trunk lid--the current Maxima made its debut in 1995 and is the fourth

generation in this line. It comes to market in three different models--the

base GXE, the sporty SE and the GLE atop the heap.

The GXE stickers at $21,910 with destination charges, and comes out

of the box well equipped with a smooth 190-horsepower V6, power windows,

mirrors and antenna, plus air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering

and an AM/FM/cassette sound system. In addition, the Maxima has a large

trunk with rear seat pass-through, plus a rear defroster, intermittent

wipers and center console. The car rides on 15-inch all-season tires with

steel wheels and surprisingly good looking plastic wheelcovers.

Those looking for more on their GXE can upgrade a la carte with a two-way

power moonroof, antilock brakes or an automatic transmission. In addition,

you can also opt for the GXE security and convenience package or the cold

weather package. Both packages require the buyer to purchase an automatic

transmission and the cold weather package also requires ABS.

The SE is the sportiest incarnation of the Maxima and carries a base

sticker price of $23,769, including destination charges. Equipment encompasses

everything mentioned with the interior of the GXE while adding sportier

bucket seats, leather-wrapped shift lever and steering wheel and handsome

black-on-white gauges.

On the outside, the SE features a firmer sports suspension, 16-inch

aluminum alloy wheels with performance tires, fog lamps, a spoiler, black

window trim and body-colored grille bar. This is the one to pick if you

want sport sedan performance.

Like the GXE, the SE can be upgraded with similar stand-alone options

and/or packages to bring its luxury equipment level on par with the GLE.

Our tester was the GLE model, the top of the Maxima line. It stickers

for $26,899, including destination charge. If that sounds like a lot for

a Nissan consider that it comes with an impressive list of features that

put it firmly within luxury car territory. And BMW 328i pricing starts

at $33,470.

Standard equipment on the GLE includes everything contained on the GXE

plus gathered leather seats, an amazing 200-watt Bose stereo, power front

seats, automatic transmission, electronic climate control, wood-tone trim,

remote keyless entry and security system, Integrated Homelink Transmitter,

15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers and illuminated

vanity mirrors.

Options for the GLE include ABS, a two-way power moonroof, rear spoiler

and a cold weather package, which includes heated seats and mirrors, heavy

duty battery and a low washer fluid sensor.

Every Maxima includes standard safety features like dual airbags, crumple

zones, seatbelt pretensioners and side door beams to protect its occupants.

ABS is a $499 option across the Maxima line.

All Maximas share the same smooth and conservative bodywork. The bumpers

and sideview mirrors are body-colored, with subtle chrome accents on the

door handles and around the side windows for the GXE and the GLE, while

the SE gets body-colored front grille bar and black window treatment.