2008 Nissan Maxima Road Test Ratings

Primarily a spacious, comfortable ride, the Nissan Maxima loses points for its design.

The Maxima drives a bit more grown-up than its little brother, the Nissan Altima. A continuously-variable transmission (CVT) becomes standard equipment this year.

Spacious interior, has more substance - and less noise - than an Altima.

Many of the controls are have too many buttons, following the form over function interior theme.

Overreaching exterior design themes include the "mohawk" skylight, beaver-tooth grille, and rear bucket seats. The interior theme is a bit heavy-handed as well.