Vehicle: 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5SE with 5-speed manumatic, automatic leather package and sunroof package

Performance: Max uses the 265hp and 255 lb/ft of torque version of Nissan’s proven VQ35DE engine. Typical of VQ, this engine is highly flexible and refined. Its also willing to rev and throttle is as responsive as expected. The 5-speed manumatic is a smooth unit that is willing to upshift and downshift in auto mode. On manual mode, this tranny allows you to rev redline for enthuisastic driving.

Handling: With 265hp and 255 lb/ft of torque put through the front wheel, Max has become the new champion of “torque steer contest”. Although the torque steer is under control thanks to its stiff chassis and good suspension setting, its still way too much for my liking. There is also quite amount of understeer as you push through corners. Criticisms aside, Max still remains a involving driver’s car considered it got a fast and precise steering. The steering provides excellent off and on-center feel that is typical of Nissan’s dynamic packaging. The stiff chassis also provides a solid ride that’s completely feel of rattles and flex. The ride quality remains firm but felt somewhat underdamping through large bumps.

Interior: The interior still suffers from recent Nissan’s cheap materials. While the same kind of dash materials feel marginally acceptable in a 25k Altima S, its totally unacceptable in a Max SE that costs 10 grand more. Let alone the uplevel LE model that costs nearly 40k. Considered the fact that Accord EX-V6 has gained an interior that is well on-par with many European rivals, the 2004 TL should have no trouble beaten new Max’s materials. On the other hand, the analog gauges are large and analog. All the stereo and climate control knobs are ergonomically designed despite some of ACC’s switches are too small for my liking. The seats are covered in high-quality leather material that both exceed in back and thigh support. True to Max’s tradition, the back seats are comfortable with plenty of leg and headroom.

The trunk is large despite it got a high liftover and instrusive trunk hinges.

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard ABS provides excellent pedal feel and modulation. Generallly speaking, its a confidence-inspiring system.

Conclusion: I have always been a big fan of Maxima’s “4-door sports car” concept. The combination of excellent build quality and dynamic qualities have always given me an idea of what a true Japanese luxury sports sedan should be. With the new car, Nissan has cut corners in build quality in order to get the price tag to match its biggest rival which is the Acura TL. While it still provides the dynamic qualities that is true to its “4-door sports car” heritage, it no longer has that edge over the TL-S especially with that torque steer issue. Judging by the execution of the Accord, Nissan desperately needs to give Max Murano’s AWD and much improved interior material before Acura debuts the TL this fall.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5SE
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.5/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5