Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima offers a combination of performance, luxury and interior room at a very competitive price. This family sedan sits in the same class as the Volkswagen Passat and Mazdaspeed 6.

The Maxima badge has been around since 1982 and has always boasted the one of the best V6 power plants in the industry. The latest version continues this trend.

Sitting in the market, above the Nissan Altima, the Maxima has a distinct presence on the road and positions itself firmly in the center of its competitors.

The base model SE is the sporty model with a firm suspension and 18-inch wheels, while the more luxury-oriented SL has 17-inch wheels and a slightly softer suspension. Interior for the SL is in leather upholstery, while an exclusive 'elite' package turns the three-seat rear into a two-person environment with the addition of a control panel for seat heaters, suns shades and the DVD entertainment system.

The Maxima is only a mid-size salon. The interior space is something that needs to be seen to be believed. The front seats are supportive and wide; the console is sleek and modern; while driving ergonomics is hindered by design where some buttons have been created form before function, and the orange illumination offers very poor contrast.

Standard features for both models include an eight-speaker audio system, one-touch up-down front windows and keyless entry; While the SL boasts 17-inch wheels, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, a 320-watt Bose audio system and HID headlights.

The interior is spacious, while the V6 offers a balanced ride with superb handling and array of luxury extras and options. Amongst the competition, the Volkswagen Passat has a big V6 engine, more a luxurious interior with better material finish, and more road-feel.