The new
2004 Nissan Maxima continues the formula passed down from five previous generations Ð an unmatched blend of performance and luxury. The sixth generation Maxima combines performance from the award-winning 3.5-liter V6 engine with expressive sports styling and bold design innovations including a new Skyview Roof, with a glass panel running lengthwise over the front and rear seats, and a new Elite Package, which features a fixed, full center console that creates true 4-place seating. Maxima's designers set out to create an advanced exterior design that captures the characteristics of a performance car and a luxury sedan all in one. We applaud the result. This new Maxima looks and plays the part very well. The 2004 Nissan Maxima features a chiseled, muscular shape with pronounced character lines. Its arched motif and high rear deck project a strong image with a coupe-like silhouette. The combination of oversized wheels with boldly sculpted fender openings and double dual exhaust mufflers with chromed tips give Maxima a very powerful and dominating stance that evokes a feeling of high performance. Large 18-inch, 6-spoke alloy wheels come standard on the 3.5 SE, while 17-inch wheels are standard on the 3.5 SL. Maxima's interior is just as impressive as its exterior. Thanks to the 2004 Maxima's adoption of Nissan's FF-L (for Front engine, Front-wheel drive, Large) platform, the cabin offers increases in all major interior dimensions from the previous generation Maxima, including a 2.9-inch longer wheelbase (increased from 108.3 to 111.2) and vehicle width increased 1.4 inches (increase from 70.3 to 71.7). Trunk space also increases 0.4 cubic feet, from 15.1 to 15.5. Maxima features a new gauge system with three independent, hood-less meters that are extremely sporty in appearance. The simple and mechanical form, combined with metallic material, suggests an enthusiastic driving experience and enhances the sense of luxuriousness from its precise craftsmanship. Special focus and attention to detail was put into the design of Maxima's driver ergonomics. The steering wheel, meter cluster and the gearshift knob are designed so the driver can be closely attuned to the car. Maxima also features a custom-designed instrument panel, center stack and console design to give it a clean, high-quality display. The center display integrates displays of HVAC, audio system and trip computer into one central location. It was easy to get comfortable inside the new Maxima. The seats are comfortable, luxurious and sporty. The driver's seat is 8-way power and the passenger's seat is 4-way power (standard on 3.5 SL and optional on SE) with height-adjustable head restraints. Optional to the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL is a driver seat memory system that adjusts the seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors at the touch of a button. An optional Elite Package 4-seat layout gives the interior a distinctive sports car-like design, further separating Maxima from its competitors. With the Elite Package, the traditional bench style rear seat is replaced with two independent bucket seats. The design of the rear seats resembles the front seats and the 4-seat layout further strengthens both the sporty and luxury aspects of Maxima's interior. An Elite Package-exclusive Burnt Orange with Black interior color combination is also available, in addition to the standard Maxima Cafe Latte, Frost and Black interior colors. Standard Maxima luxury touches include wood tone trim on 3.5 SL and metallic tone accents on 3.5 SE, automatic front dual zone climate control and outside temperature display, rear air conditioning vents, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto on/off headlights, driver's and passenger's sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders and a 240-watt 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD with steering wheel audio controls is standard on the 3.5 SE. An exemplary 8-speaker, 320-watt Bose audio system with AM/FM/cassette/6CD in-dash is standard on 3.5 SL and optional on 3.5 SE. Maxima's legendary performance continues in 2004 with the continued use of the award-winning VQ 3.5-liter engine. The VQ engine series has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for nine consecutive years. The DOHC 24-valve V6 has been refined to produce 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft torque. The increase in power and torque was created, in part, by modifying the intake duct and exhaust muffler, thus improving the intake/exhaust flow ratio. An equal-length tuned exhaust with a high capacity muffler adds power and gives Maxima a quiet, yet strong, sound Ð hinting at its performance capabilities. All 2004 Maxima 3.5 SL models come equipped with a standard 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with a gated shifter for better transmission control. For the serious driving enthusiast, a 6-speed close-ratio manual is optional on 3.5 SE models. This transmission optimizes the powerband of the 3.5-liter engine and gives the driver the ultimate sports car feel. Our Maxima 3.5 SE delivered a firm, taut ride. It was quite nimble and agile considering how big it is. If you prefer a more supple ride, though, we recommend the 3.5 SL The 2004 Maxima is available in a choice of eight exterior colors, including a bold Radiant Ember, Red Opulence and Spirited Bronze.
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE
Engine: 3.5-liter (265 hp) V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 20 city/28 highway
Base Price: $26,950
As Tested: $34,790 (includes $540 for destination)
Website: www.nissanusa.com