that you drive the Maxima at parking lot speeds... and check out its turning radius... and steering capabilities. It's pretty poor.

[Ming]

Moved to reader reviews section

The GXP is great, and even Car & Driver had to call it a "Front wheel drive breakthrough" at debut.

[wtgkb8]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

What I suggest is that you drive the Maxima at parking lot speeds... and check out its turning radius... and steering capabilities. It's pretty poor.

I drive my mom's all the time...it's turning radius isn't great, but it's easy to steer at those speeds. Steering effort at parking lot speeds is a lot easier than my bros 02 impala...which feels like the power steering doesn't work compared to the maxima. But the impala has a tighter steering ratio and turning radius.

[CRBoyd91]

Nice review. Too bad most people think Nissan is so much better...

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by wtgkb8

I drive my mom's all the time...it's turning radius isn't great, but it's easy to steer at those speeds. Steering effort at parking lot speeds is a lot easier than my bros 02 impala...which feels like the power steering doesn't work compared to the maxima. But the impala has a tighter steering ratio and turning radius.

Effortless steering is nice, but steering precision and turning radius is what's needed. I can deal with working a little at slow speeds, so long as the car is manuevarable.

I dont have that confidence in the Maxima. That really surpised me, to tell you the truth. Maxima is a great car otherwise.

[Infiniti Z350]

Originally Posted by CRBoyd91

Nice review. Too bad most people think Nissan is so much better...

Oh stop it. A V8 top-end Grand Prix versus a V6 Maxima...I'm not shocked at the verdict.

[giagastormer]

Originally Posted by Infiniti Z350

Oh stop it. A V8 top-end Grand Prix versus a V6 Maxima...I'm not shocked at the verdict.

Same class, same price point, so what's the problem?

[Infiniti Z350]

Originally Posted by giagastormer

Same class, same price point, so what's the problem?

I'm referring to CRBoyd91's attitude like no one gives the GXP a fair shake. I don't have a problem with the reviwer's conclusion.

[paul8488]

Super well-written review dav! Interesting, informative, and witty. Good job! Do another!