Difference in ride 16 and 17 inch wheels on Maxima

[drivetime]

I recently got a 2001 Maxima Anniversary Edition with 17 inch wheels. After driving it for a while (I'm on the road a lot -- highway miles), I miss the smoother ride of my older GXE. Even though the dealer said it was a GXE, I think it is actually the SE model i bought. I know the suspension on the SE is tauter and has a rougher, sportier feel, but a guy at the dealer where I bought it said that a 16 inch wheel/tire would provide a smoother more cushioned ride. First, is this true? second, is it ok (safe, etc.) to change the wheels and tires to a smaller size? and third, how much can I expect to pay for the change?
The car only has 22,000 miles on it and is in excellent shape -- althoug it does pull a little to the left on straightaways.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks.

[Grant@Tirerack]

In general, going to a larger wheel size and lower profile tire is going to give you a slightly firmer ride. It will also tend to give you more noise in the car since the sidewalls are shorter. You can step down into a 16" tire and wheel combination to improve the ride. We do this all the time for Winter tire and wheels packages. You can look at a 16" wheel and a 215/55-16 tire size. The wheels are going to start around $120.00+ and tires are going to be around $80.00+ depending on the models you select. Give me a call direct and I can give you some ideas of what you can run on that car.

[carabuser]

I would suggest 225/55-16. I believe this is the tire size 16" wheel maximas come with from the factory, so it's better to stick to the same nubmers. Also, if you change the tire size, match the wheel size (and vice versa) so the overall size of the wheel and tire together will be the same (225/55-16 is perfectly fine). Prices - well, you have the power of the internet so 'search' will be your best friend. Also, yes, SE is a little firm, but handling is better. Also, how can you NOT know what trim level your car is? What does it say on the back? Right of the "Maxima?" If there's nothing there - it's the GXE model. BUT, if it's the anniversary edition it must be SE. So most likely you got the SE model (lucky you). Anyway, good luck with the car and tires. It's a very fun car to drive. pretty fast too. I got 2k GXE 5spd... boy, do i love this one