2008 Maxima- Highway Gas Guzzler

I recently rented a 2008 Nissan Maxima for a business trip. I was interested in the MPG for this car, because I have read may reviews that say it doesn't achieve the 28-29 miles per gallon on the highway like Nissan claims. I set the cruise at 74 mph between Chattanooga and Atlanta (no stopping), and the on-board computer showed only 24.5 MPG. On the way home, I set the cruise at 77MPH and only achieved 20.6 MPG. I even reset the on-board computer AFTER I reached cruising speed- with no exits or traffic jams. This was the "best case scenario" for getting good gas mileage, but unfortunately, the maxima didn't come close to 28mpg's. I think I'll look at Honda, Toyota or the new Saturn Aura...

This was the SE model with the A/C turned off most of the time.

I am 6'1" and the cloth driver's seat really started digging into my lower back after 20 minutes. Even with the manual lumbar support adjusted all of the way out, it still felt like a plastic disc was pressing into my lower back. I noticed this same problem in a 2007 Maxima that I rented last year. The SL leather seats are much better. Also, the cruise control light on the dash does not dim. If you have sensitive eyes, this will be a problem. Also the auto-dimming rear view mirror did not dim dark enough when night driving. Had to wear sunglasses to keep cars headlights behind me from scorching my retinas.

I really hope Nissan can get these issues worked out. I was nearly sold on buying a new Maxima, but I'm glad I rented one to fully understand the issues with this car.