Used 2004 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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WHAT A CAR
when I heard the new release of the maxima I was in aw. I have been a long time nissan lover since my 92 nissan maxima which i traded in for a 2002 altima but when i heard of the maxima's new release I was ready to trade in my altima. I waited of course until this year and did just that. My black SL with the 5 speed automatic not the 4 as in the early year productions really blows my mind. This car has power and style. I was in the market for a new car and it was teetering between the maxima and its sister car the Infiniti I35 but I am very glad I went with the Maxima. It is truley a work of art inside and out!
Bittersweet emotions
Bought my max new. Added billet grille & chrome wheels. So exciting! Major oil leak. Maintained by dealer exclusively (oil changed every 5,000 miles). At 105,000 the dealer recommended 10-30wt oil to muffle tapping noise in engine. Are hood, roof & trunk made of aluminum? Material is different than metal fenders. Although car was detailed professionally, the paint has totally faded and worn through to metal on hood & roof. Rest of ext is still shiny black. Embarrassing! Gray contact paper surrounding instr cluster is bubbling. Center console cushion has fallen off twice. Moonroof doesn't close without playing w/ switch. Auto tilt wheel doesn't always lift/lower when door opens.
- SLMSRP: $5,49962 mi away
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $4,900170 mi away
- SLMSRP: $3,995178 mi away
I love my Maxima
This car is as much fun to drive as any sports car I have owned. It is a very sharp vehicle as well as pratical.
Maxima 3.5SE
My Maxima is fun to drive, although the engine is not as smooth as could be in slow, stop-and-go traffic. But there is plenty of power to get easily on/off highway ramps. The ride is excellent at speeds above 35 and you really have to watch it to stay below the speed limit on the open road. You get what you would expect with pot holes and speed bumps, considering the 18-inch tires! So avoid the bumps or slow WAY down. Overall, I love my car and still feel like the sporty one on the road, despite my three kids in the back seat!
Awesome Ride
I am a first time Nissan Maxima owner and I must say out of all the vehicles I have ever owned this machine is the hottest. The lines are perfect, design is good and the performance makes it one hot family sedan. I can easily become one of those loyal Maxima owners if Nissan keeps pumping them out like this.
Great Auto
Excellent acceleration and handling. Great looks. Great braking system.
a look back
The Maxima has been a pleasure to drive. The handling is excellent and the car is quick! Many people have stopped me to ask questions. It looks good. I have two friends that have riden and driven my Maxima and both have ordered the 2005 model. This is the 3rd Nisson I've had and all have had incredible reliability. I will probably trade my 2000 SUV in on a 2005 Pathfinder.
Fabulous Ride
It is the best car ever and an eye catcher everywhere that I go.
Maxima really worth buying?????
My husband and I had our '04 Nissan Maxima for 11 months & 23 days. We bought our Max in Sept.'03 we traded it in Sept.'04. The first time we had a problem it was '35 degrees outside. Max had problems starting. The colder it got the more it would not start at all. I had about 15 mornings when the veh would not start at all. I missed 1.5 hrs of work one day. & it was 15 degrees I spoke w/dealer from where we purchased Max & they bring it in, but could not find anything wrong w/it. We started having quality issues in Apr'04 grill began to bubble up, rear door weather strip had to be replaced 5x. Not happy with quality of veh. luv speed and exteior of veh not happy w/ many other things!
Supurb
Then handleing and ride are very good.Road noise is minimal,sound system is one of the best,braking is good Inside and out features are very well done.turning radius could be shorter .comfort is very good.This car comes very well equiped.
Problems and Headache
I brought the Max 04 SL, Majestic blue last Dec 03 and a month later the fuel pump gone bad.It took Nissan 4th attempts to figure out that it was the problem.Then, headliner fell off, glove box hang, front struts gone bad, driver side weather strip came loss,fan makes noise when ac/heater on,dash board makes noise as well,smell engine burn when on a long trip just to name a few...This is a HEADACHE CAR.I filed a BBB claim and can't wait to settle this claim...I thought this was a reliable vehicle but I guess not...
2004 nissan maxima
The nissan product is the best, Ive owned nissans for16 years and my new maxima is the best for the money. Dealing with Peruzzi was a great expierience
Beautiful car, noisy ride
I love the look of the car. It's very roomy, and has alot of great features. Love the headlights, quad exhaust, telescope wheel and Nav system. However, I am very disappointed with road noise. You can hear and feel every crack in the road. My husband's pickup is a much quieter ride. Some people say they love the quiet, smooth ride. I don't have that. Is there something wrong with my car, or is it just me. I had a Lincoln Mark VIII which gave a very stiff ride, but MUCH quieter. Paid 26,000 for the Max, used, and 18,000 for the Lincoln when it was 2yrs old. For the money spent on the Max, I expected to ride a lot quieter.
Stepping up from 5sp Lexus cp
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
2004 Maxima
I've had my Maxima for 3weeks and love to drive it. I traded in two sports cars to have this luxurious sports vehicle. I'd give it a 10 if it had a convertible top. I miss my 300zx and Mazda Miata.
owesome max. 04
had a sentra first. very nice compact. It doesn't compare at all to the max. 04 I wanted to get the altima, but when I saw the new maxima I went wowwwwww.!!!!!!! It handles very nice in tight curves and the engine power is fenomenal!!!!!!
2004 Maxima SL 3.5
I have really enjoyed driving this car for the past 18 months. I have had no problems and the dealer's routine service has been very efficient. The car is roomy front and back. I enjoy the heated steering wheel and seats. Great acceration, I can feel the torque in the steering. The Bose Sound System is enjoyable. Good gas milage. The Leather Heated Front and Rear Seats & Steering Wheel add to comfort. I enjoy the powered options: Moonroof, Heated Mirrors, Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel, Rear Window Sunshade, Driver Seat w/Memory and Retractable Mirrors.
This Car Will Always Be Golden
This car has never been better. Nice quiet ride with very aggressive and responsive pulls at hard acceleration. It's a 2005 so it doesn't have too many bugs, but that's yet to be witnessed. An overall good value.
Fast and Fun
I have been very happy with my Maxima SL since I bought it 20,000 miles ago. It has great acceleration, handling and a quiet smooth ride. The gas mileage is acceptable for the type and performance. I had a few minor quality issues initially, but the dealer has been very good about fixing them. I do a lot of driving and they've done a good job of keeping the road and wind noise down. I looked at a lot of vehicles in my price range and this had the best combination of performance, ride, and interior room. I have been very satisfied with the selection.
my baby
its a nice car to drive,but the seat could be more comfortable and more acc. for the car
Beware
I purchased the vehicle after driving the SL. The handling is totally different on the SE. Its been in the shop 3 times as you brakes pull to the left. It had the basic radio which has a real tinney sound to it. I think thetires ( goodyears) were not designed for the car.having an Ols Intriguefor 5 years with the same tires the Olds handled much better. In a corner it the front ends leans into it making the car handle very funny.
Awsome in every way
Love everything so far!
Worst Maxima I've Owned
There is no denying that this car is beautiful and fast, that is why I bought my third Maxima. I bought this car new (a left over) from the dealer on a Tuesday, Thursay it was back b/c of a terrible SHIMMY in the wheel. They balanced the tires, STILL NOT FIXED, changed all tires,new brakes, STILL NOT FIXED . Back to dealer four times, can not fix problem, basically told me I was crazy. Then altinator went, took them 1 mon. to get part. Drove a rental. SO VERY DISAPPOINTED with car and dealer. Now I read all of these reviews and I wish I read them before I bought this car because It should be fun to drive and IT IS NOT. I HATE MY CAR.. I hope this helps people...Nissan USA no help
I love my Nisson
I purchased a demo vehicle with 4900 miles on it. I love the car. I previously owned only Chevrolet vans and minivans and have never purchased a foreign manufactured vehicle prior to this car. To date, my experience has been nothing short of excellent. I hope the service lives up to its reputation.
Dont buy this car
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.
safe for my family
i would say that say that this is a all around great vehicle.i like the get up and go feel in it . and there's enough room in the back seat for my children's car seats and anything that they bring along with them.
04 in 2009
Just bought and I like it but every thing i have read about reviews is there, Wheel shimmy at 45, brakes pull when stopping, seats not comfy, sunroof stopped working, so will the rest happen too? I hope not it only has 11,000 miles on it and i do like it, and its mint shape like new, oh well hope i helped some one else, Gas milage is great 385 miles a tank full gas
Best Deal for $$$
Traded in 95 VW Passat. Bought SE model with cloth seats used with 7600 miles. Dealers wouldn't budge much on sticker price on new. Love the care. But needs minor improvements. Test drove SAAB 9-3, Honda Accord, Acura TSX, Mazda6, Volvo S60. Best deal for money.
As many comps as my old bathtub Porsche
Just a wonderful car. My wife and I were very surprised at the number of compliments we get about the car. It is really amazing to see the number of people who appreciate the great lines of this car. It is really a study in form follows function. It is GREATTTTTTTTTTT
excellent auto
this is my third maxima,and my fifth nissan since 1982,the maximas owned earlier had 190000 miles on them before i sold them,these are excellent cars.i have also owned mercedes,but for service quality and duriability the maxima quality, service and durability is twice that of mercedes.the maxima is truly an excellent auto.
Too many problems w/ $40,000 car!!
I purchased this 2004 maxima in dec/04 with 14k miles on it. Since i've owned it i have had it in the shop 6-7 times! As with other reviews, an anoying shimmy in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. Dealer has balanced tires several times, resurfaced the front brake rotors, still there, tired of messing with it!! Clunking in front end over slow speeds and sharp bumps, front struts were replaced after 3 attempts to fix. (I had to suggest it!) Rust around skyview roof after it was replaced 2x. Once for safety recall, second for leaking badly when rains. Rust developing under front of hood lip.( Under the paint!) Numerous trim items replaced because of poor quality!! Too many problems for 2004 car!!
Greatest Max
Bought the 3.5 SE with auto trans and majestic blue exterior. Love the engine and trans combo (dual mode smoothness), performance that seems lethargic but is actually hot, terrific engine growl under hard acceleration, absolutely NO torque steer with auto trans (have not driven manual). I evaluated the GS400 (used), 2004 TL, G35 Coupe and sedan, ALTIMA V6 and the Maxima represents the best bang-for-buck overall. Recommend as a solid buy, although resale not its strength. I have received so many compliments and admiring glances from other motorists, including from wealthy drivers of euro high-end sedans and coupes.
Overall great car with one problem.
Overall, love the car. Fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles. The only problem with the car has been in the steering wheel. It has had a tremor since Day One. The first diagnosis was "elliptical" tires caused by being tied down too tightly during transport. After many phone calls, the tires were replaced. That, however, didn't really solve the problem. The wheel continues to vibrate and shimmy. It has been in the shop several times but nothing has stopped the shaking. This has been frustrating.
Max-Max
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.
more for less
my driving experience has been pleaserable in this car. it has plenty of room for five adults and the engine sounds great.owning the car has been less of a fun factor, the brakes are less than perfect on the car it can benefit from better performance brakes as an option on the car.
Maxima 2004 Review
The power is great, sound sstem is excellent. Internal design is good
2004 SL
The only problem I have had with my Maxima is the sunroof. They can't seem to get it fixed. It won't close properly or even open sometimes. Everything within it from the motor to a new switch panel. Also both of the front struts had to be replaced within a few months of each other. I just think that was the actual manufacturer of the struts themselves not Nissan. I have some serious concerns over the sunroof since I have over 33,000 miles on the car an very little warranty left.
Major disappointment
Fun to drive, but no way this car can justify sticker price of $28.000. Poor quality inside the car. Plastic moldings on the seat are pealing off. Ugly strip of carpet-like material runs on the dashboard. Poor rear window visibility. Even top of the line SL has cheap looking plastics (wood imitation). Outside - front grill is terrible. Made of cheap shiny pieces of plastic. The whole thing moves to the touch of hand. Nissan tried to separate Maxima from Altima and they only succeeded in placing a higher price sticker, since the only good thing that this car has (engine) is also available in Altima 3.5, which costs thousands $ less and looks better.
Gross Disappointment
Great, looking car! Fun to drive! I love the looks and performance, so does my wife in fact she asked if she could have it for her daily driver and you know how that went... Unfortunately this car is always in the service drive for something which is never resolved! Little things continue to ad up to big things. Never buy a first year model. maybe future models will boad better. heat shield x3 strut x3 tires(road noise)x4 at $330 each bose stereo x2 brakes x2 transmission slipage x2 all in only two years of service. Not what a flagship should be. great car but far to many minor problems that are unresolved in the service drive. All you ever hear is we'll take care of it sir
Lanny's review
Nissan keeps building better maxima's. The 2004 is the ultimate driving machine. I know it will not let me down.The styling is great, inside and outside. For the price, the maxima is always the best buy. The quality is un- matched. Thank you, Nissan.
Nissan Maxima Excellent Buy !
I have had my Nissan Maxima for a year now and think I could not have made a wiser choice. This is my first brand new car and the decision was a tough one. I finally decided to settle on one because my Sister had purchased one brand new in 1997 and still owns it and has little maintainance other than what's typical. I can not tell you the number of compliments I still receive on it! I have made trips back and forth from my new home here in Dallas to Atlanta, Georgia and to Shreveport Louisana and it's the most comfortable trips I've ever made. Luxury at a great cost! I would recommend it to anyone!
2004 Maxima 3.5SE 5 Seat
Great bargain for your money
A GREAT Sports Sedan
This is my 1st time buying a car and I am VERY impressed with the Maxima. I compared this car to the Acura TL, G35, IS 300, Saab 9-3 Aero, and the Maxima won! This car has every option to keep you comfortable while driving, and performace/handling to make anyone looking at sports sedans very satisified. I chose the Maxima b/c it has the performance of the BMW, the reliablilty of the Acura, the uniqueness of the Saab, and the luxury of a Lexus. This car is just as good any other entry level sports sedan but cost less then $30k.
Makes you feel young again
After 3000 miles I find my Nissan Maxima a joy to drive. It accelerates like no other car I have ever driven. Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn't comment "Nice Car". What are the negatives? Some small details I would like to see changed. l. I like my ignition key on the steering column rather than on the dash. I like the door handles flush, pull outs, rather than the extended handles. I would like some place in front for a trash receptical. And, I don't like having to use premium gas. But you can't have everything.
Get Your Own!!
This is truly an awesome car!! From the head turning style to the neck snapping accelleration, I LOVE IT!!! The 265HP V6 is smooth and fast. The 5spd auto trans is also smooth as silk. The handling is very nimble and steady. No push, very little body roll while cornering or in curves. Monster 18" wheels, wide tires, this is GREAT!! averging 24mpg. Not too shabby for such a powerful engine. Great fit, finish. Interior is roomy and nicely appointed. Great sound system and the race inspired gauge binacle is sweet and well lit. Maybe the guy who wrote the first review should trade his in. Perhaps he thought he was buying something different?
Traded my Benz, best move I ever made
My wife liked my car so much (04 6spd SE) and she hated her 01 MB C240, the Benz was in the shop once every 45 days and we only had it 10 months. we had the loaner just as much as our car. The service at the Benz dealership was awful as well. Finally, we had enough, she said why don't I just get a maxima too, fine with me, she likes a soft smooth ride so she went for the 04 SL auto, hasn't complained since.
Driving the 2004 Nissan Maxima
Driven from Nevada to California twice and it is a wonderful road car. Solid, Quiet and Powerful. Good on gas milage, better than expected. I would buy this car again.
Fun and Luxurious
My Maxima is fun to drive and accelerates quickly. The AC and heater are a major improvement over the Bonneville I formerly had. The leather interior is attractive and comfortable. I had a security problem starting the engine one morning. I'm still not sure what caused it. Possibly a key transponder problem.
Oustanding car
So you have read the poor reviews of this vehicle. These are inital quality that have all been resolved or handled under warranty by dealer. I have not experienced any of the quality issues since mine was built 5/04. Only quality issue I have is the interior scratches easily. This has been replaced for 05 and I can have my dealer replace mine under warranty. This car is very quick. Must check spedo because it goes up faster than you think. MPG avg 20 city, 29 HW. Sport suspension feels softer than some luxury cars. No mistaken identity. Stands out among many look- alike cars out there. Same engine as 350Z & as reliable as previous Nissan motors. Lots of fun
Very Happy
I drove most of the large and midsize sedans on the market before I decided the Maxima was right for me (started shopping last Feb.). Maxima's reputation for being a well built, reliable, refined car is deserved. There is nothing about the car that I don't like. It's performance and handling are superior. It's obvious that the car is well built - you'll know as soon as you open one of the interior compartments. The sound system is good. The interior is comfortable and roomy - suprised me, I'm 6'2". The trunk is also larger than I'd have figured. The fuel economy is good. Best of all, it was $3500 off MSRP at the dealership I purchased it from.