NEW NISSAN MAXIMA
Turn up your next new NISSAN MAXIMA at http://www.usednewcars.com! Click here to get a list of all vehicles that fall within the sedan category.
Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
 |
| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
 |
Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.87 |
 |
| Vehicle Styling |
8.06 |
|
| Braking |
8.7 |
|
| Handling |
8.61 |
|
| Fuel Economy |
7.59 |
|
| Interior Comfort |
8.28 |
|
| Acceleration |
9.7 |
|
| Dependability |
9.15 |
|
| Fit and Finish |
8.14 |
|
| Transmission |
8.22 |
|
| Ride |
8.98 |
|
| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
|
| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Although it''s now more upscale than ever before, the Maxima remains one of the best combinations of performance, luxury and value in the midsize sedan segment.
Pros
Roomy interior, lots of upscale options, sweet V6, available with a manual transmission.
Cons
Some small, oddly arranged controls.
What''s New for 2004
The Maxima has been fully redesigned for 2004. It now rides on the same underpinnings as the well-received Nissan Altima. This year''s Maxima is longer, wider and more powerful than the previous version.
Overview
Introduction:
The Maxima has long been Nissan''s "premiere" car and only the Z seems to have more instant name recognition in the Nissan fleet. The Maxima name goes all the way back to 1982, but really the Datsun 810 that preceded it was the genesis for what has become one of the best sporty sedans on the market. This model has long boasted one of the best V6s in the industry, and the new version certainly continues that tradition. With the introduction of the 2002 Nissan Altima, many were predicting the death of the Maxima. It didn''t make sense that Nissan would kill a car with such name recognition, but at the same time, the Maxima seemed obsolete, overpriced and underwhelming when compared to the quick and spacious Altima. For the 2004 model year, the Maxima will share a platform with the new Altima, which sort of begs another question -- won''t the new Maxima be little more than a fully loaded Altima? In short, the answer is no. Nissan has made the ''04 Maxima distinct enough in attitude and function that no one will confuse the new Maxima for nothing more than an overpriced Altima. The lineup has been reduced to just two trim levels: 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE. The SE is still the sporty model with a firmer suspension and bigger 18-inch wheels, while the more luxury-oriented SL has 17-inch wheels and a slightly softer suspension. The SE is available with an optional six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic with shift-it-yourself mode is standard. Oddly, the SL comes only with a four-speed automatic. Without question, the Maxima has moved upmarket for 2004. The new car is 1.4 inches wider, has a 2.9-inch-longer wheelbase and offers increased trunk capacity. In 3.5 SL trim, the Maxima is clearly a near-luxury car that bridges the gap between Nissan and Infiniti models. An eight-way power driver seat, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a dash display that provides audio and trip computer readouts are all standard. A luxurious "elite" package transforms the three-person rear seating area into a more comfortable two-person setup. The new Maxima is more than capable of carrying Nissan''s performance/luxury sedan torch for many years to come, and with a wider array of features and options, the car should move from enthusiast''s niche car to a more mass-market sedan able to swipe a few customers away from the much more sedate Honda and Toyota offerings.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Maxima is offered in 3.5 SL or 3.5 SE trim. The SE is a sportier version with slightly stiffer suspension and 18-inch wheels on the outside and a metallic-trimmed interior on the inside. It''s loaded with standard features that include an eight-speaker CD stereo, side impact airbags, one-touch up/down front windows and keyless entry. The more luxurious SL sports wood trim, heated leather seats, a 320-watt Bose audio system and xenon headlights. The optional Elite Package affixes even more luxury to the Maxima by changing the rear seating area into a more comfortable two-passenger setup. A rear center console is added that features controls for the seat heaters as well as a switch to operate the power rear sunshade. Additional options on both models include a DVD-based navigation system and XM or Sirius Satellite Radio.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Maxima still sports the same award-winning VQ-series DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine as in previous versions, but now that engine is good for 265 horsepower. That''s a 10-hp increase over the 2003 model, but more importantly, the Maxima now offers 20 horsepower more than the V6 Altima. The 3.5 SE is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, the SL comes only with a four-speed automatic.
Safety:
The Maxima offers four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, BrakeAssist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. All Maximas with an automatic transmission have the option of adding Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) for added stability. A torque-sensitive helical limited-slip differential is optional when you select the six-speed manual in order to provide additional traction during cornering maneuvers or slippery conditions. Side airbags and head curtain airbags (front and rear) are standard, as are foglights and cornering lights.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the Maxima''s vast interior seems downright cavernous. There are wide and supportive front seats, but finding an optimal driving position can be difficult even with the eight-way power adjustments. While the dashboard features a sleek, modern design, its functionality is spotty as most of the buttons are the same size, shape and color making it hard to figure out how to operate certain features without consulting the manual and/or taking your eyes off the road.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The suspension provides a comfortable ride while still delivering sporty handling. The steering is communicative and well weighted, but there are other midsize sedans that provide a better feel for the road. The brakes are easy to modulate and both trim levels offer pleasant highway manners and a quiet cabin. In terms of combining performance, comfort, luxury and value, the Maxima makes a strong case for itself.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ NISSAN Information Index ] [ SEDAN Information Index ]
|
