2007 Nissan Maxima Review

The Nissan Maxima gets a different outward appearance for 2007 due to a new front grille, hood, and headlight design. Alongside, wheel openings are larger and side sills are more aggressive. In back there's a new bumper design and redesigned tips for the dual exhaust.

A four-wheel independent suspension design allows a supple ride and responsive handling, while four-wheel, four-channel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist provide strong, stable braking.

Inside, the instrument panel's center stack has been redesigned for better ergonomics, with the overall number of buttons reduced, and a Fine Vision Meter display makes the gauges more readable. Also, seats get new upholstery, and there's new aluminum or wood-toned trim throughout the interior.

A 3.5L V6 remains the only engine, making 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque and incorporating continuously variable valve timing and variable induction, and it's now paired exclusively with the Xtronic CVT instead of a conventional automatic transmission. Xtronic brings a manual mode to simulate gears for sporty driving.

The Maxima is available in two trims, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL, and the SL has almost all of the common luxury amenities standard; however, the options list brings many features usually reserved for more expensive luxury-brand vehicles. Options include a Premium Audio Package, which brings an eight-speaker Bose sound system with six-disc changer; a Sensory Package that brings leather seats (heated in front), heated mirrors, a power passenger seat, and a digital compass. On the 3.5 SE, the Driver Preferred Package adds a power-adjusting steering wheel, memory driver's seat with power lumbar support, auto-dimming memory mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and a rear sonar system to aid with parking; on the 3.5 SL, it also includes Bluetooth and auto tilt-down mirrors.

Wheels have been redesigned to match the new appearance. The 3.5 SL gets 17-inchers with H-rated tires, while the 3.5 SE gets an 18-inch, seven-spoke design with higher-speed, V-rated tires.

A SkyView glass-paneled roof is standard on both Maxima models. It stretches nearly the entire length of the roof and comes with sliding sunshades. A conventional, smaller opening sunroof can be substituted.

There's also a DVD navigation system with a seven-inch display and satellite radio can be provided by either Sirius or XM.

The advanced air bag system on all Maximas comes with front seat side-impact air bags and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags. Active head restraints are also standard. The vehicle dynamic control system is optional. Xenon headlamps are standard on the 3.5 SL and optional on the 3.5 SE.
Nissan's flagship Maxima sedan gets a new look, a refined interior appearance, and several new technology features for 2007. Most notably, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) replaces the former five-speed automatic. Four colors are new for 2007: Radiant Silver, Pebble Beach, Precision Gray, and Dark Slate. The Intelligent Key system, which allows vehicle entry and starting without physically using a key, is now standard. Horsepower is down 10 to 255, but this is due to a new power-rating method and actual performance reportedly remains the same. see less