2004 Nissan Maxima - Expect To Be Impressed
Think of all the performance sedan icons that come to mind. The list isn't complete without mentioning the Nissan Maxima is it? After all, it's been with us for a long time. How many years? It's hard to believe but the first Max arrived on the scene 23 years ago as a 1981 model. That was the year I graduated from high school!
That said there's no need to discuss ancient history. Over the years the Maxima has developed a cult like status, with banner waving devotees overseeing dedicated websites that tell all who will listen about the car of their dreams - www.maxima.org is one of the best. So what's the reason for its amorous following? That's simple. Nissan's Maxima was one of, if not the first Japanese sport sedan to take on the Europeans head to head, and more often than not beat them at their own game. And that's not a big claim without any meat to back it up. The Maxima has a trunk full of awards to prove it.
I've spent hundreds of miles in the driver's seat of the current Maxima and will attest to its attributes. Its engine is one of the best available in any car, derivatives of which now power Nissan's class leading Altima, all-new Murano SUV and sensational 350Z, plus Infiniti's fabulous G35, gorgeous all-new G35 Coupe and I35 sedan. In current Maxima trim the 3.5-L V6 produces a healthy 255-hp and 246 lb-ft of torque, more than adequate to shoot it to 100 km/h in only 6 seconds with the ¼ mile taking only 14.7! That's pretty decent for an executive sedan.