Presenting the 2004 Nissan Maxima.
265hp with 3.5l V6 at 255 ft-lbs of torque. Just looking at this beauty will make a lot of people drool. The wheelbase length is almost exactly the same as Audi A6. Price starts from $27,490.
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Any reviews, comments? 
I love copy and paste… 
Nissan’s flagship sedan is redesigned as an early 2004 model. Maxima is now based on the platform of the midsize Altima, and is built in America instead of Japan. It offers sporty 3.5SE and luxury-oriented 3.5SL models. Both reprise a 3.5-liter V6 with 5 hp more than in last year’s Maxima and 20 more than Altima’s version. Standard is a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. A 6-speed manual is an SE option.
Interior dimensions change little, but the '04 Maxima is 2.9-inches longer in wheelbase than the '03, 2 inches longer and taller, and about 200 lb heavier. It’s an inch longer than Altima in wheelbase, 2 inches longer overall, 1.3 inches wider, and fractionally taller.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and front torso side airbags are standard. Antiskid/traction control is optional with automatic transmission, a front limited-slip differential with manual. The SL has 17-inch wheels, the SE has 18s. Standard is Nissan’s new “Skyview Roof”: two unmovable tinted glass panels. 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. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition Perennial Best Buys, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.
Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the restyled Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.
News The 2004 Maxima is just out, so there’s no news yet on possible upcoming changes. However, the new generation is deliberately priced for fewer sales than the old Maxima, but also for higher per-unit profit than the related Altima, which has taken over as Nissan’s volume sedan. So, don’t be surprised to see Maxima pushing some profitable new luxury and performance features in the near future.
Maxima’s repositioning was evident in 2002 sales, which were down 3.9 percent. But we suspect that was just partly by design, as calendar 2001 deliveries plunged 20.7 percent from the previous year.
Road Test Ratings 3.5SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. 3.5SE, man.
Acceleration 6 7
No opportunity to clock 0-60 mph, but Maxima is strong off the line and from midrange speeds. Automatic transmission velvety and responsive. Manual shift gate has ill-defined detents and vague movement that frustrate fast gearchanging.
Fuel Economy 5 5
No chance to measure yet, but overall economy should average close to EPA's 20-mpg city rating. Nissan recommends premium fuel.
Ride Quality 7 6
Both models cope well with most bumps and ruts. SL has slight comfort edge over SE, thanks to softer suspension settings and more-forgiving 17-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 7
Steering light and nonlinear off-center, but Maxima is otherwise balanced and predictable, and more agile than most class rivals. Braking strong, stable. Sport-tuned suspension makes SE a tad grippier and more "tossable" than SL.
Quietness 6 6
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, especially in SE with its more-aggressive treads.
Instruments/Controls/Interior Materials 6 7
Tech-look dashboard groups most controls around a central screen that displays audio and climate settings, plus trip info; 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) 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 so than in some rivals, and basic driving stance is good.
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 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 4 4
Unexceptional. Shallow aperture too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges don't impinge on volume or endanger luggage. Rear bench seat split folds for long cargo, but Elite package provides only a 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 7 7
Though basically an upscale V6 Altima, the '04 Maxima has attractions of its own, including a sportier personality aimed at winning over more male buyers. Nissan says it rivals the likes of Acura TL and Audi A4 more than the family oriented Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Assuming prices are below near-luxury level, the new Maxima looks to be good value in a well-rounded midsize sedan.
Totals 58 60
All Midsize Cars
High Score 60
Low Score 58
Average Score 59
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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 = horizontally 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.
Specifications 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
Min. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Model Prices (Updated 03/12/2003)
Trim Name MSRP Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door sedan, manual $26,950 $24,642 $540
SE 4-door sedan, automatic $26,950 $24,642 $540
SL 4-door sedan, automatic $28,900 $26,426 $540
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 can change thier prices at any time. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
Standard Equipment
SE Powertrain
3.5-liter dohc 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/telescoping 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
4-speed automatic transmission
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
Adds: xenon headlights, 225/55HR17 tires
Optional Equipment
Retail Price Invoice Price
Major Packages
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/telescoping 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).
Journey Pkg.,
SE automatic $5,500 $4,814
SL $2,700 $2,342
Driver Preferred Pkg. plus navigation system.
Elite Pkg.,
SE $6,400 $5,551
SL $3,550 $3,079
Journey Pkg. plus heated rear bucket seats, rear center console, power rear sunshade, automatic up/down rear windows, rear auxiliary power outlet.
Powertrain
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
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
Rear spoiler,
SE $250 $200
Chrome alloy wheels,
SE $1,530 $1,089
Notes: Postproduction options also available.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Type Years Miles Comments
Bumper-to-bumper 3 36,000 --
Extended powertrain 5 60,000 --
Corrosion 5 unlimited --
Free roadside assistance None -- --
Free scheduled maintenance None -- --
what a hottie ....its true the top part looks just like Audi TT
^ This totti is not even near audi TT :D
I aint drooling. The design is nothing new either. They just added a few new corners and lights. Wopdie doo. The grille sucks too. Looks like something off a tonka truck. The positioning for the grille is also bad.
The quality is typical nissan - great. But the car is butt ugly.
From the perspective of potential customer - I wouldnt look into it. The Altima is more of my taste.
Fair enough. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Some people will go nuts over this design (in a good way), for some Saab defines beauty and they will opt for 9-5. So, its all a matter of personal choice. No offence.
Coming back to the new Maxima, its exterior styling is very aggressive. While Camry, Altima and Accord were re-vamped last year with more aggressive styling, Maxima has taken it to a new level. It can be risky, cz some people can be put off, but I guess its a risk worth taking. Bland boxy cars just don't cut it no more.
Maxima doesn't typically compete with Accord and Camry. Its main competition would be Avalon and Acura's new TSX (in US) or 3.2TL Type S.
Its also clear that Nissan wants to further blur the lines between the luxury brand and their mainstream brand. It will be harder to find differences in internal luxuries between a well-equipped Nissan brand and Infiniti brand. 3D DVD-based Navigation system is also pretty cool.
yup..........truly remarkable.
doesn't quite beat the Altima.. which in my books still rules as the most affordable 'hot looking' sedan u can buy..
Thankx for the cut and paste boys.. 
I love my 97 maxima.. its just awesome as far as handling and the pick up goes. Wish it was a stick shift and it really would have been rocket.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by PakistaniAbroad: *
doesn't quite beat the Altima.. which in my books still rules as the most affordable 'hot looking' sedan u can buy..
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Amen to that.
such a beautiful engin wasted on a ghatia car :(
Personally, I think they ruined the appearance of the once beautiful Maxima.
In one word - UGLY!
its a girls' car.
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*Originally posted by Aishaaa1: *
its a girls' car.
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aint even a "car"
UGLY ROOF!!! @@!@#@!#@!
WTF were they thinking??
UGLY INTERIOR!! What happend to the Wood? Why did they replace it with silver dash kit !! grrrr … UGLY UGLY UGLY!!!
Back seats only 2!!! sigh… this is supposed to be a family car not sports car… might as well make this into a 2 door then!!
i like the power and the body exterior except the front middle GRILL !! ewwwww
id give this car 6 out of 10
nissan 
^no need to be too harsh. the car has both a 4seat and 5seat config- so no need to bash it. i personally like the car, it has some very nice elements. but the complete package doesnt appeal to me.
A little HSKhan redesign for the Maxima. How I would redesign it :
Comments/Suggestions please.
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