Nissan constructs sleek and powerful sedans in three sizes with the flagship Maxima, mid-size Altima in new style and a compact called Sentra.

Yet there's more to Nissan's car collection for 2005 with sports cars that bear the name of Nissan's famed Z-cars -- the 350Z conforming as a slinky hatchback coupe or racy drop-top roadster.

Nissan crafts a four-door flagship under the badge of Maxima. It looks crisp with curvaceous lines but flat surfaces and chiseled corners lending to an overall effect that seems both sensuous and muscular with the suggestion of power and speed. Concepts for the car came from Nissan's designers in Japan, but assembly occurs in the United States at a massive manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Maxima's two trims vary suspension tuning. The sport-oriented 3.5 SE version uses a performance-tuned suspension for tight handling control, and the comfort-oriented 3.5 SL edition has cushy settings for a luxurious ride quality.

Power flows from a 3.5-liter V6, which makes 265 hp. For the sporty 3.5 SE trim, the engine connects to a smooth automatic five-speed transmission with manual shift mode or a six-speed close-ratio manual stick. For Maxima's elegant 3.5 SL, the engine uses a four-speed automatic with gated shifter. Maxima's cockpit provides twin front bucket seats separated by a console, with a rear bench in sculptured positions for two but space for three. The optional Elite Package on 3.5 SE brings a four-seat plan with buckets front and rear, while a Skyview Roof puts glass above front and rear seats.

The mid-size Altima sedan series presents a fresh face and new interior designs. The look is bold with an aggressive prow featuring a raised hood and restyled front fascia plus smoked headlamps. Body forms reveal a wedge-shaped profile scored by sharp character lines. Altima's cabin, with front bucket seats and a rear bench for up to three riders, upgrades with a redesigned instrument panel, center console, three-spoke steering wheel and chrome accents on dash and doors.

New audio systems range from a standard AM/FM/CD with six speakers to an optional CD changer for six discs or a Bose premium system with eight speakers and steering wheel audio controls. The Altima appears in four trims for 2005 described by the size of two engine options.

An entry model and two upgraded issues carry a dual-cam 2.5-liter in-line-four plant with 175 hp and line up as the Altima 2.5, mid-grade 2.5 S and deluxe 2.5 with SL Package. Altima 3.5 SE and new 3.5 SL earn Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 that's good for 250 hp. A five-speed manual shifter works with either engine, but the four-cylinder transmission option is a four-speed automatic while the V6 offers a five-speed automatic. (CONTINUE...)