2004 Nissan Maxima

When Nissan introduced its most recent makeover of the Altima, I knew something was up. This far more upscale Altima was everything the Maxima had previously represented. I figured that could only mean one thing: The brand new 2004 Maxima was destined to move up a level, too. Or, as I now understand, two or three levels.

The 2004 Maxima reaches past the goal of being just a good-all-around-midsize sedan in competition with Camry and Accord. It now steps forth as something bold, edgy and grand. The old Maxima flirted with the performance image; this new one embraces it and in doing so, steps into a whole new class.

The Good News
Few sedans take the chances design-wise I see in this Maxima, let alone succeed. It’s no coincidence how similar its lines are to the hot new 350Z. Its long, arc of a roof sweeping straight back to a chopped rear end and the dip of its bold nose with trapezoidal headlamps: The impact is very Z and very cool. It’s one of those cars that forces you to look.

It is only slightly larger than the Maxima it replaces. Built on the Altima platform, its wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer and the overall is 2 inches longer, 1.4 inches wider. That allows things to expand a little inside and, along with the stunning shape, gives the outside a more formidable presence.

Inside, the Maxima smells like a leather repair shop, with sporty hide buckets and brushed metal accents. The model I tested was the 3.5SE, the more performance-oriented of the two Maximas offered. The SL is more luxurious.

Mine was also laden with presumably every options package available, from 320-watt Bose “Premium Audio” to “Sensory” (leather and heated seats) to “Journey” (DVD navigation system) to “Elite.” It’s this last package that bestowed rear bucket seats separated by a fat console that limits passenger capacity to four.

Mine also came with another peculiar feature, the Skyview roof. This consists of two rectangular, fixed-glass panels running lengthwise. They light both front and back seats, but don’t open. The verdict is still out on this. A standard sunroof is also available.

Both Maxima models receive the same engine, the VQ 3.5 liter V6, an award-winning twin cam 24-valve setup. In the SE, it achieves 265 horses and 255 foot pounds of torque, the torque delivering across a fairly broad band for sustained power. Mine was mated to the optional close-ratio 6-speed manual for maximum jollies. A 5-speed electronic automatic with manual shift is standard equipment.

Elsewhere on the SE are other concessions to performance, like 6-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels with compatible tires and a sport-tuned suspension that takes its job seriously. The latter, along with a 40 percent increase in overall stiffness for all Maximas, makes tackling tight curves an easy affair. Beefy disc brakes at all four wheels seem equally up to their task.

Safety measures are also worth noting here. The new Maximas come standard with front and side impact airbags, as well as curtain airbags for head protection, front active head restraints, energy-absorbent steering column and other positives.

The Bad News
I’d have to pass on the split rear seat. It looks fabulous, but rules out the usual passenger/cargo convenience, not to mention naps.

Given the Maxima’s great performance image, I also wished for a less pre-pubescent exhaust note.

But my serious beef with this new SE is its frolicking front end. Its touchy drive-by-wire throttle plus plentiful horsepower plus manual transmission plus front-wheel drive all add up to a nasty case of torque steer. The front end weaves erratically under hard acceleration, squelching a lot of fun. What’s more, it’s a problem other manufacturers have solved nicely. A saving grace: Maximas with automatic transmission won’t misbehave this way.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 20 mpg city/29 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $26,950;
Price as tested, $33,890

Is it worth it?
I love how Nissan has taken this Maxima and pushed all the limits. It can no longer be judged in Camry/Accord terms, price wise or otherwise. Its appeal is to a more upscale, more performance-oriented customer. From that perspective, I think it’s a great buy.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville's daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.