The Maxima first bowed in 1980 as a 1981 model, and the newest version of this popular four-door sedan continues the Nissan’s legacy as a performance vehicle.
The 2007 Maxima is available in two trim levels: 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL, both of which draw their motive power from a 3.5 liter DOHC V-6 that produces 255 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is an Xtronic continuously variable transmission with a manual shift mode — new for this model year. It is more than appropriate to think of this latest Maxima as a premium 4-door sports car enhanced with the soul of the Z.
The Maxima is distinctive with aggressive power output with more than just a few styling cues from the Z drawing board. For a brief time after the advent of Nissan’s new Altima, it was predicted that the Maxima would be discontinued. Quite to the contrary, Maxima fans, being an entirely different breed, have remained loyal, failing to be drawn away by the Altima. In fact, the Maxima seems to be gaining in popularity.
Contributing no doubt to the increase on popularity is the redesigned exterior and refined interior, as well as the addition of new available technological features.
The exterior advancement is an evolution of the classic Maxima performance oriented, coupe-like image, showcasing a wedge-shaped front, broad arching belt line, distinctive C-pillar styling with extensions, the high rear deck, topped by a prominent spoiler, all finished off with twin dual exhaust tips. The grille, hood and deep front bumper valance are new and join with the large wheel openings in establishing the Maxima as a sport sedan. The headlights now include built-in cornering lights, and the fog lights have been repositioned in the bumper fascia. The side sills are more aggressive in their appearance, as is the redesigned rear bumper fascia. The SL rides on 17-inch wheels and tires, while the sportier SE wears 18-inch rolling stock.
The test Maxima was an SE model with a Precision Gray metallic exterior. The interior was executed in charcoal and gray tones with tasteful satin finish and brushed aluma-look accent trim pieces.
The base price was set at $28,050, which includes an extensive inventory of standard equipment and features. But after adding front and rear splash guards; vehicle dynamic control, which includes a full-size spare tire and alloy wheel; power glass sunroof with rear tilt and one-touch open feature, which replaces the standard Skyview roof; five-piece floor/trunk mat set; the Driver Preferred Package — Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power folding sideview mirrors with memory, driver’s seat with two-position memory and power lumbar, heated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, auto entry/exit system, Xenon HID headlights and rear sonar system; the Sensory Package — leather-appointed seats, 4-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors; the Premium Audio Package — Bose audio system with AM/FM/6-disc and 8 speakers, MP3 playback capability, speed-sensitive volume control and radio data system CD; and the DVD-based Navigation Package with seven-inch monitor with compass display, the final sticker totaled $36,015.
The Maxima appears almost coupe-like in both its profile and aggressive stance. The seven-spoke alloy wheels shod with 18-inch V-rated performance tires, twin-tip dual exhaust and rear spoiler are a not so subtle tip-off to the car’s performance orientation. The Maxima is to the Nissan lineup, what the G35 sedan is to the Infiniti stable. It may properly be referred to as a “wolf in wolf’s clothing.”
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