2007 Nissan Maxima

For 2007, the Nissan Maxima receives styling changes to its exterior and interior, along with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Outside, the Maxima receives a revised front end design with new grille, hood, headlights, built-in cornering lamps, bumper and fog lights; restyled sills; new rear bumper; more prominent spoiler; and restyled 17- and 18-inch wheels. Inside, there is a redesigned centre stack, new ‘Fine Vision Gauge’ display, new seats with larger shoulder bolsters, standard Intelligent Key, auxiliary audio input jack, and CD/MP3 stereo.

Available options include reverse sensor, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, dual auto-dimming mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse, and DVD-based navigation system.

New exterior colours are Silver Mist, Pebble Beach, Precision Grey and Niagara Grey.

The Maxima uses a 3.5-litre V6, now mated exclusively to the CVT; the six-speed manual transmission available in 2006 is gone.

Features on the 3.5 SE 5-Seat include 18-inch alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, sport-tuned suspension, automatic headlamps, fog lights, heated mirrors, SkyView glass-panel roof, tire pressure monitoring system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Intelligent Key, tilt and telescopic wheel, cruise control, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power driver’s seat, heated seats, 60/40 folding rear seat, leather-wrapped wheel, six-CD/MP3 stereo, and side and curtain airbags.

The 3.5 SE 4-Seat has rear bucket seats, and adds Vehicle Dynamic Control, Xenon headlamps, rear spoiler, power-folding heated auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather seats, four-way power passenger seat, heated front and rear seats, driver’s side memory, heated steering wheel, and cargo net.

The 3.5 SL includes 17-inch alloy wheels, luxury-tuned suspension, Xenon headlamps, power-folding heated auto-dimming mirrors, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power tilt and telescopic wheel, Intelligent Key, Vehicle Dynamic Control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, heated leather seats, eight-way driver and four way passenger power adjustment, driver’s side memory, and six-CD/MP3 stereo.

The Maxima remains a luxury tourer with a sporty edge; although enthusiasts will bemoan the loss of the six-speed, the CVT has a manual mode, with pre-set ratios for those who like to have more control. The four-seat version makes the car seem even more of a “personal luxury” vehicle, especially with the SkyView glass roof, but those who prefer five-passenger seating have a choice of suspension tuning, and various options that range from nicely-equipped to fully loaded.