2004 Nissan Maxima: First Look

For the last decade, Nissan's luxury flagship vehicle, the Maxima, hasn't drawn the crowds like it should have.

Far from an inferior product, Nissan's Maxima has always been a very reliable, fairly powerful and ultimately practical Japanese prestige sedan.

Some suggest that the real reason for its flagging sales and lacklustre appeal lie in its styling.

Which is exactly where the 2004 Maxima comes in.

With a brand new double-breasted suit, designer eyewear and snappy haircut - not to mention a freshly styled interior - the new look Maxima is a more striking car, visually powerful, if you will.

And, not to be left behind by the likes of Lexus, Honda and Mazda, Nissan took its new luxury car to the gym for a thorough workout in order to build upper body strength, and the results are pleasing, to say the least.

Starting from the top, the all-new Maxima's entry-level variant, the ST-L ($39,990), offers all the appointments one would expect from a prestige vehicle.

Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear outlets makes the cut, as do power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, trip computer, luxury fabric trim, wood grain finish, a leather steering wheel and shifter plus a four-speaker CD stereo.

All models - ST-L, Ti and Ti-L - appear fairly similar from the outside, with body coloured mirrors and front/rear bumpers, front fog lights, dual exhaust pipes and the now-ubiquitous chromium grille and door handles that denote a luxury car.

Compared to Nissan's outgoing Maxima, whose look is now considered a tad conservative (in a very Toyota Camry way), the 2004 model is a refreshing change.

It's more curves than angles - and it's a good look for Nissan's top-tier vehicle.

Fairly short front and rear overhangs, a sleek roofline and steeply raked front and rear windscreens give the car an aerodynamic look and feel that will appeal more to traditional Lexus buyers than anyone else.

And while very much a modernistic Japanese sedan (big, bold, and somewhat daring and showy), the new Maxima isn't as visually confronting as some new-generation models, such as the BMW 7-Series.

The overall body shape smacks a little of VW's Passat, and there is a hint of European style in the headlights and high doorline.

Next up after the entry-level ST-L is the the Maxima Ti ($45,990) model, which gets all the features of the former model, but adds an electric glass sunroof and full leather trim.

There's also a six-stacker CD player with six-speakers, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, overhead console, adjustable rear headrests and side curtain airbags will appeal to those looking for more protection.

The new Maxima's range-topping Ti-L variant adds the final touches to the design concept of “luxury living” as Nissan PR types call it. This includes a state-of-the-art rear seat entertainment unit incorporating a DVD/VCD/CD/MP3 player with infrared headphones, and ultrasonic rear parking sensors are the icing on the cake for the range-topping model variant.

All 2004 Maxima's come with 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 215/55R17 (93V) tyres, giving the car more road presence than 16-inchers would have.

It has to be said that the Maxima makes a good case against local luxury stalwarts Statesman and Fairlane in the pricing stakes, entering the luxury car fray at just under $40k.

But it should be noted that while Ford and Holden's luxury rides command low-to-mid $50k asking prices, the Aussie models are wider, longer and more powerful than the Maxima. Still, at more than $10,000 less than the local luxo-barges, Nissan will be hoping for at least a few local converts.

On top of improving the appearance of the new Maxima, keeping prices steady and enhancing interior functionality, Nissan has also dropped its versatile VQ series engine into the prestige car, in place of its older 157kW 3.0-litre 60° V6.

Using the very same 3.5-litre V6 engine (codenamed VQ35DE) as the 350Z, albeit in a lower state of tune, the Nissan Maxima generates 13kW more than its precursor, some 170kW of power, putting it within striking distance of Honda's V6 Accord with 177kW, and the Lexus ES300, with 158kW of power.

The Maxima's engine utilises continuous valve timing control, a variable induction system, a silent timing chain and electronically controlled throttle. It's an all-aluminium engine (block and heads), measuring exactly 3498cc with dual overhead camshafts and 24-valves: 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder.

The engine also features a modular design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, all helping to generate 170kW of power @ 5600rpm.

Interestingly, the 2004 Maxima's VQ35DE engine has less power and torque than the 350Z's, but thanks to the de-tuning, the car now has a more usable spread of power: 333Nm of torque peaks @ 2800rpm, essentially creating a mid-range power band that spans 2800rpm.

Getting the engine's 170 kilowatts of power to the ground is the Maxima's auto-only transmission, which is perhaps it's only weak link: It is a four speed item, which for a 2004 model-year Japanese luxury car is a very poor showing indeed.

One wonders why the American consumer gets a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode in their Maximas, while Australians only get four ratios? It probably something to do with millions of dollars in extra sales, but it's still a slap in the face.

Four wheel disc brakes of undisclosed diameters perform deceleration duties for the Maxima, which combine with a number of electronic safety systems. The vehicle's impressive 'Control Safety System' can apply Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) at any given time, which may help in avoiding trouble on the road.

Driver and passenger safety is enhanced through the Impact Safety System which includes a rigid body construction, active front headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners, three-point rear centre seatbelt and dual front and side airbags. Curtain airbags are offered as an option on the ST-L variant and are standard on Ti and Ti-L versions.

The all-new Nissan Maxima also boasts speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering, independent suspension with MacPherson struts (front) and multi-link coil springs (rear), coupled with front and rear stabiliser bars to provide flat, roll-free cornering characteristics.

Launching the new vehicle in Melbourne recently, Nissan Australia's managing director and chief executive officer, Leon Daphne, commented on Nissan’s exciting new product range: "Nissan is forging ahead in the international automotive industry, and this growth is fuelled by the introduction of attractive new products, such as the 350Z Sports Coupe and Roadster and the all-new Nissan Maxima."

"We expect this trend to continue and are currently evaluating additional products for our future Australian line-up – products which comply with our international commitment to bringing attractive, innovative and affordable new vehicles to the market."

Here's hoping that Leon is talking about the twin-turbo R35 Skyline GTR, rumoured to be packing a twin-turbo version of the VQ 3.5-litre V6, all-wheel drive and possibly even an eight speed gearbox.

Nissan's new product offensive, which has seen updated Pulsars, the 350Z Coupe and Roadster plus the Series II X-Trails added to the range, bolsters the marques image considerably. But your can never underestimate the importance of a prestige flagship model, and Nissan's aspirational Maxima has finally delivered something that looks good enough to get excited about.

Pricing:

ST-Li $39,990
Ti iii i $45,990
Ti-Lir $48,990

Optional Safety Pack (for the ST-L) is offered at $1,000