2004 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Sharing the same chassis as the Altima, and actually now a bit smaller than its fellow mid-size sedan, the 2004 Nissan Maxima looks to...
Sharing the same chassis as the Altima, and actually now a bit smaller than its fellow mid-size sedan, the 2004 Nissan Maxima looks to distinguish itself with a sporty makeover and a focus on personal luxury and refinement. It adds three inches to its wheelbase and over an inch in width, for more interior comfort. It also gets a new and highly rated 3.5 V6 that hits 265-hp, 20 more than in the Altima.
The 2004 Maxima comes in the sports-oriented SE and more upscale SL trims. A 6-speed manual is standard on the SE, while a 5-speed auto tran comes with the SL. The automatic is optional for the SE. Both sedans feature the Skyview glass panel that stretches the length of the roof for better visibility for all passengers. It doesn't open like a sunroof, but a traditional sunroof is optional. The 2004 Maxima does not offer a sedan without this panel. Both SE and SL trims come with power seats, cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors, power folding mirrors, a garage opener, ABS brakes, and CD player. Traction and stability control are available options. The SL adds heated leather seats, memory settings, and power passenger seat. Many of the SL features are options for the SE. The SE focuses on performance, with a stiffer suspension and larger 18-inch tires. Xenon headlights and a rear spoiler are options for the SE. Both cars can also be equipped with a DVD system.
The new styling of the 2004 Maxima emphasizes fun, with a sloping coupe-like roofline. The roomy sedan seats five, but there is an option to replace the rear bench with two heated bucket seats and a center console. Since the Altima has the lower price tag, the 2004 Maxima emphasizes its posh interior loaded with convenient and indulgent features. Owners like the extra attention on them and they love the V6 engine. The ride is smooth, even in the SE. Downsides are an extremely wide turning radius and reported problems with the front struts, rotors, traditional sunroof getting stuck, and a tendency for steering wheel shudder at high speeds.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Nissan Maxima have expressed a positive experience, particularly appreciating its performance, spaciousness, and luxurious features. Many love the power it delivers and the comfortable interior, while common concerns include fuel consumption and limited rear seat space. Drivers have highlighted the fun driving experience and reliability, but some noted issues with turning radius and the handling at higher speeds."
love the car as a whole leather heated seat,fast,added a few touches a double din kenwood. the only thing i despise is the fwd, and the heat of the engine coming into the cabin in the summer.its a load of fun ,and the color radiant ember is sexy,& the reason why i got her. she has 169k miles,replaced the transmission @ 120k just because,replaced the cv joints last yr, all 4 rotors,2014 i replaced both left,right side axle rods with seals upper n lower ball joints,shocks,struts,all four springs,rear camber original Nismo parts,ngk platinum spark plugs,head gasket seal just in case,valve cover gasket just in case,tension wheel and tensioner,belts,hoses, i my self flushed and replaced the anti freeze,change the oil monthly like clock work use only Mobile high mileage and lucas oil additive,replaced the oil pan seal,i only use mid-high grade gas only,every season change i replace the air cabin filter,and the air filter nismo parts only,...in one yr i've spent approx 5,500 dollars and well worth it. i have traveled from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts,to Kentucky,Atlanta Georgia,South Carolina,Virginia,and back to Massachusetts she has never left me stranded on the side of the road,comfortable,easy access to all buttons easy read console,also you can replace original wheels with any Nissan/infinity wheel package 5x144 bolt pattern. i have 245-45-r18's GoodYears the rims came from an 2012 7th gen Maxima i just painted them black...currently i use the car to go to school 20 min away and home...
September 24, 2014Good allround car. Reliable, good performance, not bad on fuel, great visibility and braking. Very solid car and nice and safe. There is nothing bad about these vehicles at all! They are front wheel drive but they dont bump steer like other V6 FWD's. I love the seats!
July 2, 2009I love this car so much. I haven't had any issues with it before, and I've owned it for over a year now. I couldn't think of a better first car purchase that I could have had. it's so much fun, I always find myself unable to wait to get behind the steering wheel again.
November 12, 2013What owners say
love the car as a whole leather heated seat,fast,added a few touches a double din kenwood. the only thing i despise is the fwd, and the heat of the engine coming into the cabin in the summer.its a load of fun ,and the color radiant ember is sexy,& the reason why i got her. she has 169k miles,replaced the transmission @ 120k just because,replaced the cv joints last yr, all 4 rotors,2014 i replaced both left,right side axle rods with seals upper n lower ball joints,shocks,struts,all four springs,rear camber original Nismo parts,ngk platinum spark plugs,head gasket seal just in case,valve cover gasket just in case,tension wheel and tensioner,belts,hoses, i my self flushed and replaced the anti freeze,change the oil monthly like clock work use only Mobile high mileage and lucas oil additive,replaced the oil pan seal,i only use mid-high grade gas only,every season change i replace the air cabin filter,and the air filter nismo parts only,...in one yr i've spent approx 5,500 dollars and well worth it. i have traveled from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts,to Kentucky,Atlanta Georgia,South Carolina,Virginia,and back to Massachusetts she has never left me stranded on the side of the road,comfortable,easy access to all buttons easy read console,also you can replace original wheels with any Nissan/infinity wheel package 5x144 bolt pattern. i have 245-45-r18's GoodYears the rims came from an 2012 7th gen Maxima i just painted them black...currently i use the car to go to school 20 min away and home...
September 24, 2014Good allround car. Reliable, good performance, not bad on fuel, great visibility and braking. Very solid car and nice and safe. There is nothing bad about these vehicles at all! They are front wheel drive but they dont bump steer like other V6 FWD's. I love the seats!
July 2, 2009I love this car so much. I haven't had any issues with it before, and I've owned it for over a year now. I couldn't think of a better first car purchase that I could have had. it's so much fun, I always find myself unable to wait to get behind the steering wheel again.
November 12, 2013Had this car for about 2 years, bought it from a relative who was getting a Lexus at the time. Love the looks and the feel of the car. Nothing beats those heated seats in New Yorks cold mornings. Drove it to Boston (500 miles two ways) on one tank and a quarter. Very confortable ride.
March 17, 2012Bought it new in May of '04. So far I've put over 60K trouble free miles on her. Only bad thing so far was replacing the Goodyear Eagles at 250 bucks a peice. Ouch!
April 12, 2008Very fun to drive I would buy another one! smooth ride on the freeway and great handling in the hills, brakes on a dime!!! the acceleration is very good as well....sound system is OK...However gas mileage is not what i expected.
July 25, 2014the up grades and style 4 new rims and tires the interior is in great shape the carbon fiber look make this Nissan maxima stand out against all 04 maxima the roof wing also makes a difference, a great car.
July 9, 2013Nissan Maxima is a great sports car as well as a great family car with plenty of room. Love it's response and power when in traffic. Excellent passing power as well. Wanna get around someone in a hurry, this vehicle will do it.
June 18, 2013It's a real badass car. It is actually real quick. I love how my windows are blacked out on it. I think I get about 21 mpg city, and then about 27 mpg highway. This a very fun car to drive everything works real well on it. And is just the best car.
September 17, 2008Ok, so I had my Maxima for 1 year and the only reason I sold it was because the turning radius sucked. Very roomy interior and lots of pep in the engine. The car was powerful, stylish, and fun to drive, but not being able to do a standard u-turn really irritated me. And some interior compartments were cheaply assembled.
September 3, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,660 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 265 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,560 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 265 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
