If It Was Your Money Would You Buy The 2009 Acura TL or 2009 Nissan Maxima?

As far as looks go the 2009 Acura TL wins hands down for me compared to the new Maxima. The Maxima’s styling has an over bloated look as if just came out of an Asian all you can eat buffet after eating MSG. The TL may have a controversial look due to its NEW nose, but I actually think it looks good, kind of like an evolution of the current TL’s front end, which has similar headlights. The rear end really doesn’t look like any other lower end luxury car for which most have bland rear ends such as the current E90 3-series (which they fixed for 2009) and the boxy rear end of the IS- Lexus models. The new TL overall has a very nice shape. Another note to keep in mind is that the 2009 TL will be available with two different engines, one being FWD and the other AWD. For my money it would go to the 2009 TL if I only had the choice between the Maxima and the TL.

If it were my choice of any other car in the same price range I would def shop around and test drive the new Hyundai Genesis, and especially the new 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan.

Those are my two cents.

I prefer the Maxima style and engine but will not even consider it if I cannot get it with a conventional 6-speed automatic instead of the dreaded CVT. I do not like Honda's reluctance to offer DOHC V6 engines and I do not like their AWD system. I could consider the TL only without AWD and provided a DOHC V6 is available.

Lets just put like it like this....
Which base model would you choose if you could spend $33,000

1. Maxima (Base Model $33,00) (Loaded $39,000, leather, sunroof, HID, etc. )
2. Lexus IS 250
3. Infiniti G35
4. Mercedes C300 Sport
5. BMW 3-Series
or
6. Acura TSX fully loaded for $32,000

(The Base Maxima cost the same price as these others)

I go for TL,cause the AWD...<

I'll take a TL too. I like the current TL alot. so the new one should be just as good. besides the looks dont matter as much as performance.

I just take the money and run!

But seriously, I go for the Maxima because when it comes the front end of each vehicle, it's the lesser of the two evils.

Neither. I'll take the G8 GT and leave them both behind.

Till you get to a gas station...

Being a Pontiac you might leave some nuts and bolts behind too :)

I think I would too. But since the G8 isn't on the menu, I'll take a Maxima.

Maxima for sure.

The recent pics of the '09 TL appear to have been taken with a weird camera lens maybe a fish-eye lens. Acura probably wants people to rush out and buy the last of the '08s then see the real '09 in the flesh and want it too. Smart business move IMO.

Definately the Maxima. I am really impressed with the front grille. I'm not much of an Asian car fan, but I could really love the Maxima.

Sadly, the Maxima is a much better looking car. Not to discount the Maxima, but more because the TL just looks so cheap for a luxury car. The TL is Acura's bread and butter, I don't know what they are doing with their cars. The previous TSX was a very attractive car, the new one is so cheap looking. The current TL was a very stylish car, and now they are going to butcher it all over again.

This is tough.
TL's ugly grill or Maxima's ugly headlights....
I will take the TL. Maybe I can doing something about the grill, but it will be tough to do anything to that headlights of Maxima.

This is where Ford has been missing the boat lately. Nisan is building an elegant car that is a Nissan, not an Infinity. A ton of value in a more common car. That is a recipie for sucess. I see the Asians are making big stides in Rear wheel drive sedans, and Ford is delaying the Next Gen RWD sedans until 2012 which is a serios mistake, because it is still a viable segment for business people.

I can't agree with you about the value of the Maxima. I went down to the Nissan dealership a couple of weeks ago to check it out and they are selling loaded Maxima's for over $36,000! That definately surpasses the G35. I got my '08 TL Type S for $35,000 plus a great deal on my '05 TL trade-in. I've always been a Maxima fan until the last generation, but the price on the new one will probably prevent me from owning one.

...also, the Maxima doesn't come with a manual trans. and you have to make due with the CVT. The salesman told me that there are no plans to offer it in the near future with a manual, but they brought back the 4 Door Sports Car (4DSC) moniker. An oxymoron if I ever saw one.

"I see the Asians are making big stides in Rear wheel drive sedans"

Maybe, but you do realize neither of these vehicles are RWD, right?

I would have to go with the Acura because of there performance and reliability, but it is so ugly! And you would have to give it to me too.

Shouldn't we wait to see the new TL completely before judging?

You know we pass judgement here before we get all the facts .....j/k. You have a good point though.

As nice as the Maxima's interior looks (VERY INFINITI-esque) I would still trust my judgment on a TL.

I would have to see both the interior, and production rear with no camo [ on the TL ] to make a definite decision. For now, I'll say TL.

Acura.

the new maxima currently averaging $40,000+. I ask the salesman why wouldn't I go across the street and choose a base 2 door Infiniti G37 for $2,000 cheaper RWD 300+ hp, or a base G35 RWD 300+ hp for 8,000 cheaper, he replied well this is bigger.
I like the maxima but the sticker price WTF!

I sat in the Maxima for about 10 minutes, stared at the body style for about another 7 minutes, I was trying mybest to let maxima grow on me for paying $40,000+ for a Nissan Sedan. I wanted to know where was $40,000 of my money was going cause it surely
wasn't going on a CVT front wheel drive that gets about the sam mpg as a G35 & G37.

There is no way I'm paying $40,000 plus for any nissan sedan. It wasn't even the loaded one with the gigabyte hard drive for music.

I would rather choose a Acura TSX fully loaded for $32,000.

It's the brand image that gets me $40,000 for a nissan sedan. Shame on nissan. This is why Toyota is considering going away with the Toyota Avalon because of sales and it's sticker price is running neck to neck with the Lexis ES 350. I guess Nissan said they don't give Fu**. Cause it's surely surpass the G35. Good luck Nissan.

Even an Acurs TL-S Type has a sticker price of $38,000 and it's fully loaded.
Acura TL hands down.

IVE NEVER SEEN A $40K MAXIMA

You don't get out much dude.....

TOM PEACOCK NISSAN
15300 NORTH FWY
HOUSTON
TX 77090
Tel. (281) 821-4000
2009 Nissan Maxima
Total MSRP: $38,130.00
VIN: 1N4AA51E29C805069


Dealer Name: STOCKTON NISSAN
STOCKTON
3131 AUTO CENTER CIRCLE, STOCKTON, CA. 95212

2009 NISSAN MAXIMA SV

Exterior Color: Winter Frost
Interior Color: CAFFE LATTE
Body Style: 4 DR SEDAN
Doors: not available
Video URL: N/A Engine: not availble
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Drive Type: not available
New/Used: USED
Miles: 159
Price: $39,119
VIN: 1N4AA51E09C800162

2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sedan
vin=1N4AA51E09C800162
#1 Fresno, Merced & Modesto New & Used Car Dealer
Internet Price
$39,050
Condition: Brand-New
Mileage:9
Stock No:3413
Transmission:CVT
Engine:3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
Warranty:Full Factory WarrantyExterior Color: Winter Frost

Hawkinson Nissan
Dealer Web Site
5513 Miller Circle Dr.
Matteson, IL 60443
General Information
Price: $38,899 Mileage: 30
Year: 2009 Engine: 3.5L
Make: NISSAN Trans: AUTO
Model: MAXIMA Ext Color: DARK SLATE
Trim: Int Color: K50G
Body: 4DR Stock: 9313
VIN: 1N4AA51E79C802393

The one I seen at the dealer had a sticker price of $41,000+

WOW the most expensive Max at my local dealers (with the rear heated back seats, cooled front etc... (elite package) was $36k That may be price gouging (however u spell it, lol).

I decided to post a list of my own. Readers who post the same rhetoric no matter what the story is about:

1. MichaelTaylor
2. Staar
3. crapan
4. ...
.
.
.
.
.
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98. Agent001
99. Agent009
100. Agent00J

-00J

Finally a moderator chimes in. 00J, why is this clown not banned already? Seriously, does he add any value whatsoever to this site? You know he doesn't. Everyone knows he doesn't. And it's not just him, you yourself listed several others that everyone knows have no real place here.

I frankly am getting tired of opening threads knowing 75% of what I'm going to read is going to be nothing more than cut and paste troll-speak and the inevitable replies from other readers who don't realize there's no point in replying. It's your site, clean it up.

Language and personal attacks are the main reasons for getting banned. Trolling and propaganda touting for a particular manufacturer are OK if no personal attacks or excessive or obscene language are used.

Racist and hateful comments rub me the wrong way, and I have deleted several who have crossed the line in that way as well.

I for one find some of the rhetoric amusing, I actually miss seeing MichaelTaylor on here, don't know where he has been, perhaps Lexus flew him to Japan to be part of some top secret design study.

-00J

What a wonderfully enlightened view that you have. If we all thought of everyone like that this world would be a better place. I admire you.

Too bad the rest of the world doesn't agree with your opinions since Toyota is THE NUMBER 1 CAR MAKER IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!

I would take the TL. I have an 05 TSX, and I love the acura driving experience. Just sold it though :( , got a 2009 FX35

"That's like admitting your totally dumb and feminine."

Isn't that who you are? did you lose in one of your redneck races?

Why does it make me totally dumb and feminine? What fantastic car do your drive sir crapman? 76' ford pick-up maybe? Yay patriotism

While I imagine that they are both good cars, id rather go for something else.

This is the very question I'll be faced with when replacing my 2007 TL in the next year.

I like the exterior styling of the Maxima better. But one does not drive a car from the outside!

I like the Maxima's interior too but I'll have to see the TL's. Acura interiors have been very busy-looking lately... not necessarily a good thing.

I've had three Acuras and they've all been a great blend of sport and luxury, and they've all been trouble-free so I'm pretty loyal to the Acura brand. I'll consider both the TL and TSX depending upon gas prices.

Note I've driven the Hyundai Genesis recently and came away VERY impressed. That one is in the mix for me too, although it isn't really in the same class of car.

^ And get left in the dust by the g35

I got a better idea.

Whichever I get, sell it, then turn around and buy a Pontiac G8 GXP. I'll be in the same realm pricewise and will have RWD, a V8, be a lot faster, and look ten times better.

i think im with you I would rather have the G8 in this segment, but given the 2 choices Ill go with the TL, the Maxima looks a bit odd, and misproportioned, and I like the looks of the TL, and IM sure its interior will be nicer than that of the Maxima, and while the Acuras of late have been very close to the Hondas interior wise, I have a feeling this new TL will have an amazing interior, and I still see the Maxima as more of a Avalon, 300 competitor than something like the TL, or ES based on interior quality

I wouldnt buy either one of those POS. I would pay more money and buy a proper performance sedan ie: BMW 335i. Hands DOWN.

Wow, what a way to perpetuate brand image, no wonder people equate BMW/Domestic cars = douchebags and racists. Why couldn't David Duke and Hitler channel that energy into product marketing, they would've done well :)

Have to go with the TL if I had no other options.

Neither. These two cars top the list for the ugliest offerings on the market.

LOL! UPCOMING 7-SERIES-MINI-COOPER

If my only choice was between the Acura and the Nissan I would get the Acura.

That Nissan Maxima has the most idiotic trendy styling I have seen in years.

For me the Maxima is the more compelling package. To me it's more elegant inside and out than the Tranformer TL.

And all this stuff about average Maximas running close to 40K is baloney. Most Maxima's on the lot will be around 31-33K.

Keep dreaming dude.....Go to the dealership yourself!!

ESSERMAN NISSAN
16725 NW 57TH AVE
MIAMI
FL 33055
Tel. (305) 626-26002009
Nissan Maxima
Total MSRP: $38,130.00
VIN: 1N4AA51E79C804760

TOM PEACOCK NISSAN
15300 NORTH FWY
HOUSTON
TX 77090
Tel. (281) 821-40002009 Nissan Maxima
Total MSRP: $37,550.00
VIN: 1N4AA51E59C800142

TOM PEACOCK NISSAN
15300 NORTH FWY
HOUSTON
TX 770902009 Nissan Maxima
Total MSRP: $37,530.00
VIN: 1N4AA51E79C80416

BAKER-JACKSON NISSAN NORTH
19100 NORTHWEST FWY
HOUSTON
TX 77065
Tel. (281) 890-56562009 Nissan Maxima
Total MSRP: $37,380.00
VIN: 1N4AA51E09C804955

Those are all top of the line SV models with Sport and Premium packages. Most Maximas sold will be S models which start at 29K and can be had for around 31-33K. I've already sen plenty of them at my local dealership.

It's the same with the outgoing model. They sold way more SL Maximas which have more standard features than SE Maximas which hit close to 36K even now.

Why would someone choose a base model maxima for $33,000??? You can get a base model G35 for the same price and get more like a RWD 300+ Horsepower

Not everyone wants RWD. Many buyers, especially if you live in a hazardous weather region, want FWD. Plus the Maxima offers a roomier interior.

But that wasn't the question was it. I'm making the point that while you can option a Maxima up to as much as 38K with every bell and whistle imaginable, you can also find S and SL models with leather, Blue-tooth full power everything and more for 33K.

And believe me, that's going to be the sweet spot of the market.

whichever car comes with a manual transmission

I would prefer the Maxima. It's hip and new. It's very realiable and fast for something in it's price range too. I mean it's a special sport sedan fit in the bang for the buck section.

Bang and buck section? HOW???? It's the most expensive car in it's class!!!!!

Nissan makes the best V6 engine, the Maxima looks much better than the Acura. The Maxima is rear wheel drive. Maxima wins!!

Uh, Nope. Maxima is FWD.

Sorry to burst your bubble but the Maxima is a "Full Front Wheel CVT Drive"

I had the pleasure of test driving the Maxima a few weeks ago and I was not disappointed at all. The car is all about luxury in the cabin and of course great handling like always. I was a little skeptical about the looks before I got to the dealer but seeing it up close it is actually a gorgeous machine. I honestly couldn't believe that it was a Nissan. The only thing I did not like just like everyone that knows about the 4DSC is that there is no manual tranny option and that would be the only thing that would keep me from buying one.

As far as the TL goes... I hope I never see one driving behind me because it will blind the hell out of me with that reflector shield. The TL will be a road hazard. They should at least polish the shield a little. But I can't wait to see the final product and I hope I'm not disappointed like I am now because the last TL was a great looking car.

Personally I would choose the Nissan Maxima over the Acura TL, but thats just because it'c cheeper and I was thinking about trading in my current vehicle for it. Previous generation of the TL looks better.

i havent seen the TL's interior but from what i know now i would take the TL...other than that ridiculous grille it is at least as good if not better in every aspect than the maxima

Even the TL has a better overall package, but just for the look and style, I will take the Maxiam.

I take the Maxima because i hate the Front of the TL.

The Maxima in Black, Blue, or White. (I would also add a body kit and chrome portions of the grill.) It is funky looking in other colors. The colors I mentioned look great on the car in person (dont like the looks in most print ads). The same is true for the funky looking FX. It is actually a hot car in black and only black (maybe blue). I dont think the TL will look any better in person and will likely perform similar to that of a Honda accord just like the current version (however I love the current styling and would consider purchasing it). The Darker colored Max are very bold and agressive looking in person. I am not impressed with the interior (especially the radio and AC part of the dash - looks cheesy to me plus I hate round knobs and round vents for some reason). The double sunroofs should have been panaramic and not 2 seperate roofs. But overall, the Maxima is Hot, especially when you see it in person in Darker colors or white. I think the TSX will be the only decent looking Acura. The CVT in the Max sucks as well but it is very smooth and it performs well to wear the Nissan name plate (Less body roll than the current TL, decent gas mileage yet fast, great handling).

if i did have the money for these cars

I would just get a G35S

Would take Maxima. Nissan engines have more torque, Acura V6 has no guts, just high reving. Acura grill looks like vegetable slicer from Ronco tv commercial.

I had the chance to check out the new Maxima a couple of weeks ago, and I think it is a great looking car with a great interior. WIthout a doubt I think the Maxima would be my choice. I just can't get past the look of the new TL. The other thing to consider is the fact that when I had a chance to spend a week driving the current TL, it reminded me of the Accord I had owned. I am not sure the Maxima would evoke the same feeling. Of course only time behind the wheel would confirm that suspicion.

-00J

"The other thing to consider is the fact that when I had a chance to spend a week driving the current TL, it reminded me of the Accord I had owned. I am not sure the Maxima would evoke the same feeling."

Reverse it, it's infiniti's that make you feel like you're in a nissan. Just like acura's feel like honda's, and, you guessed it, lexus feels like toyota.

Maxima. This is one of the few times a car is redesigned and made into everything you said it should be. Good job Nissan now fix my Pathfinder

The Maxima looks pretty good outside the weird lights. The TL looks pretty bad outside the angle lights.

Hell the TL COPIED the last Maxima design somewhat. Acura= UGLY. Period.

THe new Maxima is serious TL competition, as the interior is much better.

acura is ugly and boring

I haven't driven one yet, but at $35K I can be in the new Lincoln MKS for a little more money.

I have to admit - I think the new Maxima is a beautiful car. No kidding. I saw it in person for the first time a few days ago. I kept walking around it and taking note of how every part flows nicely into the next. A very well designed car. And I was surprised to feel that way - given my first impressions based on the photos I've seen. Still... I would choose the TL over it. But mostly because I don't like CVT transmissions and would much prefer the TL's SH-AWD system over the Maximas FWD. It will be interesting to see if I like the TL as much when I see IT in person for the first time. I'm having my doubts - but you never know. As it stands now - I would like the TL's mechanicals with the Maxima's body. Craig!! :o)

Gee...tough choice. Both cars are beautiful, both have drawbacks. The TL's warranty packages are "goofy" and the Maxima uses a CVT which in my mind is still an uncertainty.

I'm not convinced Nissan's build quality is as good as Acura's so on that point, I'd take the Acura.

LOL, Y Nissan? The thing has CVT - I tried it in new Murano = Boring. I'll take TL.

Maxima... it probably runs and has feutures of a G35!

I would have to go with the Maxima!!

TL all the way baby...

First, TL is one notch above Maxima as status concern..

Two, TL is more luxury and sporty and it is more of a car than Maxima....

Three, That beak is not as bad as everyone said, when 2004 TL first came out, everyone hated too. look what happen now... Once you get used to the new look, it is still the drive that count. and TL is definetely a better ride than Maxima. Period.

Peace

Four, there's a completely opposite viewpoint on items 1-3.

Is that a beak in front of the TL....thought it was a face mask from King Arthur. And BTW the maxima with the mostest will out do The TL any day....

The Maxima is no longer available in a manual because in the last 15+ years it has been available in manual and it didn't sell. How many manual TLs do you see? It is about 2% of the product mix. Even the majority of the G35s are auto.

I.m a proud former owner of a 2005 Maxima and...

...my buddy and I had this exact same conversation with the previous generation Maxima and TL a few years back. I bought the 2005 Maxima but guess what??? another friend of mine bought the 2006 TL and it was better. More polished, better interior, sharper handling etc.

Did anybody stop and consider that although a mid-level luxury car like the TL, and a top of the lineup non-luxury car like the Maxima may be similar in size, performance, price etc, that they really are not comparable. Think about it, you have to check off options boxes for the Maxima to get up to the TL's level. The difference is the TL is designed from the ground up to compete in the entry -mid level luxury segment, where-as the Maxima is not. I know most of you will say well the TL shares the Accord's architecture (but that's just the skeleton), but there's a reason that the ride is better, the handling just a hair crisper, or the fit-finish just that much sharper.

It just seems that there is a little more attention to detail, the engineering a little more precise, and all the parts integrate better when a car is designed for a particular target market as opposed to a car priced /sized to a core market, but with add-ons, extra options etc tries to compete in a wholly different segment as well.

P.S. By the way when I wanted REAL luxury I sold the Max and bought a 2006 Infiniti M35. Yes we know it shares the same architecture as the Maxima but they are MILES apart in every other catego.ry

Considering the outrageous price of the new Maxima (which is a spruced up Altima) and the rather odd-looking TL (which is a repackaged Accord), maybe a different perspective should be injected into this conversation. The Hyundai Genesis might be a much better choice. Powerful engines (V6 or V8), RWD, tons of high-end luxury features, and a reasonable sticker price make it an interesting alternative. Just a thought. =]