The 2007 Nissan Maxima is a mid-size four-door sedan with a V6 engine and front-wheel drive. The only transmission available is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). As before, Maxima is offered in two distinct flavors: the sporty 3.5 SE and the more luxuriously equipped 3.5 SL.

The SE ($28,050) comes standard with cloth upholstery, brushed aluminum interior accents, and all the conveniences you'd expect in a top-end mid-size sedan. The SE also comes with a sports suspension, traction control, and 18-inch wheels and tires.

The SL ($30,300) upgrades with leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, heated seats, xenon HID headlamps, a premium eight-speaker Bose stereo, and other conveniences that are optional on the SE. The SL rides on a softer suspension with 17-inch wheels and tires.

The Skyview roof comes standard on both SE and SL. It does not open, however, and can be replaced with a conventional power glass sunroof ($900) that does.

SL buyers can upgrade with a Driver Preferred Package ($1000) that adds a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear sonar system, memory driver's seat with power lumbar support, power tilt/telescopic heated steering wheel with memory, auto-dimming outside mirrors with memory, and a feature that power-retracts the driver's seat all the way back when you open the door to ease entry and exit.

SE buyers can upgrade to SL-level luxury: The Bose Premium Audio Package ($1,050) includes eight speakers, a six-CD changer, RDS, speed sensitive volume control, and pre-wiring for satellite radio. The Sensory Package ($2,400) combines the Bose audio with leather-appointed heated seats, a four-way power passenger seat, heated mirrors, and a compass. The SE Driver Preferred Package ($3,750) combines the Sensory Package with the contents of the SL Driver Preferred Package described above.

The Elite Package, available for both the SE ($4,700) and SL ($1,950), replaces the rear bench seat with two heated bucket seats and a center console extending the full length of the interior. This option includes everything from the Driver Preferred Packages, plus a power rear sunshade with front and rear controls, auto up/down rear windows, and an extra rear 12-volt power outlet. Options for SE and SL include a DVD navigation system with seven-inch color LCD display ($1,800); XM or Sirius satellite radio ($350); Vehicle Dynamic Control ($600), and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system ($300).

Safety features that come standard include the Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage front supplemental air bags, front-seat side-impact air bags for chest protection, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection; front-seat active head restraints; and front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters. A sophisticated traction control system and a tire-pressure monitor come standard. An electronic stability program called VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) is optional.