Used 2004 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
Used Maxima for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
My Maxie
DonnaT, 07/27/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first Nissan I've owned and let me tell you...I love it!!! The 2004 Maxima is beautiful and fun to drive. I'm especially enjoying the Navagational system. I highly recommend this wonderful car with its sleek curves and luxuious interior, to anyone desiring a classy vehicle that is fun to drive.
Happy So Far
Bill, 09/19/2008
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well I have to say my experience has been very good with my Max. I have only had 2 recalls (both done at the same time) and no other issues. I'm up in age so I'm not incline to put this car through its paces, but I have had to step on it hard sometimes to avoid other drivers. The car really accelerates. It is way more safe than my last vehicle in this manner. I have confidence to pull out in traffic and know I can pull away from approaching cars.
2004 Nissan Maxima for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- 3.5 SL SedanMSRP: $4,9638 mi away
- 3.5 SL SedanMSRP: $5,85090 mi away
- 3.5 SL SedanMSRP: $5,495280 mi away
See all 18 listings
IT's EHHH
Gary, 03/24/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got it in 08, three days later new transmission, thank god it was under warranty. Slowly other parts started wearing out, motor mounts, inner tire rods and ac compressor have to be replaced according to the dealer all this comes up to 3k. I never again will buy another Nissan, I've had Honda's all my life. Stick with acura if you want upscale quality that won't dissapoint you. I'm waiting a little longer before I jump into a tl.. Oh yeah turning radius is terrible! A semi does a better u turn!
I've had the same problems
amber13131313, 02/27/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The performance of the car is right up there is definitely fun to drive for sure. All in all I like my car if it come with all the fixing I've had to do to it.I never had problems with it until it was crashed except for a battery dieing on my first day of work. after the insurance company paid $15,000 to fix yes that amount is right. about 4 months later I started having problems with it they never should have fixed it they should have totaled it out. It broke down at a light i got it started a few times to make it to the gas station across the street before it died again. I had it towed to nissan. i will continue on please read next review to find out more.
great car
lee hudson, 08/01/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun car but hard to keep clean,pain to dry with all the lines.
Drive it to belive it!
Lalu Patel, 08/02/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Nissan Maxima that I have owned and I have to tell you that the Maxima keeps getting better and better.
First & Last
j. simms, 03/05/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Nissan and probably the last. I have had many nuisance problems, like oil drips after each oil change. Latest shock is A/C Evaporator leaking and needs to be replaced ($1,500). At 41K miles this is unbelievable! The only sympathy from dealer is s---happens! Good bye Nissan J.S.
My Nissan Maxima
FDCROSS3853, 08/02/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive sporty sedan. Lots of bang for the buck. A large upgrade from pervious model years.
great car... everyone should test drive
houman khaleeli, 08/04/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is an overall great car. it handles like a dream, and it has enought power to out perform almost all of the cars in its class
Always somthing wrong
Harry, 03/30/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Whats next? It started with fuel leaks on the fuel rail. Two in fact. Then wheel bearings. Then brake rotors warping continually. Next came the A/C leaks. Now the A/C compressor is making a noise. The struts are shot and bottoming out and the engine is whining. Clear coat peeling of chrome grill. Whats next? I'm not hanging on to find out! Its out of here!
Don't ever buy this car
theresamon, 03/05/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own 2004 Maxima. Worst car on road. Bad struts, bad brakes. Makes clunking noises. Nissan USA has denied any problems with this car, but I have been plagued by many. Will never again by a Nissan vehicle. I think they will be facing worse problems than Toyota is currently facing. They are denying brake problems, but I guess after I get killed when mine fail they'll listen.
An amazing ride
Eburt, 08/04/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I picked up my 04 Max on 8/2 and am completely in awe of it - whether driving it or just looking at it in the driveway. Although I had preferred the 6-speed, the automatic has more than enough jump from a stop and the pick-up from 60-80 is equally impressive.
Not for introverts...
Aldee, 08/06/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in '02 Altima which was great car. Fell in love with the rear end design and 265 HP. Feels like 295. This from a Buick Grand National owner.
good car but nothing special
pv, 04/06/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used from a family friend 2 years ago. It is at 76k miles and has not had any major problems. I feel like the car is mid-range in every aspect. For instance, the V6 engine is responsive but nothing like a sports coupe. It gets decent gas mileage but nothing spectacular. I like the look and design of the interior, but the materials used makes it feel a little cheap. Overall I think this car is good at a lot of things but great at nothing. It looks and feels more sporty than my Mom's Camery, but has all the same practical uses. It is a rational choice for someone looking for a functioning car with a little more flare than your average sedan.
fast
power train, 08/06/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best thing i done in a while, the car handles great, compared to the lincoln 2001 LS i let go not even close
Fantastic addition to the Maxima legacy
TylerJ5425, 09/27/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Maxima (previosuly having owned a 2000 SE) and the new one is just a great, with more power to boot!
Great car, too bad it burns oil!
KevinWilkin, 11/08/2008
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've read some reviews, and see the same problems I have. Minor things such as peeling grilles, easily scratched interior plastic & routine balancing the tires I can live with. My Max started to burn oil at 60K. Now before you all say I abused the car, I'm a grown 50 year old male that drives normally, changes oil every 4K etc. Of course when I brought the car in at 60K for the oil burning I'm told, "sorry out of warranty". Fine, just remember Nissan, a happy customer tells his friends about a great car. A scorned customer tells the world!
What a Disappointment
Rodney H. , 04/11/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 04 Maxima brand new and had high expectations. The first 3 years were relatively fine .... only minor inconveniences with recalls (sky view roof, heated seats) and minor mechanical issues. During the fourth and fifth years I had nothing but trouble ... motor mounts, transmission, computer errors, sensor trouble. It finally got to the point that the vehicle was unsafe for me to drive my children in ... I was afraid that it would sputter and stall with them in the vehicle as it ahd done to me alone on 2 prior occasions. Finally dumped it at the MBZ dealer and purchased an 08 C350
Problems and more problems
newsmaker, 04/19/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are considering this car, don't buy it. We bought new and paid down in 3yrs. Always told service at dealership about jerky movements when shifting and accelerating. Transmission began having major problems at 56K miles. Took it to Nissan shop and they suggested trans oil change. Did not wanted to hook it to scanner. They said car did not need it. Now at 62K miles it is being repaired ($2K at auto shop) and Nissan won't respond. This car can endanger the driver's and passengers life. Will never buy Nissan again.
Great Car
dewey, 08/14/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is very quick for a 4 door sedan. Cruising at 100 mph+ is effortless. Suspension is very positive, perhaps to much so, for those with a feel for a very smooth ride. Turning radius is large, likely do to heavy duty cv joints to handle increased power. Power tilt and telescope with 2 person memory, (included in this memory is seat and mirrors), is a nice feature. CD storage is a joke-can't store or remove CD's while transmission is in park position. 4 heated seats and steering wheel makes for comfortable ride on cold mornings. Appearance very cool.
Fabulous Ride
candy8080, 09/15/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is the best car ever and an eye catcher everywhere that I go.
First Japanese Car
Goforit, 08/17/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a former American car owner riddled with serious probs with Fords and Buicks I decided to go import. This appears to be a excellent car. Handling is excellent, Power is scalding, Interior is wonderfully balanced between comfort and tech. This car has been truly engineered by some of the most talented people in the automotive industry. I hope this car will be worthy of a review like this 3-5 years from now.
Stepping up from 5sp Lexus cp
Richard A, 07/17/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After almost 3 months and 8000 miles this car is a dream come true. Coast to coast without a single problem . The convience of every feature made for a very pleasant journey. At 82 years I am really enjoying the 265hp & auto transmssion
Looks Good - Quality Bad
Mike A, 12/16/2007
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
14,000 miles - Sun windows leaked causing rust and paint to bubble. 21,000 miles - Significant shimmy in steering wheel at speeds above 45mph. Deal stated nothing was wrong. Tires needed replacement. Non-affiliated repair shop identified cause of shimmy and tire wear as being out of round wheel hubs. This is a very common problem with this year / model. Hubs were replaced and problem was corrected. 47,000 miles - ABS system failure. The causes are the bolts on the hub and wheel assemble rust. This allows the mounting plate to move causing the sensor to short out. This causes the control unit to burn out. The repair is $3,000.00 This is a very common problem on this year/make.
Dont buy this car
kelly, 08/09/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but trouble with this car. I will never buy a Nissan again. The turn radius is similar to a huge truck. I kept getting flat tires because the chrome kept peeling from the wheels and the tires would not bond to the wheel and hold in the air. The transmissions are faulty. I have seen many reviews from others with the same transmission problem. I am sure Nissan knows about the bad transmissions. They told me when it was in warranty that it was broken motor mounts. I would not expect to have 2 broken motor mounts unless I hit something. A few hundred miles later and out of warranty transmission goes south. The interior buttons are cheap plastic and they crack and break lose.
Worst car I've owned
Eric, 05/07/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd and last Maxima I will own. The car is/was beautiful and had all the perks, leather, heated seats, sunroof, heated steering wheel, Bose. I always got compliments on what a good looking car that is was. But that was it. During the 5 years of owner ship, replaced brakes 3 times, rotors twice, 3 wheel bearings, 1 steering knuckle, AC system had a leak at factory fitting, the rear end could not be aligned and ate tires every few months, and the transmission started to go (Google it). I hear many of the same complaints from this $30k+ car. Got to the point that I did not enjoy driving it because I was worried of what would go wrong next. Now I drive a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that I love!
maxima
maxima, 08/16/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this maxima is the best car of 2004. all maximas are great. everyone should get a maxima
Max-Max
John McNaughton, 07/23/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A completely new Maxima. The 3.5 V6 is a gem. The car was a one of the first delivered in Orange Co.CA and had a few things that needed correction. It had a defective windshield which Nissan promptly replaced. No mechanical problems whatsover. We have about 6K miles on the car and it performs flawlessly.
One month only review for 2004 maxima
noahw, 08/12/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the maxima for only 1 month. So far so good. It's very smooth on the highway and has power to spare. Still finding extras such as garage door opener built in, storage space above the rear view mirror, side view mirrors folding in.
Best car i've owned so far
Pukestorm82, 05/22/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my car exactly 1 year ago with 72k miles, now it has 90k and have had no problems at all besides general maintenance. After reading all the bad reviews about transmission problems I bought a 3 year extended warranty and have yet to use it.
Peeling grill, oil leaking
tigger, 05/05/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new and I loved it for the first 2 years. Then.. The main problems I have are the grill peels, I have replaced the brakes and pads several times and it still shimmys at high speeds, and I have oil leak. I have changed the oil every 2000 miles and I treat it like my baby. Unfortunately the CD player stopped working and the CD is stuck. The sun roof won't open and last but not least the car is very difficult to turn without going back and forth a few times. The heating system is terrible. It is near impossible to get it to defrost if it is humid out. This car has always been in the garage too.
Exellent!!
Jan k., 08/20/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is perfect>
Love it!
Jake, 09/11/2008
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased the SL edition and I have to say I love it! Fun to drive, alot of pep (fast), so many interior options but most of all comfort. Great handling and good on gas. Not your typical sedan that's for sure. I also own a 1998 Maxima that has a ton of miles but, runs like the day I bought it. I definetly recommend Maximas they always have more to offer then comparable sedans and are the most reliable of any other car I have owned including Honda.
Max is the best!!!!
gionniebird, 08/27/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car can handle pot holes, sharp turns, wet pavement!!! The sounds system is awesome! Mines is black w/tint on the windows.
Journey to Excellence
ecainokc, 09/24/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A complete joy to drive, comfortable with plenty of head and leg room that easily accomodates my 6'5" body. Very little road noise and a powerful engine that allows me to easily enter into traffic flow. The body style is just something to look at, I have the Elite with the sunroof option. The Bose system is unmatched, an unparrelled automobile.
Nissan Maxima 2004 3.5 SE
psu-alum, 08/20/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is great. Love the interior layout and exterior styling.
Maxima to the maximum!
Nomad10, 08/20/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has pure adrenaline written on it. Horsepower is tops for a "family" sedan/sports car. The styling is elegant and a definite head-turner to all it passes along the way.Interior desing is like a cockpit with comfort that makes even the longest drives easy to make. Roomy and intersting to the eye also describe the interior. Nissan has stepped up the game on their sedans.
nice car
ladymaxs, 09/10/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i had to order mine,I have the radiant ember with burnt orange leather 4 seater,elite pk,navigation i's fully loaded.It runs like all 265 horses are right there it's a good running car I like it.I had 1990 it was cool 2
2004 MAX SL is a Great Car
Ramcon, 07/02/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After three weeks and 2400 miles I am very pleased with my new Max. Great power and exellent cruising on the highway. It really wants to go! Around town it seems a fair bit bigger than my 95 Maxima but I am getting used to it quickly.
04 MAX
GJ53, 09/19/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have 9000 miles and no warranty issues. Will try to adjust doors on right side to see if road noise goes away. Great on long trips, very comfortable
SHIFT AND HAVE FUN
LIGHTMIX, 09/11/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had ny car for a year now,I love it. It's fun to drive and sorry bmw don't get mad at me if you can't say with me on an open road.I love my BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. Shift and have fun.
New Nissan Owner
jenns, 09/21/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I previously drove an Infiniti J30 and was skeptical as to whether I could replace it with any car. The Nissan is great to drive! I love the radio on the steering wheel and the faux suede accents on the interior. The dash is clean and streamlined, unlike other cars with BIG dials. I selected the regular sunroof (a must for me) over the roof windows and I am very happy with everything. I test drove alot of cars including Infiniti, Acura and Mercedes and quickly selected the Maxima. The engine power is outstanding and highway driving is a breeze.
Great Car...and made in Tennesee
RDM, 07/03/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Did much research before buying this car, it came down between a Acura TL and the Maxima. After driving both I can't see how anyone could not fall in love with this car. I got the SE 5- speed with sunroof and Journey package. There are so many new toys included in the new Maxima but the real joy is how quite and effortlessly it cruises at 100mph The looks will shock you at first but then after a close look you say "cool". Had a hard time finding the color and options I wanted due to 9000 Maximas getting hail damage at the factory, which is leaving dealers short on inventory. Still I was able to buy it for $300 over invoice.
smashing
smokey brat, 08/20/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the greatest for the money.
Disappointed overall
Sad in KC, 08/07/2008
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought brand new 2004 was a great car until it needed tires rotated from that point on we had a shimmy in the front end. Steering wheel vibration very bad on highway at 50+. Dealer changed struts, we changed tires with good year, then GY took back and made allowance on new tires still had vibration. No matter what it had to have tires balanced every 1000, 1500 miles to not vibrate. Also breaks make noise all the time even after have them changed at dealer. Turning radius is awful, don't try to park the car without backing up and pulling in again every time. Love the car, hate the problems, traded for a Toyota Avalon 2008
nissan max 04
tomy, 05/09/2009
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i see everyone has a problem with the grill easy to fix get a raizerblade and push easly up on it and take it right off i didnt know what to do for a while then i came up with that idea now it looks great!or buy an aftermarket grill thats all. ppl just run in to one problem and say all this bad stuff about the maxima.. its the best car u can buy 3rd best engine in the world great looks u cant ask for more with the nissan maxima .
Beautiful Junk
ScottieG, 07/03/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Max privately just after the ABS sensors and actuator were replaced @ Lancaster Nissan. 14,000mi later, I needed the very same work done by the same dealer. I refuse. I have had other items go bad @ a couple $100 here and a couple $100 there. The car is beautiful but full of knocking noises. The car is uncomfortable because I sit on the seats instead of in them. I owned a 93' Altima & a 96' Max. Both were of a much better quality than this car. I owned a Buick between the two Maximas & will go back when I can get rid of this car. I bought my 2004 Max based on a good reputation. I will never buy another Nissan. -ScottieG
No Holes NISSSAN
DREw2004, 08/22/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had the Maxima for approx 3 weeks and am awed by the comfort and power of this vehicle. Handles well on turns, good acceleration , gas mileage has been decent(booklet says 87 and above can be used). Told the dealer to add in the service manual for free.. which are 4 books in all worth 400 clams in total, and he would have a deal.Car was bought at 29K. Leather interior is great, Bose sound is outstanding,noise reduction is soothing.Safety features rival the benz and volvo' s. Braking distance was a worry with the older model however the newer model does quite adequately with the abs system.
Very Good
Luanda, 08/23/2003
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I've ever driven. It is great.
Great Car
efy, 08/02/2010
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car in March of 2010, with 85,000 miles; it now has 96,000, after only 5 months. So far, it has been a very reliable, roomy, and comfortable family car. We average around 24.5 mpg. On a recent 300-mile trip, I averaged 31.2 mpg with luggage and a passenger. The front seats are comfortable, but the seat backs are shaped oddly, and can become annoying. The back seat is huge, and is more comfortable than the front. It is very enjoyable to drive, with lots of power, engaging handling, and a firm yet compliant ride. It is quiet inside, with only minor road noise. The BOSE sound system sounds great, and the radio display is excellent. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.