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2008 Nissan Maxima Features Review

November 3, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

SL trim trades the SE's sporty appearance for more creature comforts
Edmunds

Standard SkyView Roof...allows natural light to fill the cabin
Kelley Blue Book

Maxima has the nice, big navigation screen
AutoWeek

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is the flagship, upscale vehicle in the 2008 Nissan lineup, and its features list reflects its position. The 2008 Nissan Maxima comes well-equipped as standard, and the move to either the higher trim level or to add optional equipment brings this car toward the top of the class in terms of features.

Standard equipment on the Nissan Maxima is at least what you would expect on a car in this price range, if not significantly above. Kelley Blue Book lists some of the standard features on both trim levels as including "numerous power assists as well as keyless entry and start, steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise control switchgear, dual 12-volt powerpoints and Homelink." Edmunds reviewers add that all 2008 Nissan Maximas feature "a fixed SkyView glass-paneled roof, a power driver seat, tilt-telescoping wheel steering wheel, [and] dual-zone automatic climate control," along with "an eight-speaker stereo with CD player and an auxiliary jack." Moving up to the SL trim of the Nissan Maxima brings even more standard features, which ConsumerGuide says include "leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, [and] Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer."

The 2008 Nissan Maxima also offers an extensive list of options, though for the most part, they are available in packages instead of as stand-alone features. New for 2008, Nissan offers a "Platinum Edition Package" that Motor Trend says "brings eponymous exterior paint and other trim bits while the leather-and-more Sensory Package adds XM to its Bose-based Premium Package audio gear." ConsumerGuide notes that the none-too-cleverly-named Option Package 2 contributes a "rear-obstacle detection system" to the Nissan Maxima, while a "navigation system" can be tacked on as well, provided you have either the Platinum Edition Package or Option Package 2. For those who want their SkyView roof to move out of the way on warm days, ConsumerGuide points out that a "power sunroof" is available as a $900 option.

Conclusion

The 2008 Nissan Maxima easily meets price-range expectations when it comes to features, but the nature of the packages can be frustrating and confusing.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:SL trim trades the SE's sporty appearance for more creature comfortsEdmundsStandard SkyView Roof...allows natural light to fill the cabinKelley Blue BookMaxima has the nice, big navigation screenAutoWeek The 2008 Nissan Maxima is the flagship, upscale vehicle in the 2008 Nissan lineup, and its features list reflects its position. The 2008 Nissan Maxima comes well-equipped as standard, and the move to either the higher trim level or to add optional equipment brings this car toward the top of the class in terms of features. Standard equipment on the Nissan Maxima is at least what you would expect on a car in this price range, if not significantly above. Kelley Blue Book lists some of the standard features on both trim levels as including "numerous power assists as well as keyless entry and start, steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise control switchgear, dual 12-volt powerpoints and Homelink." Edmunds reviewers add that all 2008 Nissan Maximas feature "a fixed SkyView glass-paneled roof, a power driver seat, tilt-telescoping wheel steering wheel, [and] dual-zone automatic climate control," along with "an eight-speaker stereo with CD player and an auxiliary jack." Moving up to the SL trim of the Nissan Maxima brings even more standard features, which ConsumerGuide says include "leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, [and] Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer." The 2008 Nissan Maxima also offers an extensive list of options, though for the most part, they are available in packages instead of as stand-alone features. New for 2008, Nissan offers a "Platinum Edition Package" that Motor Trend says "brings eponymous exterior paint and other trim bits while the leather-and-more Sensory Package adds XM to its Bose-based Premium Package audio gear." ConsumerGuide notes that the none-too-cleverly-named Option Package 2 contributes a "rear-obstacle detection system" to the Nissan Maxima, while a "navigation system" can be tacked on as well, provided you have either the Platinum Edition Package or Option Package 2. For those who want their SkyView roof to move out of the way on warm days, ConsumerGuide points out that a "power sunroof" is available as a $900 option. ConclusionThe 2008 Nissan Maxima easily meets price-range expectations when it comes to features, but the nature of the packages can be frustrating and confusing. 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "Much more menacing than the model it replaced" Kelley Blue Book: "Infiniti-inspired cues that have now become part of the body language" AutoWeek: "Really just an Altima XL" The flagship sedan of the line, the 2008 Nissan ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Nissan Maxima is very comfortable and refined inside, with especially attractive appointments, but it doesn't have the exterior styling or the performance of other sport sedans in its price range, like the Acura TSX and Audi A4--and both of those bring the better dealership experience associated with luxury brands. The Subaru Legacy GT doesn't compete with the Maxima on the level of refinement, as it's quite a bit louder inside and its powertrain is coarser, but it rivals the Maxima for performance and has standard all-wheel drive. Then there's the Passat, which in V-6 form feels especially refined and comfortable, also with a standout interior.

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See the Nissan Maxima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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