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The Nissan Maxima SE rides smoothly and quietly, even on bad pavement. You really need to have a sensitive backside to prefer the slightly softer ride of the SL. Both models handled bumps well, a benefit of the Maxima's independent multi-link rear suspension. The Maxima SE feels more connected to the road than the SL.
Cruising on the highway is effortless. The 3.5-liter V6 develops 265 horsepower and pulls strongly in passing situations. Both the six-speed manual and the five-speed automatic transmissions are well-matched to the smoothly revving 3.5-liter V6. The engine has such a broad power band that the Maxima is happy being either a high-revving hard-charger or a boulevard loafer. You can keep the engine at high revs to extract the most acceleration on challenging roads, or you can lug it along at a cruising pace without concern.
We prefer the automatic. The six-speed manual shifter feels tall and has a lot of extra movement when compared to that of the Nissan 350Z. It seems balky initially and the first-to-second shift requires good timing, but once you get used to it, the gates are easy to select. Clutch pedal travel is also notably long. That means manual-shift devotees will be doing a lot of aerobics while they drive. Nissan expects fewer than 10 percent of Maximas will be sold with the manual gearbox.
We drove the Maxima quickly on twisty canyon roads around Mount Palomar in Southern California. Its limits are very high, but it feels noticeably bigger and more ponderous than the lighter Altima. The steering is accurate, though it seems light and slow. Body roll is minimal, but turn-in is slow and the Maxima feels prone to understeer initially. Accelerating out of corners, there's no wheelspin but there is some torque steer, a slight tugging sensation at the steering wheel.
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