Engine: 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 265-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Transmission: six-speed manual

Transmission Options: five-speed automatic; six-speed manual

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

Optional Safety Equipment: VDC electronic stability control

Basic Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Assembled In: Smyrna, Tennessee

Model Tested: Nissan Maxima SE ($27,750)

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; garage and universal garage door transmitter

Options as Tested: Driver Preferred Package ($3,650) includes 320-watt Bose AM/FM/6CD stereo with eight speakers, RDS, speed-sensitive volume, and steering-wheel controls, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and mirrors, a four-way power passenger seat, memory and lumbar support for driver's seat, compass, rear spoiler, power tilt/telescopic heated steering wheel with memory, auto-dimming outside memory mirrors, xenon HID headlights

Destination Charge: 580

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 265 @ 5800

Torque: 255 @ 4400

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 20/29

Wheelbase: 111.2 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 193.5/71.7/58.3 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: 3485 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P245/45VR18

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

Fuel Capacity: 20.0 Gallons