I didn't mind the CVT on either the Maxima or the Nissan Rogue I rented at ATL yesterday. I agree that there is too much hard plastic in this car for it's target market. It has almost as much as a Pontiac G6. My biggest complaint - that is the worst key receptacle location, ever. To the right of the wheel, on the dash, in plain view would have been much better. Also, I wasn't crazy about the ergonomics of the controls, but maybe I'm just spoiled by my Volvo. I did prefer the steering wheel controls on the Rogue to the ones on the Maxima, though.