2004 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2004 Nissan Maxima
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by Kingston F
Sep 24, 2014
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...Sep 24, 2014
by George R
Jul 25, 2014
Very 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.Jul 25, 2014
by Jesse D
Mar 12, 2014
I like how nice it looks on the inside and outsides, It is very sporty and is somewhat a luxury car. Having astro start in it also made the winters a lot better for me. Pretty good on highway gas millage gets around 30mpg.Mar 12, 2014
User rating:
by Kingston F
Sep 24, 2014
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...Sep 24, 2014
by George R
Jul 25, 2014
Very 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.Jul 25, 2014
by Jesse D
Mar 12, 2014
I like how nice it looks on the inside and outsides, It is very sporty and is somewhat a luxury car. Having astro start in it also made the winters a lot better for me. Pretty good on highway gas millage gets around 30mpg.Mar 12, 2014
by Anonymous
Nov 12, 2013
I 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.Nov 12, 2013
by carl r
Jul 09, 2013
the 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.Jul 09, 2013
by Chris K
Jun 18, 2013
Nissan 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.Jun 18, 2013
by Scott R
Oct 15, 2012
Pretty fast in a straight line, handling isn't the best.
Difficult to drift because its FWD
Huge car, lots of interior room
Beautiful
Takes premium fuel and gets 19 mpg
Decent enough to get by in the snow
Maintenance isnt too expensive, Japanese cars are pretty cheap to maintain Oct 15, 2012
by NELSON F
Mar 17, 2012
Had 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.Mar 17, 2012
by Vivek M
Sep 12, 2009
Really fast for front wheel drive 6-cylinder of its size,
handles quite well, kinda solid gangsta look without
being american trash, comes base with all kinds of
features (skyroof, heated power seats n steering
wheel, 18" wheels, etc), really easy to create an
original look on the road n be your ownSep 12, 2009
by Craig Y
Jul 02, 2009
Good 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!Jul 02, 2009
by Michael S
Sep 17, 2008
It'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.Sep 17, 2008
by Brittany G
Sep 03, 2008
Ok, 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.Sep 03, 2008
by Richard M
Aug 23, 2008
The combination of performance and luxury meets but the obviously, we get more luxury than performance, although it is still not too shabby... at 265 hp. The nice thing about it is the very low noise level in the car. Leather seats and full electronic group are just a complement of all the joy of owning on of them.Aug 23, 2008
by David L
Jun 15, 2008
Dislikes - fuel consumption (premium) & limited rear seat space with baby seats etc
likes - DVD player, leather, sunroof etcJun 15, 2008
by Jason I
Apr 12, 2008
Bought 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!Apr 12, 2008
by Adam P
May 04, 2007
My Maxima has been an excellent vehicle and still manages to impress me!May 04, 2007
What users have asked
Interchangeable engine
Can I use a 2004 Nissan Murano 3.5 v6 engine in my 2004 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5 v6 ??? Both vehicles are automatic transmissions but the Murano is a rear wheel drive and Maxima is front wheel drive please help quickly thank you very much
835 views
How do I disable car alarm
I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima the alarm keeps going off how do I disable it
70 views
Battery Warning Light Comes On, Randomly, than gous off
Hi, 2004Nissan Maxima Ti, 6 cyl, 3.5 ltr, A battery light Warning comes ON randomly on dashboard, then gous Off, on it self, ( no pattern 4it as 2.when comes ON and no pattern 4 going OFF, also very random and no pattern off the times it remains lON. Now the battery'are brand new, may be 3 weeks old. When it comes ON wile you driving, or when standing @ the Lights, the car drives and behaves normaly when it comes on, even Under a load as, stereo, A/C, blinkers or lights.. Any one has any ideas- ??? Thanks. Tony.
19376 views
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2004 Nissan Maxima Pricing
Original MSRP
$27,660 to $29,560Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power retractable
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
