Nissan Maxima: 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


On Sat, 26 Jun 2004 17:29:40 -0500, "Ed Smith" <com>
wrote:
 

Jeff wrote:
 
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

In article <GwDDc.21007$srv.hcvlny.cv.net>,
net says... 
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.

On Sun, 27 Jun 2004 23:15:14 GMT, John Golden <com>
wrote:
 

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
70 m/h). It was delivered with only one minor problem a missing small rubber
bumper on one side of the trunk. They ordered one and it took me 13 sec to
install. We have an SE with sun roof and automatic. People seem really like
the looks and are even more surprised with how much interior room there is.
Compared to the competition it was a steal at $26,000.
"Jeff" <com> wrote in message
news:com... 
them. 
USA 

BuddyWh wrote:
 
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

John Golden wrote:
 
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

In article <com>,
says... 
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".