There are two trims available for the 2010 Nissan Maxima: the 3.5 S and the 3.5 SV. Both are sporty midsized sedans that feature sleekly designed exteriors and very pleasing interiors. That sportiness is balanced out well with loads of standard luxury features. For instance, this year, Bluetooth hands-free communication/entertainment and USB connectivity become standard attributes on all Maximas.

The Nissan Maxima for 2010 provides more than adequate power to the front wheels with its 3.5L V6 that produces 290 horses at 6400 RPM and 261 lb-ft of torque at 4400 RPM. The Maxima can even pull up to 1000 pounds behind it. It also utilizes an automatic CVT (continuously variable) transmission that is reported to shift fluidly and quickly. It requires 18.7 feet of radius for turning.

Included safety features on the 2010Maxima from Nissan include frontal, front/side, side-curtain and overhead airbags; active head restraints, 4-wheel ABS braking, belt pretensioners, electronic stability control, a factory security system and tire pressure monitoring. A navigational system that is voice activated, rear view camera, 2-paneled moonroof XM NavWeather and NavTraffic and a 9.3 GB hard drive Music Box stereo system are all available optionally.

Competition for the 2010 Maxima comes in part from the Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS and the Toyota Avalon. This year, it carries over from 2009 - the year in which it began its seventh-generation. It actually began its run in 1981. It has been deliberately designed and manufactured to mark the beginning the reemergence of the 4-door sports sedan. In fact, it was tuned and built specifically to target drivers that enjoy a firm, sporty ride quality combined with, but not focusing on, copious creature comforts.

MSRPs for the Nissan Maxima range from $30,460 to $33,180. Interior spaciousness is not lacking with 39 inches of headroom, 56 inches of shoulder room, 54 inches of hip room and a very respectable 43.8 inches of legroom. It has been designed with standard seating for five adults and features 14.2 cubic feet of luggage capacity in the trunk area. With its 18 gallon fuel tank and ability to transport you 19/26 mpg city/highway, you'll be able to travel well over 400 miles in between petrol stops.

The 2010 Nissan Maxima is undeniably worthy of your consideration if you're in the market for a luxurious sports sedan. While it's not going to be able to match the muscle cars in performance, it is still able to blow the doors off of most cars you'll meet on the roads - and it will do so with surprising and innovative luxury features pampering you all the way. Take advantage of the Nissan reputation for automotive excellence and test drive a new Maxima today.