We like the details of the Maxima's interior, specifically the light colors and the proximity of the switches and controls to the driver. However, the labels for the climate and audio controls is too small to be easily read, and it seems like a lot of buttons for the audio system and trip computer. The display is hard to read in bright sunlight with polarized sunglasses. The Maxima's steering wheel is familiar Nissan issue, functional though not beautiful; it tilts and telescopes.

The metallic trim in Maxima's interior wears a new, warmer titanium tone for 2005. Still, we didn't care for the large, flat splash of trim on the center stack, neither the titanium-colored plastic in the SE nor the faux wood on the SL. It seems like wasted space. Also, there's a lot of dashboard area that stretches way out to the leading edge of the windshield.

Seated in the back of a four-seater Maxima with the Elite Package, you get the feeling you're in the passenger seat of a sports car. With the narrow fixed roof window above your head, you don't feel like you've been relegated to the kid seats while the folks in the front seats enjoy all the luxuries. Nissan says it found a lot of people rarely open their sunroofs. Still, a conventional sunroof over the front seats is available for those who prefer it.

Nissan offers a choice of XM or Sirius satellite radio. Satellite radio can be great companion on long trips, delivering CD-quality sound nearly everywhere. Not having to change stations on a cross-country trip has distinct advantages and we enjoy being able to keep up by listening to the 24-hour news stations. Finding stations is easy with RDS (radio data system), which clearly identifies programming on the radio's display.

Three cargo nets are provided in the trunk and work better than most for holding down a load of groceries.