Engine: 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 255-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Transmission: continuously variable automatic (CVT)

Transmission Options: CVT automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: front dual-stage airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front active head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters; ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist, traction control, tire-pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: VDC electronic stability control

Basic Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Assembled In: Smyrna, Tennessee

Model Tested: Nissan Maxima SE ($28,050)

Standard Equipment: power mirrors, windows and driver's seat; remote keyless entry; 240-watt AM/FM/CD with steering wheel controls, trip computer; dual-zone climate control; rear spoiler, garage and universal garage door transmitter

Options as Tested: Driver Preferred Package ($3,750) includes leather-appointed seats; heated front seats and mirrors; four-way power passenger seat; memory and lumbar support for driver's seat; compass; power tilt/telescopic heated steering wheel with memory; auto-dimming outside memory mirrors; 320-watt Bose AM/FM/6CD/MP3 stereo with eight speakers, RDS, speed-sensitive volume, and steering-wheel controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear sonar system, xenon HID headlights; Navigation Package ($1800); XM Satellite Radio ($350); Power Glass Sunroof ($900); five-piece floor/trunk mat set ($170); splash guards ($140)

Destination Charge: 605

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 255 @ 6000

Torque: 252 @ 4400

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 21/28

Wheelbase: 111.2 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 194.4/71.7/58.3 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.0/61.2 inches

Turning Cycle: 40.0 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.1/53.5/43.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.3/54.8/36.5 inches

Trunk Volume: 15.5 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 5.5 inches

Curb Weight: 3591 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P245/45VR18

Brakes: vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, brake assist

Fuel Capacity: 20.0 Gallons