2004 Nissan Maxima: Road Test
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2004 Nissan Maxima ▼
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- MSRP: $27,050 -$29,300
- Invoice: $24,734 -$26,792
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Our road test for the 2004 Nissan Maxima includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Nissan Maxima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Nissan Maxima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Nissan Maxima help you decide if a 2004 Nissan Maxima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Strong off the line and from midrange speeds; test SE with automatic transmission did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Power spins front tires easily on takeoff, so optional traction control is recommended. Automatic transmission velvety, responsive. Some testers criticize manual shift gate for ill-defined detents and vague movement that frustrate fast gear changing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test automatic transmission SE averaged 20.6 mpg in driving slightly biased toward highway miles. No opportunity to measure with manual transmission. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Both models cope well with most bumps and ruts. SL has slight comfort edge over SE, thanks to softer suspension settings, more-forgiving 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Steering annoys with artificial feel, is nonlinear off-center. Maxima otherwise balanced, predictable, and more agile than most midsize sedans. Sport-tuned suspension adds a tad more control for SE vs. SL in quick changes of direction. Braking strong, stable.
QUIETNESS
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.8 |
Pleasant subdued V6 snarl at full throttle, a modest hum at cruising pace. Wind noise well-tamed, but tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement. That's especially true for SE, which also suffers noise from suspension as it pounds over bumps.
CONTROLS
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Dashboard affects high-tech styling, groups most controls around a central screen that displays audio and climate settings, plus trip info. Many buttons have look-alike shapes and markings, and function not always obvious. Optional navigation system adds to clutter, but isn't hard to learn. Gauges large and legible. Interior materials attractive but not posh, and some surfaces are low-rent hard. Suedelike dash/door panel trim looks prone to early wear and soiling. SL cabin has nondescript woodgrain accents; SE has more-attractive aluminum garnishes.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Ample space for 6-footers on supportive, well-shaped seats, though the feel is a bit cozy. Tall occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel, and maybe more head clearance. Available heated steering wheel and power tilt/telescope steering column are upscale features that further distinguish Maxima from Altima. Roof and rear-end styling impede visibility aft and over-the-shoulder, but no more than in some rivals. Some dashtop reflection in windshield.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Two adults is the practical limit with bench seat, the maximum with Elite package's twin rear buckets. Either way, the feel here is cozy too: Leg and head room are good but not great. Entry/exit hampered by sloping roofline, narrowish floor-level passages.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Trunk's opening too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges--another benefit vs. Altima--don't impinge on volume or endanger luggage. Split rear bench seatbacks fold for long cargo. Elite Package provides only narrow trunk pass-through. Small dashboard glovebox, but ample cabin storage elsewhere; Elite option adds a second roomy console bin in back.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
Nissan does an effective job separating Maxima from Altima. Differences in styling, size, and features make Maxima feel more substantial and more upscale. But Maxima's prices close in on the near-luxury level. It has the performance to compete there, but not the polish, making this a sporty, if pricey, midsize choice.
Total Score
| SE, man. | SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 55 | 57 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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