2008 Nissan Maxima SE Trim Overview

Little changed from last year, the 2008 Nissan Maxima SE represents the sports-oriented version of this full-size luxury sedan. The sporty part means you get bolstered front seats, leather interior trim, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and a flashy rear spoiler. The engine is the same as that in the SL - a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 that delivers 255 hp and 252 ft-lbs of torque when matched with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The front-wheel-drive sedan earns four stars in crash tests and comes standard with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tire monitor, traction control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags. Also standard are foglights, cornering lights, and automatic headlights. Parking sensors and stability control are available as options.

This roomy sedan feels even more spacious with the SkyView sunroof, a two-panel sunroof that extends nearly the entire length of the cabin. Since it's still a luxury as well as a sport sedan, the 2008 Maxima SE comes with full power features, including an 8-way power driver's seat, remote start, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a CD player with eight speakers, a trip computer, leather and sporty alloy interior trim, a temperature display, a garage opener, and a security system. Bundled options add leather seats, a 6-CD player, and a 4-way power passenger seat. A new Platinum Edition Package adds a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, memory settings, Bluetooth, and xenon headlights. Also available is a navigation system. Although the Maxima SE's 19/25 mpg estimates aren't terrible, drivers expect more out of a Nissan.