Nissan Maxima – Review: The Maxima delivers on style but isn't destined to be a classic and the build quality could keep it in summer school. Inside, the Nissan Maxima is comfortable, quiet and stylish but the use of cheap plastic abounds and keeps the real aluminum trim from excelling to its potential. It also delivers on power and torque through a CVT transmission but the torque steer from the front wheel drive and the less than adequate handling detract and lower the overall grade curve. Though the Nissan Maxima strives to be its best it falls short and lands somewhere between honor roll and valedictorian.

The Nissan Maxima is offered in two trim lines, the SE and SL. Both are V6 models offering up the same torque and horsepower ratings but with different trim specifications. Standard on the SE are 18-inch aluminum wheels, V-rated tires, traction control, a power driver seat and real brushed aluminum interior trim. Choose the SL and you get 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a Bose stereo system with six cd changer, a digital compass, heated, power leather seats and side mirrors and wood tone interior trim.

The big change for 2007 includes a refreshing of the exterior with an updated grill, hood and headlights in addition to new front and rear bumpers and side sills. Additional additions include a rear spoiler, 17 and 18-inch 7-spoke wheels and quad tailpipe tips. Inside the changes include a redesigned center stack, larger shoulder bolsters for the seats and a redesigned sliding center armrest for greater comfort. The interior of the SE also gets real aluminum trim accents and optional perforated leather seats. All of the changes are subtle but help to keep the Maxima fresh and updated.

The engine is the best part of the 2007 Nissan Maxima. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 255 horsepower and 252 lb. –ft. of torque through the front wheels, resulting in moderate torque steer. Quick lane changes are easy as is passing, and the V6 revs up to redline with little complaining. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission, new for this year, is one of the few CVTs we have driven that doesn't seem to zap the power from the car. There is also a manual mode for those that desire but paddle shifters have not found their way into the Maxima.