Home » Car Reviews » Nissan » Maxima » 2004 Nissan Maxima Mid-Size Near Luxury Sedan
2004 Nissan Maxima Mid-Size Near Luxury Sedan
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The computer-controlled ABS package adds electronic brake distribution (EBD) to modulate the force of braking against various load factors, plus brake assist (BA) that goes to work during a panic stop with full-force braking effort to reduce the emergency stopping distance.
Other safety systems include a sturdy steel cage wrapping the passenger compartment and dual-stage frontal air bags. Side-impact air bags mount in front seat bolsters and curtain-style air bags tuck in the headliner above front and back side windows. Then there's that power posture fueled by a big V6.
Maxima's sophisticated 3.5-liter six, with dual cams on top and four valves in each cylinder plus an electronically-controlled drive-by-wire throttle, produces 265 hp at 5800 rpm and torque churning to 255 lb-ft at 4400 rpm.
For sporty 3.5 SE trim, the engine connects to a smooth electronic automatic five-speed transmission with convenient manual shift mode or -- in the ultimate performance version -- the six-speed close-ratio manual stick lifted from Nissan's 350Z sports car.
With the six-speed manual, a helical limited-slip differential is optional to boost traction. For Maxima's elegant 3.5 SL trim, the engine links to a four-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter.
For either automatic transmission, a new vehicle dynamic control (VDC) with traction control system (TCS) is optional for enhanced stability.
We sample all shifter variations during a day of driving on a diverse course leading through the grid streets of Houston and a shot up the I-45 freeway to Conroe but also around wiggly Texas 336 that loops through rolling pine forests in Montgomery County.
And we're impressed by Maxima's performance pose and its agile attitude as well as the cabin design that's airy and spacious with clever innovations added.
Maxima's cockpit provides twin front bucket seats separated by a console, with a rear bench in sculptured positions for two but space for three.
The optional Elite Package on 3.5 SE brings a four-seat plan with buckets front and rear, while a new Skyview Roof shows glass extending above both front and rear seats.
