The Nissan Maxima, which was all-new for the 2009 model year, is one of a growing group of sedans that are becoming known as four-door sports cars. These are sports sedans, but with edgier styling and first-rate performance and handling, and the Maxima is one of the best.

The Maxima was engineered, built, tuned and aimed at drivers who prefer sporty handling and a firmer ride as opposed to the softer, more luxurious rides associated with many cars in this class.

The Maxima competes with the Acura TL, Infiniti G, Cadillac CTS, Toyota Avalon, as well as deluxe versions of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Maxima SV upgrades with leather upholstery, a nine-speaker Bose sound system with speed-sensitive volume control, subwoofers and RDS, a driver’s seat with a thigh extension and power lumbar, a compass, fog lights, HomeLink, turn signal repeaters in the mirrors, and XM Satellite Radio.

The Premium Package features the Dual Panel Moonroof with power retractable sunshades, power rear-window sunshade, premium mood lighting, front and rear power windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature, HID xenon headlights, premium leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, premium heated leather steering wheel, power tilt/telescopic steering column, paddle shifters, automatic entry/exit system (with two-driver memory), driver-side memory (driver’s seat, outside mirrors, steering wheel), rear bucket seats, rear-seat trunk pass-through, large rear-seat fold-down center armrest with finisher, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, heated outside mirrors, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, Eucalyptus wood-tone trim, seven-inch color monitor, RearView Monitor, Interface System for iPod, iPod net in center console, and auxiliary audio/video input jack.