2004 Nissan Maxima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan's flagship sedan is redesigned for 2004 with new styling and new features. Now built in America instead of Japan, Maxima shares its basic design with Nissan's slightly smaller, less-expensive Altima. Interior dimensions change little, but Maxima gains 2.9 inches in wheelbase, 2 inches in height and overall length, and about 200 lb. It comes in Sporty SE and luxury-oriented SL models. A 3.5-liter V6 is again the only engine; it has 5 hp more than the previous Maxima's and 20 more than Altima's version. The SE comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on SE and standard on SL is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and front torso side airbags are standard. Antiskid/traction control is optional with automatic transmission. A limited-slip differential is optional with manual. The SL has 17-inch wheels, the SE 18s. Maxima comes with two unmovable tinted glass panels in the roof--Nissan's new Skyview feature. A conventional power sunroof is available. Options include a navigation system; heated front seats; and an Elite package with full-length center console, twin rear bucket seats instead of a 3-passenger bench, and power rear-window sunshade.

News

As a 2004 newbie, Maxima should carry into '05 with little change apart from maybe a new feature or two. No word yet on what may happen later.

2004 Nissan Maxima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Steering feel

Handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		56
High Score		72

2004 Nissan Maxima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/10/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE 4-door sedan, manual	$27,050	$24,734	$560

SE 4-door sedan, automatic	$27,050	$24,734	$560

SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$29,300	$26,792	$560

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, glass roof panel, fog lights, cornering lights, sport suspension, 245/45VR18 tires.

SL adds to SE:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: sport suspension.

Xenon headlights, 225/55HR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sensory Pkg.
SE	$2,350	$2,039
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, 4-way power passenger seat, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass.

Driver Preferred Pkg.
SE	$3,550	$3,079
SL	$700	$607
Sensory Pkg. (SE) plus power tilt/telescope and heated steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power entry/exit seat, driver-seat power lumbar adjustment, xenon headlights (SE), rear spoiler (SE).

Elite Pkg.
SE	$4,500	$3,903
SL	$1,650	$1,432
Driver Preferred Pkg. plus heated rear bucket seats, rear center console, power rear sunshade, automatic up/down rear windows, rear auxiliary power outlet.

Powertrain
Traction control
SE, SL	$300	$260
Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.

Limited-slip differential
SE manual	$350	$304


Safety
Antiskid system
SE, SL	$900	$780
Includes traction control. NA SE w/manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SE, SL	$2,000	$1,735
Requires Sensory Pkg., Driver Preferred Pkg., or Elite Pkg.

Power sunroof
SE, SL	$900	$780
Deletes glass roof panel.

Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SE	$1,000	$867


Satellite radio
SE, SL	$400	$346
Requires monthly fee. Includes 2-months service.

Floormats
SE, SL	$140	$102
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlight delete
(credit)	$-150	$-131
Replaces xenon headlights with halogen headlights. SE requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.

Rear spoiler
SE	$250	$200


Chrome alloy wheels
SE	$1,530	$1,089

2004 Nissan Maxima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	111.2

Overall Length, in.	193.5

Overall Width, in.	71.7

Overall Height, in.	58.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3432

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /214

Horsepower @ rpm.	265 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	255 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	20/29

5-speed automatic	20/28

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	Optional/--	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2004 Nissan Maxima Photos

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Nissan Maxima Road Test

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Nissan Maxima Specs & Safety

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