2005 Nissan Maxima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan's flagship sedan gets only minor changes for 2005. Maxima shares an underskin design with Nissan's Altima, which is slightly smaller and costs less. Maxima comes in sporty SE and luxury-oriented SL models. Both have a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6. Altima offers this same engine, but the Maxima's is tuned for extra horsepower. The SE comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which Nissan says has improved shift action for '05. Optional for SE and standard for SL is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Both models include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and front torso side airbags. Traction control is standard. An antiskid system is optional with automatic transmission. The SL has 17-inch wheels, the SE 18s. Both models come with Nissan's Skyview roof--fixed tinted-glass panels over the front and rear seats. A conventional power sunroof is available. Also available are 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. Leather upholstery is standard for SL, optional for SE.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

News

Maxima is expected to get a freshening of some kind for 2006. No word yet on what's in store, but we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

Meantime, we hear that a larger Nissan sedan may be coming soon to take over Maxima's role as the brand's flagship U.S. car. The apparent aim is to compete with Toyota's full-size Avalon, which is designed and built strictly for the U.S. Spy photos snapped somewhere in the desert Southwest show a prototype based on Nissan's home-market Teana sedan, but with left-hand drive (vs. right-hand for Japan) and a different "American-style" dashboard. Other changes include a Maxima-type nose, BMW-like tail styling, and a profile recalling the slightly larger M35/M45 at Nissan's upscale Infiniti division. Assuming this car goes ahead, we think it could show up by mid-2006 as an '07 entry.

2005 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	5.3

Strong on takeoff and from midrange speeds; test SE with automatic transmission did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic transmission velvety, responsive. We haven't yet tested the '05 manual transmission. We hope its revisions correct the notchy, yet vague, shift action we encountered last year.

Fuel Economy

SE, man.	SE w/nav. sys., auto.	SL w/Elite Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

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	6.1

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 and nonlinear turn-in response. Maxima otherwise balanced, predictable, and more agile than most midsize sedans. Sport-tuned suspension gives SE a tad more control vs. SL in quick direction changes. Braking strong, stable.

Quietness

SE, man.	SE w/nav. sys., auto.	SL w/Elite Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	6	6

V6 makes pleasant, subdued 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
7	6	7	6.6

Dashboard's hi-tech design groups most controls around a central screen that displays audio and climate settings, plus trip info. Many buttons have look-alike shapes and markings, take time to sort out. 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 uses more-attractive metallic garnishes.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE, man.	SE w/nav. sys., auto.	SL w/Elite Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

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 reflections in windshield.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE, man.	SE w/nav. sys., auto.	SL w/Elite Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	4.7

Two adults is the practical limit with bench seat, the maximum with Elite option's twin rear buckets. Either way, the feel here is cozy, too; leg and head room are good, but not grand. 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	4.5

Trunk's opening too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges--another plus over 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	5.7

Nissan effectively separates Maxima from Altima. Differences in styling, size, and features make Maxima feel more substantial and more upscale. But Maxima's prices close in on some premium sedans. 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
59	57	60	56.5

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71

2005 Nissan Maxima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/13/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE 4-door sedan, manual	$27,500	$25,146	$580

SE 4-door sedan, automatic	$27,500	$25,146	$580

SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$29,750	$27,202	$580

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, traction control.

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, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

SL adds to SE:

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.

Bi-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.
SL	$800	$694
Power tilt/telescope and heated steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power entry/exit driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, power-folding automatic day/night outside mirrors.

Elite Pkg.
SE	$4,600	$3,990
SL	$1,750	$1,519
Driver Preferred Pkg. plus heated rear bucket seats, rear center console, trunk pass-through, power rear sunshade, automatic up/down rear windows, rear auxiliary power outlet. Deletes split folding rear seat.

Safety
Antiskid system
SE, SL	$600	$520
Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg., power sunroof. NA SE w/manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SE, SL	$900	$780
Deletes glass roof panel.

Navigation system
SE, SL	$2,000	$1,735
Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.

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


Satellite radio
SE, SL	$400	$347
Requires monthly fee.

Floormats
SE, SL	$160	$121
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE	$270	$207


Bi-enon headlight delete
(credit)	$-150	$-113
Replaces bi-xenon headlights with halogen headlights. Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.

Mudguards
SE, SL	$130	$99


Chrome alloy wheels
SE	$1,550	$1,102

2005 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/--	Extra charge Security Plus plan.

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

< 2005 Nissan Maxima Photos

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