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Nissan Maxima 2004 Redesign

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Comments

  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    So it's more accurate to say the body and chassis are new, while the drivetrain is a slightly modified carryover design.
  • gusharlsgusharls Member Posts: 18
    I had a look at the 2004 4 seater model at the vancouver car show. Have to admit it caught a lot of eyes including mine. It was a very nice looking piece of car.Bronze color. Smart interior! Classy lines. Will try one out when they come on line!
  • yanks7533yanks7533 Member Posts: 4
    saw one yesterday on the street it really looks great

    at the car show it grabbed alot of attention, the interior i=s really nice in tan, it is pretty high quality

    is much better than what some ppl have said about it
  • yanks7533yanks7533 Member Posts: 4
    the whole torque steer issue is overkilled by the toyota-honda loving press, and they test their cars out by flooring them, no one drive a car by flooring it constantly, so u might have to fight the wheels a lil during harsh acceleration, that IMO is not a good reason not to buy a car as the steering overall is rated pretty good, they should definately fix this problem quick though it would bring in alot better reviews
  • mariner7mariner7 Member Posts: 509
    Have you seen the new Mitsu Galant debuting in NY? It has so many Maxima styling cues, it looks more like the Max little brother than the Altima.

    For those who kept complaining about the Max design, Mitsu certainly doesn't share your complaints!

    The Lexus HPX concept has lots of FX styling cues also. Very possible, and even expected, that styling of Murano, Z & G35 styling will be displayed by other manufacturers!
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    That's a pretty big stretch, IMO. I can see some vague similarities, but you can see mostly a lot of standard Mitsu styling cues, especially side and rear views. Clearly an evolutionary take on the previous generation Galant. The front follows the direction that they've been going towards for the past couple of years. They hinted at it with the mid-model refresh of the Galant, and really established it with the Outlander and Endeavor. Now they've carried this theme over fully to the new Galant.

    So I don't think there's much in the line of tribute to the Maxima here. But if there is, Nissan should take notes on the Galant's front end, as it has far more pleasing shapes to the grille and headlights than does the Maxima.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    IMO only VAGUELY looks like the Maxima, and certainly only in front end styling. I think that car is a disaster, almost offensive to the eye, especially those nasty taillights and far too many sharp angles. I dont think the new Max is beautiful, but it is at least pleasing, and interesting, to look at. I hope people stop comparing the Galant to the Maxima, and I'm sure Nissan feels the same way.
    ~alpha
  • monte4monte4 Member Posts: 101
    Another review of the 04 Max not so good although,http://money.cnn.com/2003/04/22/pf/autos/nissan_maxima/i- ndex.htm
  • 90max90max Member Posts: 15
    Monte - the address for the review has an error (should be "index", not "i-ndex"). The reviewer really hammered the 04, although I'm not certain all of the criticisms are justified.
  • nismoguynismoguy Member Posts: 7
    It may look a little different but once you get in and drive, forgetabout... This car flies.. This is one of the things that keep your mind off the other aspects of the design. I didn't notice the torque steer as bad as in prior Max years. I like it!
  • bmwdougbmwdoug Member Posts: 248
    How come the new 04 Maxima does not come in black? I was seriously considering the 04 Maxima because it is shaping up to be a COOL, near luxury sedan, with a sport engine. But, no black exterior color means no maxima. How can a company not offer a car in black??
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Are you sure the 04 Max doesn't come in black? I think one of the TV commercials running now shows a Max in black, and the nissanusa website shows the Max in black on it's "intro" page to the Max. In fact the color is called "onyx".

    http://www.nissanusa.com
  • cheerioboy26cheerioboy26 Member Posts: 412
    there's a black max on the inside cover of the current Newsweek, and I've seen one in a commerical.
  • bmwdougbmwdoug Member Posts: 248
    I hope you are right. That would be great! The Nissan web site does not list black as an option. Anyone else know if black is an option for color? I think this car has potential. And, I am a BMW fan!! But, this Maxima, in my opinion, looks sleek, has more room than a BMW 3 or current 5 series, offers all the gadgets, nice qualitye interior, and is thousands less.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    except that it is called "onyx". If you go to the "design your Nissan' link, select either model (SE or SL), and your can select onyx exterior with either charcoal or frost interior.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    i saw a black 04 max last week. HOT CAR.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    in Center City, Philadelphia last Saturday. It was a copper SE, and it looked very sleek, and smaller than it does in pics. The wheels look huge and really fill the wheel wells well ( try saying that 10 times quickly):) Of course, I didn't see it from the front, but it is not a disaster, like a lot of people seem to believe (unlike the 04 Malibu which looks pretty horrific overall, but you knew that already Regfootball, right :))?
  • taurus2taurus2 Member Posts: 63
    Which car is better '04 Nissan Maxima, or '04 Audi A4? I would really like to hear your opinons!

    Dean Bonham
  • boneslvboneslv Member Posts: 8
    Taurus2 you can read the Motor Trend article (available on line) where they compared the two cars. If I recall correctly they liked both cars but went with the Audi because of it's refinement but stated if you want more room, more power, and design that is a little more bold then go with the maxima. I stated my reasons for buying the new maxima in post 511.
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    without digressing to the point where another one or ten of my posts would get deleted, let me say I think the Maxima front end could've been better, yet its not anything bad. The Malibu's really goes off in a direction for which I have a lot of comments but if I say them they'll get deleted so I'll just say its not as successful as the Opel Vectra, which is its Epsilon trim and really would've made a perfectly fine front end for a Chevy Malibu. In fact, the whole exterior of the Vectra should've been left in tact.

    To me on the Maxima, the headlight assembly looks a little cheap for a higher buck car. They could play around with changing the grille opening and grille some. Maybe make it more like the 350Z.

    Overall the Maxima is fine. Its doesn't have the visual impact of the best cars. But it does appear crisp, which is envogue and has real clean lines. It doesn't offend in any way IMHO. I think the dashboard and console could've been different and more substantial. The door panels and seats are fine.

    Skyview is flat out dumb. Why not a 2 panel sunroof like the Mercedes Cclass 2 dr?

    At least you can still get the sunroof. If it was GM they'd make the skyroof standard and not give you the option of the sunroof.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    I totally agree with you about the Malibu and Vectra. The front end of the Malibu is worse than the Maxima IMO. Given the info and pictures of the 04 Malibu, I don't see it competing with the Altima and Camcord.

    But back to the 04 Maxima, I think the biggest mistake by Nissan was not making the 5 speed automatic a choice on both the SE AND SL. Just because the SL is the "luxury" version, doesn't mean that the buyers don't want a quicker downshifting, more efficient transmission.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    YO! We should set up a time to grab a drink and talk about the new Max... you up for Mad Mex? You going to Blue/White this wknd?

    WE ARE.....

    ~alpha
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Joe,

    I just sent you an email. BTW, does alpha01 signify that you belong to a fraternity, just curious?
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    the GM faithful will argue that the Malibu doesn't need to be an equal competitor to those class leaders.

    See that maxima TV ad with the black Max? me want.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    For some strange reason, the copper color appeals to me(with a black interior). Yummy!!
  • jhunterbobjhunterbob Member Posts: 17
    It is really interesting how people can think the exact opposite about a car.

    I have the 04 SL Black with Frost leather and Driver preferred package.

    I think the Skyview is one of the best things about the car.

    It gives you lots of room and the kids (5 and 3) really think it is cool!

    I have had several cars with sunroofs and really could care less if I ever had another. They are noisy, tend to leak and I just rarely opened mine.

    With the Skyview, I feel like I get the best of both worlds without losing headroom.

    As for this cars place in the car world. I really think this is Nissans attempt to compete with the Toyota Avalon. I think you will continue to see more refinement to the upper end (an more costs that will make it more in line with Avalon)while at the same time they will continue to improve the Altima and it will essentially be the direct competitor to the Camry.
  • bartalk2bartalk2 Member Posts: 326
    Three recent reviews of the '04 Maxima--Car & Driver, Road & Track, and Money/CNN. All quite negative. If it continues, this car's going to be heavily discounted. Designers tried to distinguish it from the Altima, added gimmicks like the faux sun roof, back seat buckets, excessive power for front drive (producing torque steer), etc. Yet all three tested cars had stick shift. I drove both the SL and SE with automatic, and noticed no torque steer in the SL and only a slight amount during hard acceleration in the SE.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    "Yet all three tested cars had stick shift. I drove both the SL and SE with automatic, and noticed no torque steer in the SL and only a slight amount during hard acceleration in the SE."

    That is the problem with a lot of the reviews, almost all of the tested vehicles are manuals, despite the fact that a majority purchase automatics. Car and Driver is especially biased toward manuals/ more "performance-oriented" testing; even their recent economy test, the cars were manuals, and the Protege won despite being noisy and having a choppy ride.

    The bad reviews might help consumers in one way, by forcing Nissan to offer discounts more quickly. The only way, despite the reviews, to find out if the 04 Max is the appropriate car for people, is to go a test drive one in the form (SE/SL) that you are most likely to purchase.
  • jaquinojaquino Member Posts: 90
    mention the fact that the Maxima still has the dreaded torque steer problem.

    If Honda can eliminate/minimize the Torque Steer on their 240HP Accord, why cant Nissan? In fact every manufacturer has found some way to deal with the Torque steer (Honda, Toyota, Audi, Cadillac etc.). Nissan still refuses to address the issue, and I dont understand it (that is the impression you get when reading the reviews, they make it sound like the torque steer is pretty bad on this car.)
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The answer to your question lies within. (Ahh, I sound so wise)

    "If Honda can eliminate/minimize the Torque Steer on their 240HP Accord, why cant Nissan? In fact every manufacturer has found some way to deal with the Torque steer (Honda, Toyota, Audi, Cadillac etc."

    Torque steer has very little to do with horsepower, which is the figure you cite in reference to the Accord. The 240hp Accord produces only 212lb ft. of torque, where as the Maxima produces 255lb. ft. There in lies the problem.

    To that extent, torque steer is still very much an issue in front drive Cadillacs. Audi's higher torque vehicles use Quattro. Toyota's highest torque front drive engine has not been introduced in cars yet (I'm referring to the 3.3L 240lb ft) and so its current highest torque front drive engine produces 220 lb. ft.

    ~alpha
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    that TORQUE steer is a problem with cars that have higher TORQUE in relation to its HP rating. The amount of torque in Nissan cars is what makes them so much fun to drive, and also makes them more susceptible to torque steer. I would rather deal with a car that at WOT has a little torque steer than a car that has very little torque, so it feels like you have no low-end power, or makes you rev to 6-7000 rpm to get any power. My mom's 97 Escort may only have 110 hp, but it has 127 lb/ft of torque @ 3750 rpm which makes it feel strong throughout the rev band. I actually don't mind driving her car, unlike my dad's 97 Sonata that has 127 hp, and similar torque, but it feels very sluggish off the line.
  • jaquinojaquino Member Posts: 90
    alpha01: "Torque steer has very little to do with horsepower, which is the figure you cite in reference to the Accord. The 240hp Accord produces only 212lb ft. of torque, where as the Maxima produces 255lb. ft. There in lies the problem."

    Yes, that makes sense when you think about it, being that the Nissan Maxima produces more Torque in their FWD Maxima than any manufacturer I can think of ...

    however, even back in 1995 when I was test driving a Nissan Sentra SE-R, it had terrible torque steer. All I did was punch the accelerator then all of a sudden the steering wheel had a mind of its own. The thing only had 140 HP, and torque lbs/ft was probably around 140 as well!

    I only mentioned the 240HP rating of the Accord because I did not want my comparison to be confused with the four cylinder model. I probably should have stated the "V6 Accord "rather than the HP rating.

    There is always going to be a torque-steer problem on high torque/hp FWD vehicles, that is a given. But I think most of the reviewers are complaining about is the fact that Nissan vehicles tend to be the worse of the bunch.

    Take for example, the Nissan Sentra Spec-V. This vehicle has only 180 lb/ft of torque, but that thing has torque steer problem as well. This review sums it up: "Its hard to enjoy what is otherwise a nice, little sporty sedan with all that torque steer."

    http://cartalk.cars.com/Info/Testdrive/Reviews/nissan-sentra-2002- - - - - .html

    Going by your example, the Sentra should not be exhibiting that much torque steer because it only has 180 torque, far less than the Accord's 212. But clearly this is not the case.

    Dont get me wrong, I love the Nissan Maxima. I always wanted one, and I am serioulsy considering the 2004 model. However, I think Nissan really needs to address this issue.

    Nissan is probably using unequal length drive shafts, which is probably the main reason why their FWD cars tend to turn to the right when "torque steer" rears its ugly head. If you look at the Maxima's engine bay, you will notice the engine is positioned to the right.

    Oh well, I still like the new 2004 Maxima.
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    The Acura CL-S' torque rating (232 lb/ft) is much closer to the Maxima than the Accord V6, and it keeps torque steer well under control. And the CL-S is even closer to the Altima (246 lb/ft), another Nissan that is frequently criticized for excessive torque steer. At this level, 14 or 23 more lb/ft of torque doesn't take a powerful car from "the torque rating that doesn't cause torque steer" to "the torque rating that does cause torque steer".

    Besides, I think the staff of magazines such as Car and Driver gets the fact that there is a correlation between torque and torque steer, yet they're the ones who criticize Nissan for their inability to tame torque steer on the Altima and Maxima. Clearly, "lots more torque" is no excuse for the torque steer problem. And Nissan should be able to do much better.
  • aftyafty Member Posts: 499
    The Altima/Maxima platform does in fact use unequal-length half shafts, and that is probably the main reason they have so much torque steer.

    I still think Nissan should have offered an AWD system on the Maxima. That would have cured the torque-steer problem and given it a more legitimate claim to sportiness.
  • p100p100 Member Posts: 1,116
    I do not see this as a big problem on my 5 speed 98 SE. I take off from a standing start rather conservatively and then increase my speed gradually. This car will always spin wheels when I release the clutch abruptly. Torque steer generally can be annoying only if you really stomp on the gas from a standing start and do not hold onto the steering wheel very hard. How many of us really drive like this habitually? Jackrabbit starts are not very economical for one thing.
  • p100p100 Member Posts: 1,116
    It appears that the 03 I35 may be a better deal. Because of the G35, they are discontinuing the I35 and there should be some good deals out there on the remaining ones. I compared one to an 03 GLE and the price was only about 1500 more, but the car looked far more luxurious inside. Also, the warranty cannot be beat (60K, 4 years) This is better than the Mercedes warranty (50K, 5 years). The only problem is you cannot get a manual transmission I35. There is new 6 speed G 35 out there though and it is gorgeous!
  • p100p100 Member Posts: 1,116
    It appears that the 03 I35 may be a better deal. Because of the G35, they are discontinuing the I35 and there should be some good deals out there on the remaining ones. I compared one to an 03 GLE and the price was only about 1500 more, but the car looked far more luxurious inside. Also, the warranty cannot be beat (60K, 4 years) This is better than the Mercedes warranty (50K, 5 years.) the only problem is you cannot get a manual transmission I35. There is new 6 speed G 35 out there though and it is gorgeous!
  • talon95talon95 Member Posts: 1,110
    A lot of the issue has to do with how the Maxima is marketed and positioned. Look at the ads... they're definitely sticking with the high performance sports sedan image. Even though most of us don't drive like they show in the ads, some people also feel that, if the car is truly a high performance sports sedan, it should be able to handle the power that it has available without exhibiting undesirable behavior such as torque steer.

    I agree with you that aggressive driving isn't economical, but if they had really meant the Maxima to be economical, they wouldn't have given it a 265 hp engine. So, depending on your driving style, some people may experience torque steer more than others... the point is that, with a "high performance sports sedan", you really shouldn't experience it at all.
  • islandbornislandborn Member Posts: 1
    I love the new Maxima. It's sporty and classy at the same time. I haven't taken it for a test drive yet, but plan to do so today and I'm sure I'll love it even more. This is my question. I bought the 02 Altima last August and do like it, a lot! But that Maxima is sweet!!! How does trading in a car work? I inherited a 10 yr old Nissan Sentra that I drove for 3 yrs, so I'm new at buying new cars.

    I don't plan to do anything yet, but want to be prepared when hubby and I are ready to wheel and deal. My Altima 2.5S has leather seats, sunroof, wheel locks and something else I can't remember. No power seats. Dealer said that Ameritech bought a fleet of Altima 2.5S models and reneged on the contract. Therefore, he spruced them up with incentives so as to move them off his lot. Not sure if I believe story, but it was a great deal for me.

    Anyhow, the Blue Book value of my car is $17,000. How would a trade in work? Thanks
  • teenboy13teenboy13 Member Posts: 17
    went to the NY auto show earlier today...sat in the 2004 Maxima 3.5SE in Radiant Ember with the Burnt Orange Leather and Elite Package. Didn't really like the color but overall exterior was okay but i do not like that dash. the line right down the middle seems like each part is for the driver or passenger. seats are comfy tho :)
  • p100p100 Member Posts: 1,116
    When you trade in a car, you will pay the difference between the price of the new vehicle and the vehicle you are trading in, plus the tax on that difference. If you owe money on your trade in, the balance will be then added to the final figure. Realistically, the best you can hope for on your trade is the Kelly Blue book trade in value. Many dealers honor KBB trade in values because they are already much lower than the NADA trade in values and somewhat less insulting that the auction "black book" values. Beware that the Kelly Blue book (kbb.com) trade in values depend heavily on the condition of your trade. To lower your trade in value, many dealers will insist that there is no such thing as a vehicle in "excellent condition" (unless, of course they are selling it to you), and that each car needs something to be "excellent". The trade in value on the car in "good" condition will be much lower. Do not let them play that game if you have premium vehicle to trade.

    Also, remember that if there are any rebates on the new vehicle you are buying, these rebates are taxed, i.e. they are subtracted from the final price after the tax has been added, not before.
  • mike91326mike91326 Member Posts: 251
    In a lot of states, like here in California, the sales tax is computed on the full selling price of the new car even if you have a trade in. If the new car costs $25,000 and they give you $20,000 on the trade, the tax will be on $25,000 not the $5,000 difference.
  • wsag26wsag26 Member Posts: 124
    Before, Nissan wasn't something to die for. But the new Maxima is very HOT! It includes a 10 horsepower upgrade with a 265 horsepower V-6 engine. It starts around $26,000. And also has the first avaliable skyview roof to allow not only passengers in the first row to feel the breeze but also in the 2nd. The new Nissan Maxima only has one con. Who would buy a Nissan Maxima over a Infiniti G35. They are to relativly close. It is on the same platform which includes the Altima.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Your post sounds like an advertisement :)

    The skyview roof panels do NOT open like a traditional sunroof, they are there make the cabin feel more open/less confined. I like the skyview roof, because a lot of people never open the sunroof anyway, and it isn't costing buyers any money.

    I agree about the G35 vs. Maxima decision. The big difference I see is G35 is RWD, while the Max is FWD.
  • p100p100 Member Posts: 1,116
    Is the skyview roof standard on every 2004 Maxima model? I only saw an SE model with it on it and noticed that a regular power sunroof was a $900+ option. In my opinion, this skyview would look a lot more attractive if they used two wide ones, the same size as the optional sunroof (fixed glass in this case).
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Yes, the skyview roof is standard on both SE and SL models. I also agree with p100, the roof should be oriented the same way as a traditional sunroof, because it would provide more light where people actually use/need it.
  • diggdydiggdy Member Posts: 2
    Hi all just got my 04 Max red SE w/a spoiler and I've clocked 300 miles on it already. We had to travel to Atlanta to get a go deal on the car, that is the reason for the miles. Let me tell you that this car is smooth, quick and yearns for you to slam the pedal to the floor. Felt good giving other Maxima drivers their first glance at the 04 on the HWY.
  • p100p100 Member Posts: 1,116
    You say that this is true in a LOT of states? I guess I never lived in one of those. This is another innovative way to tax people.
  • toucanettoucanet Member Posts: 9
    Where did you purchase your car in Atlanta? Which Maxima did you purchase? What did you pay? What was the dealer's fee?

    I would love for a salesperson to justify a $500.00 Dealer's charge.
  • diggdydiggdy Member Posts: 2
    I went to Team Nissan in Marietta,Ga. I brought a Red SE with a wing, mud flaps, and rugs for $26,500. Sticker was $28,000. Yes, I did pay that dame $500.00 dealer's fee but I got it much less than I would anywhere in my home town of New Orleans. Great car and it is a nice conversation piece.
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