The 2008 Nissan Maxima maintains its status as the flagship of the Nissan lineup, continuing with the numerous updates and refinements from last model year, when the sixth-generation Maxima received styling, performance and amenity enhancements. For the new model year, a new Platinum Edition Package, featuring driver memory features, driver’s seat power lumbar support, auto-dimming outside mirrors, HID Bi-Xenon headlights, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, heated steering wheel and more, is available on both SE and SL models.

The 2008 Maxima’s exterior features a refined front grille, hood, bumper and headlights that give the front end a contemporary appearance, balancing the sporty look of the deep front valance and large wheel openings. The headlights include built-in cornering lights, while the fog lights sit just below, on the front bumper. HID xenon headlights are optional on the Maxima 3.5 SE and standard on the Maxima 3.5 SL model.

Maxima’s interior boasts a high level of quality, luxury and sportiness to match the unique exterior. The instrument panel features a center stack with quality feel and control ergonomics and a Fine Vision Meter gauge display for easy readability, all of which make for an intuitive, cockpit-like interior.

The 2008 Maxima continues to be powered by an award-winning 255-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, the only engine to make the Ward’s “10-Best Engines��? list every year since the award’s inception. The engine is mated to a smooth, efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission), which comes standard on all models.

Highlights of the 2008 Nissan Maxima include:

Body

• Chiseled, muscular shape with pronounced character lines and distinctive C-pillar design
• Available auto on/off xenon headlights
• Dual exhaust with four ports and redesigned chrome finishers
• Chrome-colored accents on roof moldings
• Available dual auto-dimming outside mirrors with auto-tilt down in reverse
• Standard SkyView™ glass paneled roof, available power sliding glass moonroof (in place of SkyView™)
• UV reducing solar glass
• Eight exterior colors: Super Black, Majestic Blue, Sonoma Sunset, Winter Frost, Radiant Silver, Pebble Beach, Precision Gray and Dark Slate

• Front engine/front-wheel drive
• 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 producing 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft torque
• Engine features include electronic throttle, silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum coated pistons, resin intake collector, digital knock control system, cross flow coolant pattern and high capacity muffler
• Platinum-tipped spark plugs with 100,000-mile maintenance intervals
• Standard Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual mode
• Traction Control System (TCS) standard on all models
• Available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

• Power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) (standard on 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models, optional on 2.0 model)
• Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Torsion beam rear suspension with integral stabilizer bar
• Electric power-assisted steering (EPS)
• Standard 15-inch wheels with 205/60HR15 tires; 16-inch wheels on 2.0 S model
• Available 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (standard on 2.0 SL model)

• Five-passenger seating with luxury cloth or leather-appointed seats (perforated on 3.5 SE) and 60/40 split fold-down rear bench with lock
• Illuminated steering wheel switches
• Standard 8-way power driver’s seat (4-way power passenger seat standard on 3.5 SL, optional on 3.5 SE) with available entry/exit feature
• Standard audio system with 8 speakers and AM/FM/CD with steering wheel-mounted controls on 3.5 SE
• Bose® premium audio system with 8 speakers, AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD changer, speed-sensitive auto volume control and RDS radio function standard on 3.5 SL and available on 3.5 SE
• Available factory activated XM® Satellite Radio
• Available Nissan DVD-based navigation system with 7-inch color display
• Heated front seats on 3.5 SL (available on 3.5 SE)
• Dual zone air conditioning with automatic temperature control and rear vents
• Dot-matrix center display screen (non-Navigation System) that provides HVAC, audio system and trip computer functions in one central location
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System

• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage air bags, seat belt sensors and front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags
• Front-seat Active Head Restraints, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s seat ELR only) including rear center position
• Front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors with pretensioners and load limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system
• Emergency inside trunk-release

• Offered in two well-equipped V6 models: 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL
• Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant