2004 Maxima any opinions?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mike690003 · #1 06-09-2003, 11:07 PM

What do you guys think of the 2004 Nissan Maxima?

I personally like it. It looks more european.

blackmercedes · #2 06-09-2003, 11:23 PM

Nice car, but it's front wheel drive, which scratches it off my list. The G35 is the same price here, so I'd buy the RWD sedan every time.

All imho...

mike690003 · #3 06-09-2003, 11:24 PM

i thought it was rear wheel drive! sct-ratch it off my list too! All that HP in a front wheel drive car=too much torque steer.

tjohn · #4 06-10-2003, 07:45 AM

Ick, Ick and Ick. I hate the styling, with my ire being focused on that glass roof Tx Bill mentioned. Love the VQ engine though - the smaller version in my 96 Maxima has been a joy to drive, and completely trouble free..

#5 06-10-2003, 10:05 AM

I think it looks crappy. What is in these manufactures heads that think that making an entire car one big curvey peice of metals is what we want?

PC Dave · #6 06-10-2003, 10:23 AM

The Maxima is the only big mistake Nissan/Infiniti's made in the last 2-3 years of product introductions starting with the Altima - which is the platform basis for the Maxima.

If you like the Maxima, get a loaded Altima - same car, much less $$$. Alternatively, get a Murano: again the same platform as the Altima and Maxima, but funky styling (matter of taste), more room, and optional AWD.

Nissan's done a better job with their RWD FM (front mid-engine, i.e. engine behind the front axle) platform. Not a loser in the bunch so far: 350Z, G35 sedan, G35 coupe, FX35/45.

jsmith · #7 06-10-2003, 06:08 PM

uninspired grill. the styling is somewhat derivative - sort of trying to look like a lexus GS with styling cues from their own g35. not bad compared to the previous one...

#8 06-10-2003, 09:19 PM

Not really pleased with it, I don't like either the verticle body lines on the back door or the sunroof going down the center of the roof.

At least they're gutsy enough to do different things, though.

I owned a '93 Maxima for a while. Even that body style didn't do too much for me either.

blackmercedes · #9 06-10-2003, 11:04 PM

Saw one in traffic for the first time about an hour ago. Well, it's not bad, but pales compared to the style of the G35.

jsmith · #10 06-11-2003, 08:51 AM

i would probably pick it over an accord. at least there's no puny 4 cylinder option...

yal · #11 06-11-2003, 12:13 PM

I would buy it for the engine alone. Apparently that seems to be Nissans thinking too

because the rest of the car is umm "special". I agree with poster who said if you're going to spend this much money then get the Altima with more options and the same engine for less.

blackmercedes · #12 06-11-2003, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jsmith
i would probably pick it over an accord. at least there's no puny 4 cylinder option...

Not sure about US pricing, but in Canada a fully loaded Accord V-6 is $32,500. The Maxima is about $42,000. I think the Maxima competes with the Acura TL-S, not the Accord.

But, I'd still buy the 260hp G35 which tops out at the same price as the Maxima. When I was looking at the G35 Coupe, they had a G35 sedan with Nav for about $42K.

With the Infinity I get better resale than the Nissan, I get better service at the dealer including free car washes and loaner cars. Other than FWD and some "interesting" styling, I cannot fathom buying the Maxima when the G35 is available.

jsmith · #13 06-12-2003, 10:52 AM

i'm going to check out the new maxima up close. the previous gen's interiors were consistently cheap looking. also, the base cars were in the low $20's, matching up with accords and camrys. i guess they moved up the altima which positions the new maxima as an entry level luxo. would i choose a maxima over a TL-S? probably not, besides i can get the Infiniti for a just a little bit more and that car is way better than either the maxima or the TL-S. nissan's positioning of this car is even more confused than it was before...