2008 Nissan Maxima Trims and Specs

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.

Although it shares a 3.5-liter, 255-hp DOHC V6 and CVT transmission with its sporty SE sibling, the 2008 Nissan Maxima SL focuses more on luxury and comfort than performance. Examples of this include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat to join the 8-way driver's seat, a Bose sound system with 6-CD player and MP3 playback, and satellite radio. Its all-season tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, instead of the 18-inch wheels on the SE. This front-wheel-drive sedan comes with traction control, 4-wheel disk and ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglights, and a tire monitor. Stability control, a navigation system, and rear parking assist can be added.

Other standard equipment matches that of the SE. This includes a full-length SkyView sunroof, dual-zone climate control, wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, intermittent wipers, remote start and remote entry, a garage opener, security system, trip computer, and power outlets. Faux wood trim is added to the leather and alloy found in the SE. The 2008 Maxima SL seats four, with split-folding rear seats and a 15-cubic-foot trunk that comes with a cargo net and trunk light. The rear spoiler from the SE is available for the SL, along with the new Platinum Edition Package. This adds 2-way memory settings for the mirrors, driver's seat, and steering wheel, as well as Bluetooth, power tilt and telescopic steering, and folding mirrors.