The sixth-generation 2004 Nissan Maxima - all new just last spring – cruises into model year 2004 offering more performance, luxury and versatility than ever before.
"Maxima owners are notoriously demanding, but also extremely loyal when their demands are met, as they have been for more than 20 years and through five generations of Maxima," says Ian Forsyth, Nissan Canada director of marketing. "As the Nissan flagship, this sixth-generation Maxima embodies the very best that Nissan has to offer in terms of styling, performance and technology."
The 2004 Maxima combines a new level of high performance with expressive sports-sedan styling and bold design innovations, such as its SkyView(tm)glass roof that runs lengthwise over the front and rear seats.
Its versatility and four-door sports-car character are embodied in the Maxima SE 4-Seat model. A two-passenger rear-seat area replaces the standard 60/40 rear bench seat and adds a fixed, full centre console that creates true four-place seating.
The SE 4-Seat is bracketed between the standard Maxima SE 5-Seat model and the luxurious SL model at the top of the three-model Maxima lineup.
All three models offer legendary Maxima performance as they continue to be powered by the award-winning VQ 3.5-litre engine. The VQ engine series has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for 10 consecutive years.
The DOHC 24-valve V6 has been refined to produce 265 horsepower and 255 ft-lbs of torque. An equal-length tuned exhaust with a high capacity muffler adds power and gives Maxima a quiet, yet strong, sound - hinting at its performance capabilities.
More than a hint of performance is provided by a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission, standard on SE 5-Seat and SE 4-Seat models. This transmission optimizes the powerband of the 3.5-litre engine and gives the driver the ultimate sports-car feel. Also standard is a helical limited-slip differential.
Maxima SL comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode will be standard as of February production.
An optional SE 5-Seat A/T Package substitutes a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and gated shifter over the standard six-speed manual. The package includes a Traction Control System (TCS).
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) is optional on all SE A/T models as part of an A/T Leather Package and standard on all SL models.
Maxima SE models feature a special performance-tuned suspension for maximum handling prowess, while the SL features a luxury-tuned suspension providing a supple ride and smooth and secure handling feeling.
Braking is handled by standard four-wheel disc brakes with a four-channel, four-sensor, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Also standard is Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force depending on load condition (passenger and cargo) and Brake Assist (BA), which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity.
SE models offer large 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and V-rated P245/45R18 tires, while SL rolls on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with H-rated P225/55R17 tires.
The designers of the sixth-generation Maxima were successful in creating an advanced exterior design that captures the characteristics of a performance car and a luxury sedan all in one.
The expressive exterior design continues into the interior. The segment-first SkyView glass roof creates an open environment for front and rear passengers while maintaining a solid roof structure. The SkyView is a single elongated rectangular-shaped glass panel that stretches from the front of the roof to the back. It comes equipped with sliding sunshades to block out the sunlight when desired.
The long openings in the arched roofline increase the perceptual interior volume, which leaves a unique and memorable impression while maintaining the structural integrity of the roof.
Special attention to detail was put into the design of Maxima's driver ergonomics. The steering wheel, gauge cluster and gearshift knob keep the driver closely attuned to the car, while a custom-designed instrument panel, centre stack and console give Maxima a clean, high-quality display. The center display integrates displays for HVAC, audio system and trip computer into one central location.
Maxima's new low-fatigue front seats have sharp, crisp lines and forms to give them a sporty look that matches the rest of the interior. The driver's seat is eight-way power. The front passenger seat is 4-way power (standard on 3.5 SL and optional on SE).
Standard Maxima luxury touches include wood tone trim on SL and metallic tone accents on SEs, automatic dual-zone climate control and outside temperature display, rear air conditioning vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto on/off headlights, driver's and passenger's sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders and a 300-watt Bose® audio system with eight speakers and AM/FM/cassette/six CD in-dash changer.
A host of other luxury, comfort and convenience amenities make Maxima one of the best-equipped cars in the Neo-Luxury segment.
Maxima safety features include Zone-Body construction with front and rear crushable zones and occupant zone, standard dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seatbelt sensors, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. Also standard are three-point front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors with pretensioners and load limiters, front-seat active head restraints, an emergency inside trunk release and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system.
As well as the option packages that add the four- and five-speed automatic transmissions, there are a number of other option packages for Maxima, including a Sunroof Package which deletes the SkyView roof and adds a regular power, sliding glass sunroof. Others add leather seating surfaces, and a Navi Package adds a DVD-based navigation system with a seven-inch colour display.
Maxima is assembled at Nissan's award-winning manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn.