2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Pre-Owned

A four door sports car, huh? Such words were nearly blasphemous back in the late seventies when Nissan’s Maxima first hit the scene. The Japanese automaker did something right with this foreign concept though—as the Maxima went on to sales success through 7 full generations. The eighth is on sale now.

2008 Nissan Maxima

The last-generation Maxima was on sale in Canada from 2004 to 2008, inclusive. This generation saw performance, attitude and styling really dialed up—not to mention powered by a 265 horsepower variant of Nissan’s 3.5 litre V6 engine. This powerplant is touted as the most award-winning engine of all time, and it features a great soundtrack, silky smooth operation and a generous punch.

Unlike most sport sedans, it drives the front wheels. Be sure to bring your forearms on a test drive, as you will become acquainted with torque-steer.

Enthusiasts could enjoy a six-speed manual transmission, and others could opt for a four or five-speed automatic. Nissan softened the Maxima up somewhere around 2007 and removed the six-speed stick from the powertrain lineup. Horsepower in later models was also reduced slightly, to 255. If you’re an enthusiast shopper, an earlier model in this generation of Maxima is better.

In the used market, look for features like navigation, heated leather seats, a sunroof, premium audio systems, xenon lighting and plenty more.

The typical Maxima owner tended to be drawn in by the engine, performance, handling and power. Ultimately, owners and the press agree that this generation Maxima was the real deal, and a heck of a performance sedan. As with most enthusiast cars, styling and a feeling of performance superiority round out the top reasons for purchase.

More practically, owners also appreciate the Maxima’s roominess and practicality in moving 4 or 5 people around. Several of above-average size say that they’re pleased with the head and legroom, and that the car is deceptively roomy given its overall size.

Of course, there are complaints, too. The first and most common of these deals with a large turning circle. If you’re not prepared for it, it’ll take you several embarrassing attempts to enter a parking space. Many owners complain of a rough ride and some wish for better fuel mileage—though both of these complaints are dismissible given the available handling and performance, respectively. Interior rattles are likely as the car ages, and some will wish for a larger and more straightforward control cluster for the climate and audio controls.

2005 Nissan Maxima