Nissan maximizes attitude
Maxima sport sedan is an edgy package with potent performance

You might call the Nissan Maxima the family car with an attitude. Since its inception the Maxima has enjoyed a bad boy image among the import mid-size sedan crowd.

Where the Accord and Camry were mainstream and conservative, the Maxima liked to live out near the edge of that envelope, offering similar comfort, convenience, value and quality, but with the emphasis more on looks and performance than being invisible.

When Nissan introduced the heavily revised and bigger Altima to go head to head with Accord, Camry, etc., it was able to move the sixth generation Maxima even further off that well-beaten path. Now it is more likely to be cross-shopped with their upscale siblings - Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Knowing this, Nissan equipped the Maxima with a whole new look and tweaked the greasy bits just enough to gild the lily while retaining its avowed abilities.

While the instrument panel is perhaps a bit too plasticky, there is little to complain about with regards to layout and ergonomics. The instruments are mounted smack dab in front of the driver and are highly legible. The triangular centre stack houses the ventilation and sound system controls in a logical and easily reached array. The steering wheel is adjustable for both rake and reach, and contains redundant controls for the sound system.

The new Maxima is based on a stretched version of the platform developed for the current Altima. It is available in two trim levels: SE and SL. The former is the base model with low-profile, 18-inch rubber, while the latter is slanted more toward the luxury side of the equation, including 17-inch tires for a better ride. The SL is also available only with an automatic - a 4-speed unit instead of the 5-speed of the SE.

That is not to imply the SE is uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, the ride is softer than you'd expect and the vehicle much more comfortable at the limit with the independent rear suspension replacing the solid axle of the previous version. Thanks to all that rubber and an all-independent suspension there is plenty of grip in both cornering and full-on stop modes. But you are aware of its size and heft with noticeable lean and understeer setting in earlier than we'd like.

We never tire of Nissan's award-winning VQ-series V6. Displacing 3.5-litres and producing 265 horsepower in this guise it is difficult to fault. This sweetheart is equally willing chugging along in heavy traffic at barely more than idle or wailing to the redline through the gears. Despite some serious engineering work, there is still some torque steer when trying to get this much poke to the pavement, so it is wise to keep both hands on the wheel to enjoy the experience.

The price tag for the Maxima SE is $34,500 when equipped with the 6-speed manual gearbox and $35,600 with the 5-speed automatic. There are a variety of packages that drive the price to $39,900, and you can move up to the SL trim level, which starts there and tops out at $42,700 with all the goodies.

We'd opt for the base SE with the manual gearbox. This is not exactly a penalty box, as it comes complete with all the important stuff - power windows, mirrors, locks and driver's seat, anti-lock brakes, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise and front, side and side-curtain airbags. Pretty impressive at $34,500. But it's darn amazing when you consider that number also includes 18-inch alloy wheels, sky-view roof, full-size spare, 320-watt Bose audio system with eight speakers and 6-disc, in-dash CD player, dual-zone automatic climate control and a helical limited-slip differential to get more of that power to the ground.

We're not through yet. We drove the test vehicle during one of those ugly, record-breaking cold weeks and very much appreciated the standard heated seats and mirrors - and the heated steering wheel! The latter is an especially nice touch that allows you to remove bulky mitts or gloves and get a proper grip - and warm your hands! All of this is included in the $34,500 base price. If the manual transmission is not your cup of tea, go for the auto box and you'll get a sweet 5-speed unit with electronic traction control replacing the limited slip differential.

The Maxima stands out in a sea of sameness. It has impeccable quality, reliability and value. There are no loss leader stripped versions. Each and every one will provide years of enjoyment and entertainment for the driver.

That's the bottom line. The Maxima is meant for the driver as opposed to those being driven.

Immediate competition:
Acura TL,
Audi A4,
BMW 3 Series,
Cadillac CTS,
Chrysler 300,
Saab 9-3,
Volvo S60