And in case you can't take my word for it, even Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, who joined Hassan driving the Maxima out of the plant's pre-delivery area during the celebration, thinks it's a great car. He commented, "Nissan's employees in Smyrna and Decherd should be congratulated on a job well done. The new model is a testament to their dedication and hard work. Plus, it drives great." And you know you can always put your trust in a politician, right?
Actually, trust isn't the issue. Nissan's recent rise to the number two position among Japanese automakers, right behind Toyota, is testment to the products they now build. With parent company Renault's deep pockets Nissan is now building the cars its engineers and designers have been capable of all along. They're fresh, exciting and extremely well made. The Maxima has always embodied these characteristics, and the 2004 keeps true to the original 1981 car's sport sedan ideals.
Specifications:
- Price Range (est): $33,500 - $43,000
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine (est): 265 hp, 250 lb-ft, 3.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission (SL): 4-spd auto
- Transmission (SE): 5-spd auto with manual mode (opt 6-spd man)
- Brakes: disc/disc, ABS with EBD
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Cargo Volume (trunk):
- Fuel Economy (est city/hwy):12.6 / 8.4 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Acura 3.2 TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300M, Hyundai XG350, Infiniti I35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus ES 300, Lincoln LS, Mazda 6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mitsubishi Diamante, Pontiac Bonneville, Saab 9-5, VW Passat, Volvo S60
- Web Site: www.nissan.ca
