Description: Full-Size Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $27,350 - $29,600
Invoice Price Range: $25,008 - $27,066
Where built: USA

Nissan crafts their four-door flagship under the badge of Maxima. It looks crisp with curvaceous lines but also has flat surfaces and chiseled corners with an overall effect that seems both sensuous and also muscular suggesting power and speed.

Concepts for the car came from Nissan's designers in Japan, but assembly occurs in the United States at a massive manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Maxima's two trims vary with suspension tuning. The sport-oriented 3.5 SE version uses a performance-tuned suspension for tight handling control, and the comfort-oriented 3.5 SL edition has cushy settings for a luxurious ride quality. Power flows from a 3.5-liter V6, which makes 265-hp. For sporty 3.5 SE trim, the engine connects to a smooth automatic 5-speed transmission with manual shift mode or a 6-speed close-ratio manual stick. For Maxima's elegant 3.5 SL, the engine uses a 4-speed automatic with gated shifter.

Maxima's cockpit provides twin front bucket seats separated by a console, with a rear bench in sculptured positions for two but space for three. The optional Elite Package on 3.5 SE brings a four-seat plan with buckets front and rear, while a Skyview Roof puts glass above front and rear seats.