2007 Nissan Maxima: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan freshens its flagship sedan with revised interior and exterior styling and a new transmission for 2007. Maxima shares its underskin design with the 2002-2006 Altima; '07 Altimas use a different, new architecture. Sporty 3.5 SE and luxury-oriented 3.5 SL Maximas are offered, both with a 255-hp V6. For '07, Maxima swaps 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions for a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); the CVT has a manual shift gate with six preselected gear ratios. Both models come with ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction control is standard; an antiskid system is optional. Leather upholstery is standard for SL, optional for SE. Nissan's Skyview roof of dual tinted-glass panels is standard; a conventional sunroof is available. Xenon headlights are standard on SL, optional on SE. Also available are a navigation system, heated front seats, a hands-free cell-phone link, and an Elite Package with full-length center console, two heated rear bucket seats instead of a three-passenger bench, and power rear-window sunshade. Also for 2007, rear obstacle detection is a new option and keyless starting is a new standard feature.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.