2004 Maxima Review

Ed,

I might be a biased sample, because I'm coming from a Volkswagen, but that's a whole different thread. :) Fun to drive yes, not fun to own.

Anyway, I started a lease on an 2004 Maxima SE w/ navigation in mid-January of this year. Absolutely no problems of any concern so far, and the car is just beautiful.

Here's all I can complain about:

1) Gas cap with plastic wire that holds it onto the car is too short; needs to be 4" longer.

2) "cigarette lighters/power" units located in weird places; center console panel floor on passenger side, and 2nd one is below a false floor in the center console where you're right elbow goes when you're driving. :)

Gas milage is great, power is fantastic, ride is great, and the car is so quiet. Not the best car in the snow due to the large tires, but the VDC/TCS helps if you're lazy, but is definately not necessary.

Hope that helps. Jeff

Because of these minor ergonomic issues, you conclude that the car is not fun to own? And to further this train of thought, Volkswagens are perfect, then? If that's all I had to complain about my car I'd say it's great with a few minor annoyances. All the likable features, power, economy, and reliability, would factor a whole lot more on the plus side than your criticisms.

CD

Err.. I think he meant the VW was not fun to own. Just look at the overall poor reliability ratings VW gets.

The new Maxima is still TBD in my book. Nissan quality has also dropped

- not to mention the liberal use of cheap interior materials. Look at the JD power initial quality scores and you'll find Nissan is in the bottom half among all manufacturers. A lot of the problems seem to stem from the new models from the Mississippi factory.

I've owned Nissans since 1984, but it took 2 years to get my 2002 Maxima's issues to the point where I could live a couple of minor ones before I dump the car. If I stay with Nissan, (and that's a BIG if), the next car will be an Infiniti G-35.

What have been your issues? I'm curious... I have a 2k1 that I have been extremely pleased with... and I got it used! There have been only a couple mechanical problems... they were taken care of under warranty (the AT solenoids were replaced and the front brakes were replaced... the rotors turned), although I had to insist (albeit gently) they needed repair as per the tech bulletins.

I was also a little peaved that the car's handling didn't feel as solid and sure as I would have liked... but a sway bar and FSTB took care of that (for the life of me I can't figure Nissan not putting an FSTB on the SE at least). The only other things I would like significantly improved is the auto tranny (firmer shifting, better shift points, gated shifter for when I want to _drive_ the car) and a limited-slip differential.

All in all, I am very pleased... at 54k miles... especially considering the price I paid.

BuddyWh

I would agree with Ed with regard to the gas tank cap and the strange 12vdc connectors. But I in the year we have owned it has been fun to drive and great to own.

The car has been as near perfect as any I have ever owned. It is fast handles, very well rides well, and gets good (not great gas mileage 30m/g at

You're proving his point. The Maximas built in Japan (2003 and earlier Maximas) have a good record. Apparently, those built in Mississippi suffer.

CD

Sorry. I obviously missed that. And to that I agree. VW's in big big trouble. Everything they've been doing hasn't been working for them. Innovative W8 and W12 engines. So what? They make a great read in popular science. The new Beetle hasn't been the smashing success they wanted. 5 valve /cylinder engines that make the same power where everyone else is using 4 or less valves.

I guess, like he said, the VW stuff is a whole 'nother thread:)

CD

The issues were the usual for a 2002 Maxima - two recalls and about 8 -

10 TSB issues. Add consumption of 1 qt of oil every 2500 miles (Nissan USA does not consider it to be abnormal. That takes a quart every 500 - 1000 miles, evidently.), one speaker distorting from the factory, wind noise at both back doors (even after the tsb "fix"), numerous squeaks and rattles, and the air bag capsule knocking in the steering wheel when I hit a sharp bump. Not huge mechanical issues, but not acceptable for "Nissan's Flagship".

1. I thought this thread was about 2004 Maximas
2. Maximas are built in Smyrna Tennesee not Miss.
3. My 2004 SE came through >

What? My Maxima is fun to own, my VW wasn't.

Jeff

]Yep, my bad...I meant my VW was not fun to own. Sorry

Jeff

As you acknowledged earlier, your first post was a bit confusing. Now that I understand you, I could not agree more!:)

CD