Home » Car Reviews » Nissan » Maxima » 2004 Nissan Maxima Near Luxury Mid-Size Sedan
2004 Nissan Maxima Near Luxury Mid-Size Sedan
…Continued
Nissan Delivers 2004 Maxima For Under $29K
There are four seats in the Maxima, all of which virtually look the same. It was done that way for a purpose. Available on the Elite Package, the ever-so-boring rear bench seat has been replaced with two independent bucket seats. This treatment makes the Maxima even more sporty.
Sure, it eliminates the five-passenger seating option, but it certainly looks cool and creative. Makes it look more like a two-door sports car without the hassles of getting in and out of the front doors. Just how many people really need the five-passenger seating option, anyway?
Nissan didn't ignore any safety issues with the Maxima, furthe enhancing crush zones, dual-stage front air bags with seat belt sensors, side curtain and front-seat side-impact air bags. There are active head restraints, emergency inside trunk release and the child seat anchor system as well.
Let's get to the heart of the matter -- exactly what's under the hood. The Maxima is powered by Nissan's VQ 3.5-liter that has won eight awards as one of the ten best engines. This dual overhead can 24-valve V6 produces 260 horsepower and has a tuned exhaust that makes it sound just so sweet.
Of course, this engine is mated to a standard 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a gated shifter. The SE model allows you to have a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode, too.
And for the really serious driver, a 6-speed close-ratio manual is option on the 3.5 SE models.
Ride characteristics and handling are taken care of by a luxury-tuned and performance-tuned suspension that provides a solid feel and a superb ride. I can't image ever wanting to get out of the Maxima once you've started rolling.
Go ahead, take it for a spin.
